Kuranda Scenic Railway

Kuranda Scenic Railway Logo

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a name for the railway line that runs from Cairns, Queensland, Australia to the nearby town of Kuranda. The tourist railway snakes its way up the Macalister Range and is no longer used for regular commuter services. It passes through the suburbs of Stratford, Freshwater (stopping at Freshwater Station) and Redlynch before reaching Kuranda.

The line is used for some freight services and other passenger services, such as The Savannahlander.

Attractions

The tropical gardens Kuranda rail station are a well-known attaction in the area. Downhill the line cuts through the Barron Gorge National Park. The tourist train stops at a lookout, with a sweeping view of Barron Falls. A number of smaller waterfalls are passed, including Stoney Creek Falls, just metres from the train. As the train travels up and down, a detailed commentary of the railway's construction is provided.

History

The railway was completed as far as Kuranda in 1891. Many lives were lost as numerous tunnels and bridges were built.

The first operation of a tourist train from Cairns to Kuranda was in 1936, using four longitudinal seating carriages^[1].

In 1995 major repairs had to be carried out after a severe rockfall damaged the track.

Carriages

Each carriage is fitted with three LCD televisions to provide passenges with detailed information of the history of the Kuranda railway. It also provides passenges with information about the barron falls. There are also two gold class carriages where refreshments and finger food are served on the journey^[2].