[1] The Midlander then commenced its maiden journey, departing from the Rockhampton railway station for Winton at 5:25pm.

[3] Large crowds gathered at both Longreach and Winton to welcome the train where brief ceremonies took place.

[5] Within a decade of its maiden journey, The Midlander's most infamous incident, the Medway Creek rail disaster occurred near Bogantungan during its return journey to Rockhampton on 26 February 1960 where seven people were killed when the flood-damaged bridge above Medway Creek collapsed, forcing the train to plunge into the water below.

[6][7][8] In the late 1980s, tourism to western Queensland began to grow following attractions such as the Stockman's Hall of Fame opening at Longreach.

To cater for this market, and recognizing the fact that travellers dislike changing trains, The Midlander was combined with the Brisbane - Rockhampton Capricornian Train renamed the Spirit of the Outback in November 1993 and the new service commenced at Brisbane and terminated at Longreach.