The Spirit of Capricorn commenced service on the 3rd July 1989 as the Main Line Electrification Project between Caboolture and Gladstone was completed.

The Spirit of Capricorn route follows the North Coast line alignment, the same as the loco-hauled Capricornian service.

The seating layout was in a 2 x 1 "First Class" setup, with a to-seat trolley service offered in lieu of a dining or lounge car.

The trolley service was stocked from aircraft style galleys that featured ovens, fridges and urns.

The InterCity Express sets were re-allocated to operate Citytrain services, primarily serving the Sunshine Coast Line.