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Kuranda Scenic Railway, Queensland by Bob Linsdell –

Top 10 Interesting Facts about  Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is the name for the railway line that runs from the coastal city of Cairns, Queensland, Australia, over the Great Dividing Range to the town of Kuranda on the Atherton Tableland. 

The tourist railway snakes its way up through the Macalister Range on the Cairns-to-Kuranda railway line which is no longer used for regular commuter services, but instead operates as a tourist service, operating every day of the year, except Christmas Day. It passes through the suburbs of Stratford, Freshwater (stopping at Freshwater railway station), and Redlynch before reaching Kuranda. The line is used for some freight services and other passenger services, such as The Savannahlander.

Here are the top 10 interesting facts about  Kuranda Scenic Railway

1. Kuranda Scenic Railway is a 125-year-old track 

Kuranda Scenic Railway makes its way through rugged terrains. The 37 km long rail line takes about 2 hours and offers panoramic views of the village. From your window seat in the classical coach, fall in love with the green ambiance of the World Heritage Rainforest, Barron Gorge National Park, Freshwater railway station, and many cascading falls. 

The 10-minute break at Barron Falls is the absolute highlight! These falls stand at 410 ft tall from where the water gushes into the Barron River and frames a postcard-perfect shot.

2. The Kuranda Station was declared a war zone during World War â…¡ 

Kuranda Scenic Railway, Queensland, Australia by Robert Linsdell –

The Cairns-to-Kuranda Railway is a heritage-listed railway line from the Cairns Region to the Shire of Mareeba, both in Queensland, Australia. It commences at Redlynch, a suburb of Cairns, and travels up the Great Dividing Range to Kuranda within the Shire of Mareeba on the Atherton Tableland. 

It was built from 1913 to 1915 by Queensland Railways. Components of it include Stoney Creek Bridge, the Rail Bridge over Christmas Creek, Kuranda railway station, and Surprise Creek Rail Bridge. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 August 1992. The railway is used to operate a tourist rail service, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It forms part of the Tablelands railway line.

3. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is said to be one of the most photographed stations in the world

A ride on the Kuranda train creates a thrilling and educational pursuit for kids and adults alike. The carriages also offer an audio guide while on your journey providing an interesting commentary of the landscapes and the history of the village. A ride on the Kuranda train is a thrilling and educational pursuit for kids and adults alike.

4. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is 37 km in length

Kuranda in Cairns, Australia by HannahChen –

It passes through the suburbs of Stratford, Freshwater (stopping at Freshwater railway station), and Redlynch before reaching Kuranda. The line is used for some freight services and other passenger services, such as The Savannahlander.

The railway is 37 km (23 mi) in length. It takes about one hour and 55 minutes to climb one way including the stop off at Barron Falls. 

5. The tropical gardens Kuranda Scenic Railway are a well-known attraction 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 meters from the train. 

6. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a short walk to where there is a zoo

Kuranda Scenic Railway, Queensland, Australia by Robert Linsdell –

The station is a short walk into town where there is a zoo, markets, art galleries, and ethnic Aboriginal crafts.  

In the zoo, there is the option to hold a koala and feed kangaroos, a truly Australian experience. At the bottom of the mountain, where many people pick up the train, the Freshwater railway station, Queensland has an information center, a gift shop, and a café that is inside of an old train carriage. As the train travels up and down, a detailed and informative commentary of the railway’s construction is provided.

7. Construction of the Kuranda Scenic Railway began in 1886

The railway was completed as far as Kuranda in 1891. Passenger services began operations on 25 June 1891.

Many lives were lost as numerous tunnels and bridges were built. 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges were built to climb from sea level to 328 meters up the Macalister Range. Three million cubic meters of earth had to be excavated during construction.

8. The first operation of the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns to Kuranda was in 1936

The Kuranda train, with colourful engine by Matt Blank –

The first operation of a tourist train from Cairns to Kuranda was in 1936, using four longitudinal seating carriages.  In 1995 major repairs had to be carried out after a severe rockfall damaged the track. 

On 26 March 2010, the train was derailed by a landslide injuring 5 of the 250 passengers on board. The service was closed until 7 May 2010 while a geotechnical review of the track and risk assessments were completed.

9. There are two gold class carriages in the Kuranda Scenic Railway 

These two carriages are where refreshments and finger food are served on the journey. In the standard carriages, there are two booths that face each other which create a section, and there are five of these sections in each carriage. 

The carriages are very rustic and have been restored to look like the original ones, the woodwork is very detailed and everything about the carriage is like being sent back in time. Although the red leather seats can become very hot and the breeze in the train is very minimal, the carriages are quite impressive.

10. Kuranda Scenic Railway was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland

The Queensland’s Q150 Icons list of cultural icons was compiled as part of the Q150 celebrations in 2009 by the Government of Queensland, Australia. It represented the people, places, and events that were significant to Queensland’s first 150 years.

In 2009 as part of the Q150 celebrations, the Kuranda Scenic Railway was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as a structure and engineering feat.