Travel through time on Queensland’s most unique rail experience

Experience spectacular waterfalls, World Heritage rainforest and a charming mountain village on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Cairns might be the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s also the gateway to the lush Barron Gorge National Park, part of the traditional lands of the Djabugay Bama (peoples). This area is renowned for its rugged peaks and deep gorges sliced clean by roaring waterfalls and surrounded by world-heritage rainforests. Experience this striking part of Queensland firsthand as you travel back in time on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Finished in 1891, this spectacular heritage railway travels from Cairns railway station, past ancient rainforest, through hand-carved tunnels, over sky-high bridges, into Barron Gorge and past the spectacular Barron Falls. With views from each historic carriage, this scenic rail journey travels from the salty coastal plains to the misty mountain retreat of Kuranda. It’s the perfect way to spend a day in the tropics.

Experience a striking part of Queensland, firsthand.

Immerse yourself in nature

Not long after you leave the sea breeze of Cairns behind, you’ll arrive at Freshwater railway station, the most popular departure stop for the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Once the train passes Jungara at the foot of the mountains – about 20 minutes into your trip – you’ll notice the cool natural scents of the rainforest as you travel inland, climbing steadily to 327 metres above sea level.

The two-hour journey places you in the heart of this ancient rainforest, with waterfalls on one side of the train and expansive views across to the coast from the other. You’ll even feel the spray from Stoney Creek Falls, especially during the wet season. As you continue the climb to Kuranda Village, you’ll witness the spectacular 257-metre staggered drop of Barron Falls (Din Din in Djabugay) as the train pulls in for a short walk to the lookout.

Travel through the heart of ancient rainforest. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Enjoy a little luxury on board

The 100-year-old fully restored timber train carriages feature huge windows and ample room to enjoy the journey in the old-world charm of Heritage Class. Those looking for a little something extra may want to experience the luxury of Gold Class carriages. Lounge back in style in the comfortable individual armchairs as you enjoy the views (and the service). You’ll need to pry your eyes away from the windows at some stage, though, so you can devour the locally sourced appetisers and beverages that will be served up. The journey is spectacular from any seat, as coastal, waterfall and rainforest views unfold as you travel to Kuranda.

Experience the luxury of Gold Class carriages.

Travel through recent (and ancient) history

With a fascinating timeline stretching back over 130 years, the Kuranda Scenic Railway is only possible today thanks to the workers who constructed the 15 hand-made tunnels and over 55 stunning bridges that span the 32 kilometres from Cairns to Kuranda. The true extent of their skills is on full display during this journey. Meanwhile, the land you’ll travel through has also been home to the local Indigenous people, the Djabugay Bama, for thousands of years. Their spiritual history and Dreamtime stories live among the gullies and gorges of the Barron River, flowing down the falls and into the valleys below, where they continue to live, work and care for Country.

Take in the beauty of Barron Gorge.

Fall in love with an Insta-worthy railway station

After two hours of focusing on the natural wonders of Barron Falls National Park, your carriage will slowly pull into one of the most photographed train stations in the world. The heritage-listed building of Kuranda railway station is intricately restored and ensconced in tropical foliage with hanging baskets and rainforest plants greeting travellers. Inside, the welcoming Kuranda Railway Tea Rooms serves up fresh scones and local whipped cream to travellers, as well as fresh smoothies made with locally sourced fruit.

Pop into Kuranda Railway Tea Rooms.

Experience the world’s oldest rainforest

The wilderness of this part of Australia is truly unique and timeless. The dense rainforests surrounding Kuranda and throughout Barron Gorge National Park are actually considered the oldest living tropical rainforests in the world. In fact, it’s estimated the rainforests here are over 120 million years old. Today, the ancient lands you’ll travel through are home to around 2800 different plant species (some dating back to the Jurassic Period), 230 types of butterflies, and 33 species of frogs. This area is even believed to be the birthplace of our national mascot, the kangaroo. And all this just a short train journey from Cairns.

Spot the wildlife that calls this dense rainforest home. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Explore a tropical mountain retreat

First settled in the late 1880s, the mountain village of Kuranda became a thriving tourist destination during the Roaring Twenties, when people would flock there for the cool mountain air. Today, not much has changed – travellers come to experience the same cool climate and relaxed atmosphere, however now they also seek out local Indigenous history as well as the local artisans, trendy cafes, and markets.

If you have the time, you can add to your railway journey experience by booking a day tour package ahead of time. Combine your tickets with a trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or get face-to-face with the local wildlife as you visit Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Or consider a visit to Rainforestation Nature Park, which includes the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, as well as a 45-minute rainforest tour in a WWII-era amphibious vehicle.

Book tickets for the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

The details

Kuranda Scenic Railway operates year-round from Cairns to Kuranda, with two return services scheduled daily. Prices start at $55 one way for an adult and $27.50 for children.

For all enquiries, visit ksr.com.au.