This trip was amazing, definitely recommend going up by train and returning via the gondolas, breathtaking

Visited Sept 09 and again May 11. Beautiful scenery, cool compared to the coast. Worthwhile visiting more than once.

We have done a number of "great train rides" and a number of cable car trips in various countries in the world, and neither experience to/from Kurunda was up to scratch.

We went to Kuranda by cable car. The only notable viewpoint was the
Barron Falls, otherwise it was trees and trees.

On the way back - although there was plenty of space, we were given tickets which crammed everyone into one block of seats (ours were furtherst away from the window) whilst there were rows completely emply. Unless you get the left hand side coming down - or get extremely share minded fellow passengers who do have the window seats you will see very little. The rows are for 4 passengers with the walkway on the side. If you are unlucky to be on the walkway side, you see virtually nothing.

Again, the only notable stop was the same falls.

I think - with hindsight - we'd try the upgrade which certainly looked a lot more comfortable, but even then you could be on the "wrong" side of the train. With numerous cuttings and 15 tunnels during an agonisingly slow 2 hour journey it was not surprising that about half the people in our carriage were asleep.

Waste of 2 x A$100 in my opinion

Kurunda itself was very pleasant - I'd certainly drive myself there if I ever went again - parking is easy and free. Try Annette's pantry for great Aussie pies

We caught the sky rail up and paid the extra money to go "first class" on the train coming back. We enjoyed both experiences, but think it was a little pricey for what you actually received. Cannot fault the staff on either service - they were excellent - extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. You don't need anymore than three hours in Kuranda ... if you've seen one souvenir, you've seen them all. There are some wonderful art galleries up here to browse through with a selection of works Australia-wide. Try the lime/chilli lollies at the factory in Kuranda ... they bring a tear to one's eye!