With a trip planned to Tropical North Queensland we were super keen to take the kids on the Kuranda Scenic Railway so they could experience what is quite possibly one of Australia’s most unique train rides under a few hours in length.
From green class Shinkansen travels in Japan, to Thomas the Tank Engine in Lithgow, train rides have always been a favourite mode of transport for both Striker and Sunshine. We were curious to see if this slow travel option in Cairns would get their seal of approval too.
The Kid Bucket List were hosted by Queensland Rail Group. All opinions, as always, are ours.
Introducing the Kuranda Scenic Railway
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Construction of the Kuranda Scenic Railway began back in 1886 and was an engineering feat of its time featuring 37 bridges. 93 curves and 15 hand-made tunnels which took the train from sea level at cairns up to around 328 metres above sea-level at Kuranda Village in the Macalister Range.
It was built to link the miners in Herberton with supplies as they were at risk of famine and had no easy route to their location. Finally opened on 15 June, 1891, the Kuranda Scenic Railway was an impressive 75.1km on completion and reached an altitude of 327.1 m at its peak.
Today the Kuranda Scenic Railway is a tourist attraction, winding visitors to Tropical North Queensland up into the Great Dividing Range. If you ask us, it is a must do when visiting Cairns.
The Train Ride from Cairns to Kuranda
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is the most incredible way to travel up into Kuranda Village. Taking around 2 hours, it provides an opportunity for slow travel into the mountains where you can take your time watching the view over Cairns, and across the ocean to Green Island. At times you can spot butterflies, see waterfalls and enjoy seeing the rainforest up close.
Photo Opportunities Aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Whilst you can take photographs throughout the trip, there are some key moments where you will want to have your camera at the ready to nail the perfect shot.
- Jungarra Loop – looking forward, look out to the right hand side
- After Tunnel 1 – views are on right
- After Tunnel 9 looking out to Glacier Rock – views are on theright
- Stoney Creek Falls – One of my favourite spots for images! As you hear the commentary, look out to right looking forward so you can shoot the bridge and front of the train. You’ll then want to catch Stoney Creek Falls on your left. Then head back to the right of the train and look to the back of the train so you can catch the train and bridge again
- After Tunnel 14 views – views are on the right
- Prior to Tunnel 15 looking back at the train and views. Try to stay to the right of the train for the best views
- Barron Falls Station – hop off the train here and catch the views of the falls
Have I missed any great shots? Leave a comment so I can add it!
Kuranda Scenic Railway Options
Before booking your Kuranda Scenic Railway trip a wise person would do a little research to ensure everything goes to plan. Luckily we’ve done the research for you so you know your options prior to booking.
Timetable
The first thing to do when planning a trip on the Kuranda Scenic railway is to decide on whether you will take the train up to Kuranda, back from Kuranda or both. This will help to determine the timing.
Further to this, when planning a trip up to Kuranda Village via the Kuranda Scenic Railway you will need to decide whether to embark via Cairns or Freshwater Station. If planning a trip down from Kuranda, the task is a little easier as you embark at Kuranda station, however you will need to decide whether you disembark at Freshwater or Cairns.
From Cairns and Freshwater stations, there are two departure times each day: 8.30 am / 8.55 am with arrival at Kuranda Station at 10.25 am or 9.30 am / 9.55 am with an arrival at Kuranda Station at 11.25 am.
Return to Cairns and Freshwater Station is at 2.00 pm or 3.30 pm.
Pre-booking is essential. You really don’t want to miss out on this amazing experience.
Carriage Classes : Gold Class or Heritage Class?
When booking your Kuranda Scenic Railway tour you have two options : Heritage Class or Gold Class. Both provide great views and a slow trip up the mountain.
Heritage Class
If you are looking for an authentic train ride up the mountain you are going to thoroughly enjoy Heritage Class. Seated in refurbished original red-wooden heritage carriages, passengers head up through the World Heritage-listed rainforest to Barron Falls for a short stop before heading along to Kuranda station. The Audio commentary along the way provides a snap shot into what life may have been like while building the train line.
Gold Class
On our first trip to Cairns we had no idea that there was a Gold Class on the Kuranda Scenic Railway when we booked and then spent a small part of our trip wondering why we hadn’t booked it. It adds a little luxury to the experience, and if travelling with kids…does it in total comfort.
The Gold Class experience begins on arrival at which point passengers are directed to a Gold Class section of the platform where cool mocktails are provided while waiting for the train to arrive.
Rather than the bench seats of Heritage Class, Gold Class cabins feature spacious, fabric arm lounges spaced 2 per row. It’s roomy, breezy and the most comfortable way up the mountain.
Throughout the journey, passengers are served light refreshments and delicious treats, which for Striker was his highlight (teen stomachs!!)
We love the attentive hosts that refilled our drinks, provided napkins as needed and even pointed out spots that we needed to catch on the camera.
We could never go back to Heritage Class! Travelling the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class is definitely our suggestion if you can stretch the budget.
Accessibility Options
If travelling in Tropical North Queensland with a wheelchair, finding accessible venues can be tricky so it is a pleasure to discover that the Kuranda Scenic Railway, despite being a historic site, has developed wheelchair access at Cairns, Freshwater & Kuranda stations, with both Freshwater and Kuranda stations also featuring a wheelchair accessible lift.
During the trip the Kuranda Scenic Railway stops at Barron Falls station where passengers can disembark and observe the falls. Sadly, no wheelchair access is available at the station meaning wheelchair bound passengers typically stay on board. I hope this changes in time.
Due to the historic nature of the Kuranda Scenic Railway, only a limited number of wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be transported in the accessible carriage so when booking it is essential to advise Reservations that you require wheelchair access, so that they are able to provide the appropriate assistance.
Our Suggested Itinerary
Whilst some bookings will include some transfers, we didn’t choose this option so we did a little research before our travel date to work out a seamless experience. I suspect it will work for you too, but check out all the details in advance as a precaution.
We chose the 9.30 am departure from Freshwater station for our trip. We were travelling in from Palm Cove and it gave us a little room in the morning to enjoy breakfast beforehand and then enjoy the Gold CLass food delights as we headed up.
I’m thankful that we had the foresight to plan for the afternoon. We parked our car at Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal just after 8.30 am and then used our phone to catch an UBER to Freshwater station ready for our train ride. This gave us a little time to explore the station, drink our pre-travel mocktails and utilise the amazing heritage restrooms.
We took the train to Kuranda and walker to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld. If we were to do this again, I would use the FREE shuttle one way. On a very hot day the walk would be tricky, I think.
We prebooked the Skyrail for a return trip at 2.00 pm, heading back down the mountains to Smithfield Terminal where our car was waiting for us.
If you want to explore Kuranda Village longer, you could take the earlier train up in the morning and a later Skyrail. Check the closing times so you don’t miss the trip back.
Things to do and see in Kuranda Village with Kids
Kuranda Village is a spot that needs to be explored with the kids. It is brimming with many attractions, so deciding what to see is probably best decided upon before you head up as if you look at the timetable, you only have a few hours to explore. Make sure to look out for the FREE shuttle bus to cut some time off the transit between sites.
To help you with your decision making, I have rounded up some ideas. Happy choosing!
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Home to over 1500 butterflies, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly aviary and exhibit in the Southern Hemisphere. The sanctuary is an all-weather location and a great place for the kids to get up and close with the electric blue Ulysses and the majestic green & yellow Cairns Birdwing.
Head to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary website for full details.
Birdworld Kuranda
Birdworld Kuranda is the home to around 60 species of birds from rainforests all around the world including the cassowary, cockatoos, galahs, Amazonian macaws, and cheeky rainbow lorikeets.
Most of the birds roam the enclosures freely and may find your shoulder or head a great perch. Just watch out for your hat – many are attracted to them and will want to chew on it. We suggest putting it in your bag or pocket.
Head to Birdworld Kuranda website for full details.
Kuranda Heritage Markets
Established over 20 years ago, the Kuranda Heritage Markets are an all-weather attraction where you can source souvenirs, arts and crafts, and other handcrafted goodies.
Head to the Kuranda Heritage Markets for full details.
Rainforestation
Another all-weather attraction, Rainforestation is set on 100 acres and is home to the Army Duck Rainforest tours on land and water, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and the iconic Australian animals in the Koala & Wildlife Park.
Head to the RainforestStation website for full details.
Kuranda Koala Gardens
When it comes to Kuranda village attractions, Kuranda Koala Gardens is the newest attraction on the mountain. Whilst there’s a whole bunch of wildlife on site, the main attraction is the koalas who you can get up and close.
Head to the Kuranda Koala Gardens website for full details.
Kuranda Cafes and Shops
The main street of Kuranda Village is blooming with a great assortment of cafes and shops for you to peruse. From touristy knick knack shops to amazing art galleries, impressive foodies delights to incredible freshly squeezed tropical juices, the only thing in your way is time!
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
We opted to utilise the Skyrail to head back down the mountain after our incredible Kuranda Scenic Railway. Back when it was first constructed, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway was the longest gondola cableway in the world which gives you a little idea of how its length.
The Skyrail stretches across 7.5km of tropical rainforest. It provides incredible views over the mountains and takes you right above the canopy. It takes around 90 minutes one-way, with stops at two stops where you can hop off the Skyrail and have a look around.
Head to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway website for full details.
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