Kuranda scenic railway is a must do for anyone visiting cairns and tropical north queensland. Take a trip rich in history onboard the kuranda scenic railway. Kuranda is a picturesque village nestled up in the rainforests mountain ranges close to cairns. Apr 05, 2017 it was added to the queensland heritage register on 21 august 1992. Redlynch kuranda railway barron gorge railwaylocation. Kuranda scenic railway 2020 all you need to know before. Along the way, youll be treated to breathtaking scenery and unmitigated views of luxuriant rainforest seething with life, terrifying ravines and dramatic waterfalls. Construction of the cairns kuranda railway was, and still is, an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. Kuranda is a picturesque little village hidden in the rainforest of tropical north queensland and is accessible on a daily basis by queensland rails kuranda heritage train and skyrail. Construction of the cairnskuranda railway was, and still is, an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. Municipal government in cairns began with the creation of a borough. 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. All options include a journey on the historic kuranda scenic railway and a ride on the skyrail rainforest cableway.
Queensland state archives 2217 gorge at cairnsherberton railway 1897. It was added to the queensland heritage register on 21 august 1992. The kuranda scenic railway can be joined at cairns railway station or freshwater connection for morning departures to kuranda. Cairns, city of the south pacific, a history 17701995 vi 3. In 1915 kurandas railway station was nicknamed the. The last part of our day was the ride back down on the kuranda scenic railway. Kuranda scenic railway cairns all you need to know before. The cairnstokuranda railway is a heritagelisted railway line from the cairns region to the. Journeys from kuranda station to cairns run in the afternoon.
Kuranda to cairns 6 ways to travel via train, line 851. Riding the skyrail and kuranda scenic railway in cairns. Cairns kuranda steam operating as cairns rail and the. By 1887, the town had a population approaching 1,500. Carriages on the kuranda scenic railway, leaving freshwater station for kuranda, 2018 03. As the route was steadily cut across and through the mountains to the tablelands, so began the kuranda railway.
In 1886 construction commenced on the cairns to kuranda railway one of the most. Kuranda scenic railway from cairns to kuranda is an australian engineering feat of the 19th century. Construction of the cairnskuranda railway line, 1886. Kuranda to cairns 6 ways to travel via train, line 851 bus. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can. In 1884 a route for a railway from cairns to herberton through kuranda was approved. An 8minute drive from kuranda village, covering over 626 hectares, surrounded by tropical rainforest.
Kuranda is in a mountain rainforest about 17 miles from cairns and has good arts, crafts, and aboriginal artifacts. The current railway station was completed in 1915 using standard concrete units. In 1886 construction started on the kuranda railway. Kuranda was first settled in 1885 and surveyed by thomas behan in 1888. Rising from sea level to 328m, the journey to kuranda passes spectacular waterfalls and into the stunning barron gorge. Welcome to the new cairns kuranda steam website oct 22, 2015 systemgod this is a new initiative for the company with a website that has both forward facing public elements but also acts as a portal for the internal systems that are accessible via the internet. Alternatively, make the 1way journey by railway and return by skyrail.
Pages experience one of the most unique rail journeys in. Apr 07, 2014 join me for an unforgettable journey on the kuranda scenic railway from freshwater village to kuranda village. Experience the rainforest beauty of tropical north queensland on a scenic day trip from cairns. Just wondering about the two different departure times from cairns, regarding the skyrail and kuranda railway combo. Media in category cairns herberton railway the following 3 files are in this category, out of 3 total. Rome2rio is a doortodoor travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world.
Queensland rail travel is committed to supporting queenslanders by preventing the spread of covid19. Until 1958 the barron river was a raging torrent, what is the name of the. Kuranda railway and skyrail tour full details and images. Plan your visit kuranda village in the rainforest, cairns. Oct 22, 2015 welcome to the new cairns kuranda steam website oct 22, 2015 systemgod this is a new initiative for the company with a website that has both forward facing public elements but also acts as a portal for the internal systems that are accessible via the internet. Kuranda railway your journey back to cairns takes place on board the world renowned kuranda scenic rail. Discover family travel give tips, and recommendations on how to make the most out of the kuranda railway and skyrail combination tour available in cairns. Each provides a unique view through the kuranda range and in particular, the spectacular sight of. It was built from 19 to 1915 by queensland railways. The cairnstokuranda railway is a heritagelisted railway line from the cairns region to the shire of mareeba, both in queensland, australia. All bookings for kuranda scenic railway have been suspended, effective from 27 march 2020, in the interest of avoiding nonessential gatherings. Components of it include stoney creek bridge, the rail bridge over christmas creek, kuranda railway station, and surprise creek rail bridge. The kuranda scenic railway and the sky rail are the perfect combinations to get you there and back. Enjoy a tranquil ride as you soar above the rainforest canopy, with views from cairns all the way to the great barrier reef, and spend free time in kuranda.
The building of the kuranda railway is a great story. One of the most popular activities while visiting cairns is the kuranda railway and skyrail tour taking you up and back to the historical village of kuranda. The railway is now a tourist attraction called kuranda scenic railway. Take the historic kuranda scenic railway one way and ride the skyrail rainforest cableway the other through the rain forest canopy. Each carriage is fitted with three media screens to provide passengers with detailed information of the history of the kuranda railway. Cairns kuranda railway 1882 1891 history in the making queensland government railways on. By 1885 there were farmers working the land in and around kuranda. Because of kurandas stunning location, both the kuranda scenic railway and skyrail rainforest cableway provide visitors with breathtaking views of swathes of lush rainforest. Queensland history, second series, townsville 1975, pp. The kuranda scenic railway is an absolute mustdo when visiting cairns discover the history, engineering feats and the great people that helped in the construction of this spectacular railway. The tourist railway snakes its way up through the macalister range on the cairnstokuranda railway line. Kuranda scenic railway cairns 2020 all you need to know.
It was the railway policy of the govemmen thet da ofy to. All bookings for kuranda scenic railway have been suspended, effective from 27 march 2020, in the interest. Kuranda post office opened on 25 june 1891 a middle crossing receiving office had been open from. Kuranda scenic railway day trip from cairns 2020 cairns. In 1888 the town of kuranda was surveyed by thomas behan. Premier of queensland, sir samuel griffith, turns first sod on cairns kuranda railway. The town of myola is also located within the locality of kuranda it is 25 kilometres 16 mi from cairns, via the kuranda range road. Other attractions include tjupakai aboriginal cultural park or.
Construction of the railway from cairns to myola later cairns to herberton began in 1887 and the line reached kuranda in 1891. Opened without fanfare, the section of railway line now known as the kuranda scenic railway, was completed 125. The tourist railway snakes its way up through the macalister range on the cairnstokuranda railway line which is no longer used for regular commuter services, but instead operates as a. In kuranda, see animals or focus on indigenous history based on your interests. Rome2rio makes travelling from kuranda to cairns easy. As the train travels up and down, a detailed and informative commentary of the railways construction is provided. Kuranda railway station au 4036 9333 12 kurcow barnwell farm kurcow farm has the ultimate aussie. Kuranda scenic railway cairns queensland australia youtube. Premier of queensland, sir samuel griffith, turns first sod on cairnskuranda railway.
The cairns to kuranda railway is a heritagelisted railway line from the cairns region to the shire of mareeba, both in queensland, australia. The cairns train station is located in the centre of the city, and you can choose to board the kuranda scenic railway at either the cairns or the freshwater stations. The queensland rail heritage train journey takes 1. We definitely recommend tourists to take a ride on the kuranda scenic railway there are plenty of tours available, why not experience oldfashioned first class in private carriages with champagne. Find all the transport options for your trip from kuranda to cairns right here. Skyrail and kuranda railway combo, cairns everything. Kuranda was first settled in 1885 and surveyed by thomas behan in 1888 in anticipation of development that would accompany the arrival of the railway. Because the railway station is located right next to the skyrail station, its easy to find. History the redlynch to the crooked creek bridge portion of the cairns to kuranda railway constitutes most of the second section redlynch to myola of a planned railway line to herberton.
This enthralling chapter in the history of north queensland, stands as testimony to the splendid ambitions, fortitude and suffering of the hundreds of men engaged in its construction. The railway provided a pivotal connection between the coastal port of cairns and mining and agricultural activities within the shire. The iconic railway meanders for almost two hours through thick, lush world heritage listed rainforest, deep ravines and sparkling waterfalls on its way from cairns to kuranda, giving its passengers a view of tropical north. Skyrail closes for two weeks to replace the haul rope on the cableways back line red peak to kuranda terminal. Choose to spend as little as a few hours, half a day or a full day. There are 6 ways to get from kuranda to cairns by bus, train, taxi, car, shuttle or towncar. Each provides a unique view through the kuranda range and in particular, the spectacular sight of the barron falls. The freshwater station offers a vintage style restaurant where you can enjoy a coffee, snack or. Kuranda scenic railway gold class provides visitors with personalised friendly service, comfortable seating and local gourmet food and beverages. Cairns kuranda railway opens for goods traffic and passenger travel.
There are five options to choose from that provide different activities, so select what interests you most. This famous railway winds its way on a journey from cairns to kuranda. Kuranda scenic railway cairns to kuranda, village in the. Railway and discover why this is one of the worlds great railway journeys. Kuranda scenic railway picture tour cairns australia.
Aug 28, 2014 ride the historic kuranda scenic railway and choose your adventure from a variety of options including the skyrail rainforest cableway, tjapukai aboriginal cultural park or the popular. Kuranda scenic railway cairns all you need to know. The original kuranda scenic railway is a spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the world heritage listed barron gorge national park. Constructed between 1882 and 1891, primarily with rudimentary tools and dynamite, kuranda scenic railway was the answer to the ongoing impacts of a particularly devastating wet season. Kuranda train tours cairns cheapest best value tour self drive cairns. It was completed successfully and skyrail reopened on time and as planned. Kuranda is in a mountain rainforest about 17 miles from cairns and has good arts, crafts, and aboriginal artifacts shopping and family nature adventures. Join me for an unforgettable journey on the kuranda scenic railway from freshwater village to kuranda village. Kuranda scenic railway linking tablelands to cairns. Kuranda scenic railway cairns 2020 all you need to.
This famous railway winds its way on a journey from cairns to kuranda, the village in the rainforest, with freshwater situated along the line with views of the surrounding mountains. 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. History the redlynch to the crooked creek bridge portion of the cairnstokuranda railway constitutes most of the second section redlynch to myola of a planned railway line to herberton. These days, the kuranda scenic railway is primarily used to provide visitor access to the quaint village of kuranda. Take a day trip from cairns to kuranda on the skyrail rainforest cableway, and return via the kuranda scenic railway. If you prefer to do the kuranda scenic rail train in the afternoon there is a 2pm and a 3. Kuranda station is one of the earliest stations to be built in australia. Kuranda is a town and locality on the atherton tableland in the shire of mareeba, far north queensland, australia. The current railway station was completed in 1915 using standard concrete units, and is one of the. Hotel pickup and dropoff in palm cove makes for a seamless, stressfree experience. 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.
Departures from freshwater railway station are at 8. Ride the historic kuranda scenic railway and choose your adventure from a variety of options including the skyrail rainforest cableway, tjapukai aboriginal cultural park or the popular. Many cruise passengers visiting cairns on the northeast coast of australia take shore excursions to the old kuranda township. Kuranda scenic railway, cairns ticket price timings. It is surrounded by tropical rainforest and adjacent to the wet tropics world heritage listed barron gorge national park. Despite its farflung location, kuranda is home to many modern amenities, and visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find a whole host of shops, restaurants and cafes. The changeover was a part of skyrails longterm, planned maintenance schedule. Skyrail and kuranda railway combo, cairns everything australia. Cairns kuranda railway 1882 1891 history in the making. With the growing mining population in herberton and a desperate need to get supplies to and from the coast, a railway route was planned. This cairns train tour has to be one of the most scenic, historic and dramatic rail journeys in the world the kuranda scenic railway is the perfect way to explore the rainforest on the doorstep of cairns this rail journey will appeal to history buffs, nature lovers, train enthusiasts and families alike. Return roundtrip or oneway skyrail experience departing from smithfield cairns terminal or kuranda terminal.
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