Tour ID: 10004699

There is no better way to travel to Kuranda than by taking the beautiful old train from Cairns. This track was completed in June 1891, it is still considered an amazing engineering feat. The scenery is spectacular and around each bend there is something else to see.

  • Spectacular views of an ancient rainforest & waterfalls
  • Travels through the World Heritage Listed Barron Gorge National Park
  • Travel in a beautiful restored train                                       
  • Explore Kuranda, the “village in the rainforest”

The original Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls. This famous railway winds its way on a journey of approximately 2 hours from Cairns to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest.

Departs Cairns Central Station at 8.30am or 9.30am daily.
Departs Freshwater Station at 8.55am or 9.55am daily.
Return journey departs Kuranda Station at 2.00pm or 3.30pm daily.

More Info

Tour Details

  • Included in price:

    Train journey as described.

    Limited space is available for disabled or mobility impaired customers in easy access carriages. Please contact us to discuss your needs before booking as places are limited.

    Senior or Pension fares are ONLY valid for Australian Seniors/Pensioners and you must provide a current Australian Seniors/Pension card upon check in.

  • Available for purchase/hire:

    Gold Class Upgrade: You may like to upgrade from the standard Heritage Class Carriage to the Gold Class Carriage.

    • Morning Service: Gold Class is ONLY available in the morning on the 9.30am service and begins once the train reaches Freshwater Station (@ 9.55am) and continues through to Kuranda. Passengers travelling from Cairns will travel to Freshwater in our Gold Class carriages.
    • Gold Class passengers beginning the tour at Freshwater Station will enjoy tropical mocktails served in the pavillion area, 20 minutes prior to the arrival of the train.
    • Afternoon Service: Gold Class is ONLY available on the afternoon 3.30pm service and ends once the train reaches Freshwater Station (@ 5pm). Gold Class passengers will be served welcome drinks served onboard the train at Kuranda station 20 mins prior to the departure of the 3.30pm afternoon service.
    • Gold Class offers individual seating in lounge-style chairs, historical decor, with a dedicated host service provided.
    • Morning/Afternoon Tea is included in Gold Class and feature a selection of Queensland and local Tablelands produce such as Gallo Dairyland Cheese, Skybury Coffee, Wondaree Macadamias, Mango to Go (100% pure mango treat), freshly baked muffins, Sirromet wines and Great Northern Brewing Company Super Crisp Lager. (note: Alcoholic beverages not served on Anzac Day 25 April)
    • You'll also receive a Gold Class Gift Pack (souvenir pen, badge, postcard and trip guide) to remember your journey by.

  • Duration:

    2 hours each way (Cairns to Kuranda)
    1 hour 30 mins each way (Freshwater to Kuranda)

  • Departure:

    8:30 AM Daily
    9:30 AM Daily
    9:55 AM Daily

  • Return:

  • Departure points:

    Cairns and Kuranda

  • Pickup/departure instructions:

    Please make your own way to the Cairns or Freshwater train stations for check in as there are no coach transfers to/from hotels to the stations.

    [Please click the Route MAP to enlarge]

  • What to bring:

    Comfortable shoes, hat, camera

  • Fitness level required:

    Low

  • Child policies:

    Child Fares 4-14years. Infants under 4 years are Free of Charge, however please include them in your booking request to ensure a ticket/seat is issued. Children must be accompanied by an adult while travelling on Kuranda Scenic Railway.

  • Additional Information:

    Train services depart Cairns Central Station at 8.30am or 9.30am daily.
    Depart Freshwater Station at 8.55am or 9.55am daily
    Return journey departs Kuranda Station at 2.00pm or 3.30pm daily.
    If booking the early departure, you will automatically be assigned the early return time unless otherwise requested on the booking form. Late departures will receive the late return time unless otherwise requested.
    If you require your journey to start at Freshwater, please mention this on the booking form.

  • Destinations:

    Kuranda

Booking dates