The small town of Kuranda, perched on top of the McAlister Range west of Cairns, has long been known as a popular tourist destination. Its cool mountain temperatures and location in the midst of World Heritage tropical rainforest have been a drawcard for visitors since the 1890s. From Cairns it takes only 35 minutes to drive up the range to Kuranda, but there are other more leisurely ways to get there.
The railway between Cairns and Kuranda was completed in 1891, and within a few days the first tourist train was running. Today the Kuranda Scenic Railway carries hundreds of people up the mountain, stopping at Freshwater Station before beginning its ascent of the range and passing through the Barron Gorge National Park.
Before reaching the top of the range, the train goes through 15 hand-built tunnels and over 37 bridges. Heritage wooden carriages from the early 1900s are pulled by a 1720 class locomotive. Traditional paintings on the locomotive depict the dreamtime legend of Buda Dji the Carpet Snake, who carved out the gorge as he travelled through.
There are several points of interest on the Scenic Railway’s route. After passing through tunnel 14 the train slows down; a clearing in the forest reveals an expansive view of the Coral Sea and the city of Cairns. The iron lattice bridge crossing Stoney Creek Falls stands high above the ground on three trestle piers. Further along is Barron Falls Station. There’s a 10 minute stop so passengers can see where the Barron River plunges 265 metres into the Barron Gorge. The two hour journey comes to an end at the heritage listed Kuranda Railway Station, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
A modern alternative to the Scenic Railway is the Skyrail, a scenic cable car ride completed in 1995. The cableway goes for 7.5 kilometres over the Barron River, through the gorge and across the canopy of the rainforest and is supported by 33 towers up to 40 metres above the ground. With two stations to visit, the journey can take up to 2 hours. At Red Peak Station, Park Rangers conduct guided tours on a boardwalk through the rainforest while at Barron Gorge Station walking tracks lead to three lookouts with more views of Barron Falls from the opposite side of the gorge.
From Kuranda Railway Station and the Skyrail Terminal it’s an easy ten minute walk to the main street of Kuranda. With two great choices of transport, most people go up to Kuranda one way and back the other and a ticket can be purchased which covers both journeys. Make sure to allow a full day because, as those first tourists found in 1891, there’s plenty to see along the way.
Beautiful pics …loved the landscape shot
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Thank you!
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I would go by train! An unfulfilled wish of mine is to do at least one of the great rail journeys through your country – it is such a great way to see the vistas and to meet people too.
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You would certainly enjoy this journey.
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I think I would choose the train journey, although the ‘flying’ view would be wonderful. I’m amazed at the thought of all the hand built tunnels and bridges – the manpower involved must have been enormous. Your photo of the train going over the bridge made my stomach give a little lurch – it reminds me of a theme park ride!
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I have just been up there, so lovely 😉
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It would have been lovely at this time of year too. We went in July.
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We did this trip – up by train from Cairns stopping for a lovely breakfast in an authentic antique railway carriage at Freshwater – a wander around the village and the markets – then the Skyrail back. A wonderful day out. Thank you for the memories 🙂
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That’s how we did it too. Up in the train and back by Skyrail. We got on the train at Freshwater.
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I usually prefer flying but the train in this case looks like the pick! 😀
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Sounds fabulous, Carol! I want to do both, of course 🙂
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That’s what we did, up on the train and down on the Skyrail.
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GORGEOUS photos, as always! & I choose ride over fly – when I can ;).
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Well, I do like a leisurely train trip but cable cars are so much fun too. We did both.
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I have been on the train, but never the Skyrail. When visitors come I wave them goodbye on Skyrail and keep my feet firmly planted on the ground 😉 Beautiful pics xxx
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I love cable cars so I couldn’t miss this one.
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Your posts are bringing back so many memories. I did the trip the same way you did up by train down by skyline. Fabulous scenery.
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Took the train on our first trip to Australia. Was a wonderful experience
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It’s a great adventure and not so fast that you miss the great views.
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