Kuranda Railway & Scenic Train
The famous Kuranda Railway is a relaxing 1½ hour journey between Cairns and Kuranda through tropical rainforest and spectacular waterfalls. A scenic and educational adventure, the Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of Cairns' most popular attractions, and most visitors would not leave the area without having experienced this trip.
Kuranda Railways Tours Departing Cairns
| Tour | Adult Price | Child Price | Tour Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuranda Scenic Rail Self Drive Option | $41 | $21 | One way Kuranda Scenic Railway, 1 Hour 45 Minute Journey | Book Online More Info |
| Kuranda Scenic Rail, Tjapukai, Skyrail Self Drive Option | $123.50 | $62.25 | Depart Skyrail, Take Skyrail down Beautiful Rainforest Mountains, Skyrail disembarks at Tjapukai Aborigional Cultural Park, Return Transfer to Railway Car Park | Book Online More Info |
| Kuranda Scenic Rail Return Trip | $61 | $31 | Two way Kuranda Scenic Railway, 2 Hour 20 Minute Journey | Book Online More Info |
| Kuranda Wildlife Tour with Return Transfers | $145 | $73 | One way Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld Kuranda, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda Scenic Railway | Book Online More Info |
| Kuranda Scenic Rail, Skyrail, with Transfers | $103 | $52 | One way Skyrail, Kuranda Scenic Railway Return Transfers | Book Online More Info |
Kuranda Railways Tours Departing Cairns Northern Beaches
| Tour | Adult Price | Child Price | Tour Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuranda Scenic Rail Self Drive Option | $41 | $21 | One way Kuranda Scenic Railway, 1 Hour 45 Minute Journey | Book Online More Info |
| Kuranda Scenic Rail, Tjapukai, Skyrail Self Drive Option | $123.50 | $62.25 | Depart Skyrail, Take Skyrail down Beautiful Rainforest Mountains, Skyrail disembarks at Tjapukai Aborigional Cultural Park, Return Transfer to Railway Car Park | Book Online More Info |
| Kuranda Scenic Rail Return Trip | $61 | $31 | Two way Kuranda Scenic Railway, 2 Hour 20 Minute Journey | Book Online More Info |
| Kuranda Wildlife Tour with Return Transfers | $145 | $73 | One way Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld Kuranda, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda Scenic Railway | Book Online More Info |
| Kuranda Scenic Rail, Skyrail, with Transfers | $103 | $52 | One way Skyrail, Kuranda Scenic Railway Return Transfers | Book Online More Info |
The Kuranda Railway is a holiday experience that encapsulates wonders of the natural world with marvels of human achievement. For 34 kilometres, the 100 year old railway climbs more than 300 meters through tropical rainforest, delves through 15 tunnels, bends around 98 curves and tip toes precariously over 40 bridges. Phew, what a mouthful!
A most impressive sight is the bridge stretching over the Barron River Falls – the postcard picture which seems difficult to believe. The engineering feats involved in the construction of the railway to Kuranda are a monument to the perseverance and ingenuity of the human race.
The Kuranda Railway travels up one of the most impressive mountain ranges in Far North Queensland through the Barron Gorge National Park. Along the way is a commentary that details the trials and tribulations of the pioneers to the area. The Kuranda train journeys from Cairns to Kuranda (and vice-versa), stopping at Freshwater and Barron Falls Stations along the way. Two Kuranda trains depart Cairns daily with two return journeys, but only one train on Saturday.
The train ride is a special adventure. Not only do guests ride aboard a historical train, but they also pass through pristine wilderness. In addition, the magnificent feat of engineering ingenuity is an awe-inspiring sight.
History of the Kuranda Railway
Kuranda Railway over Barron Falls
The construction of the railway was first proposed after the wet season of 1882, when the tin mining town of Herberton was isolated for several months by floodwaters. Farmers and workers in the area demanded better access and communication to the coast, by road or train. Visiting politicians, in a search for votes, promised the people that a solution would be found to solve all their problems.
The famous explorer, Mr Christie Palmerston was given the task of discovering the best way to cross the treacherous mountain range. His outlook was not promising.
"I am positive there is not a natural road over the coast range, or anything approaching it. It will require skill and engineering wherever you wish to cross it." (1st August 1882, Palmerston).
Despite this, a politicians promise had been made. And we all know how promises made by politicians are rock-solid. Well, this one was.
Construction began at the Cairns end of the line, cutting through swamps, mangrove forests, and sand ridges before proceeding up the Redlynch valley towards Kuranda. It was made using cement from England that was carried up the mountain by mules. After many years of construction and the deaths of workers on a regular basis from tropical diseases, the railway was completed.
Bookings & Enquiries
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Kuranda Scenic Railway
Skyrail and the Kuranda Train put together a special package due to the overwhelming number of visitors who want to experience both the Skyrail and train in one day. Built over 100 years ago the Kuranda Scenic Railway's historic train winds its way through the tropical mountain ranges from Cairns to Kuranda. The train station is conveniently located adjacent to Skyrail’s Kuranda Terminal.
Your return Skyrail experience will take approximately 1½ hours one way, and your Kuranda Scenic Railway 1¾ hours. Skyrail can commence or conclude at either the Caravonica or Kuranda, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway can commence or conclude at Cairns Central Station, Freshwater Station or Kuranda Station depending on your preferred direction of travel and location.
Booking in advance is required as the train is a tourist attraction and tickets are via pre-purchase only. Both attractions frequently book out during during peak season and school holidays. Prices are per person; families please review the child policy below.