St Vincent’s launches world‑first VR train for aged‑care residents

Residents at St Vincent’s Care Toowoomba are taking in the sights of Europe, sampling regional cuisine and hearing the familiar call of “tickets please” – all without leaving their aged‑care home.

The facility has unveiled what it says is a world‑first: a permanent, fully immersive virtual‑reality travel experience built inside a replica fine‑dining train carriage. Known as the St Vincent’s Express, the space allows residents to “travel” through 10 countries using large digital windows, surround sound and an AI travel guide available in five languages.

The project has been designed with older people in mind, particularly residents living with dementia or cognitive decline. Nearly half of the 175 residents at St Vincent’s Toowoomba fall into this category, and staff say the new experience is already lifting spirits.

Among the first passengers were former Queensland police minister Vince Lester and his wife, Mary. Lester said the experience brought back vivid memories.

“This was just fantastic and all credit is due to the amazing St Vincent’s team who created this great innovation,” he said.

“My wife Mary and I were lucky enough to travel to Switzerland when we were younger and this immersive travel experience made us feel like we were really back.”

Fellow resident and seasoned traveller Nola Orford said the journey – complete with Swiss chocolate, cheese and pastries – was a joyful escape.

“What a joyous and wonderful escape it was to feel like I was back travelling the world again,” she said.

“I’m told it can take you to 10 countries and I’d love to come back and see more but I’ll have to wait and give other residents a chance first.”

The idea was conceived by residential care services manager Elzette Lategan, who began exploring immersive technology two years ago after learning about a mobile VR project called the Olive Express.

She said she wanted something that would stimulate residents, spark memories and offer meaningful engagement.

“I had been looking for an idea that would offer a completely different experience for our residents and which also would be very stimulating for them, especially residents who had some form of cognitive impairment,” she said.

“Many of them would still love to travel overseas but it’s just not practical or possible for them anymore. So I thought, ‘Why don’t we bring the travel and the world to them?’”

Ms Lategan said the project is more than entertainment, describing it as a therapeutic tool that encourages movement, social interaction and cognitive engagement.

St Vincent’s Care Services CEO Lincoln Hopper said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to enriching residents’ lives.

“Great aged care is about far more than meeting clinical needs,” he said.

“It is about creating opportunities for older Australians to continue exploring, learning and experiencing the world in ways that bring joy and meaning to every stage of life.”