Kuranda Scenic Railway
Kuranda Scenic Railway
4.5
About
Kuranda Scenic Railway is the original scenic rail journey to Kuranda. This spectacular experience travels over bridges and through tunnels hand-made by North Queensland's pioneers over 100 years ago. Traversing the World Heritage listed rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park, this is one of the world's great railway journeys.
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  • Heather M
    Luton, United Kingdom8 contributions
    Worth the visit
    It was good but I was disappointed as we went when the market was closed. So there wasn't much open. But I went for a genuine boomerang as recommended by a friend for my brother. But overall I would have liked to have been informed when the market days are. So I’d check when you book through whoever when the market is on. But the views are spectacular coming back from the train and on the gondola
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with friends
    Written 20 December 2022
  • ITRT
    38,566 contributions
    Great for Train Buffs
    We booked the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyride because it was highly rated, and my husband enjoys riding on trains. The train ride for me was not that thrilling but agree it is worth doing one time. Once underway, the train took us through some of Australia’s oldest tropic rainforest. Their brochures state “unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls”. This is true if you have one of the window seats. There is bench seating for 3 individuals on each side of the cubicle. If the car is full, you may find yourself sitting knee to knee with other travelers. The train cars date back to the early 1900’s and are made of wood. The train takes you through 15 tunnels and over 55 bridges over an approximate 2-hour time frame at over 1,000 feet above sea level. We stopped for about a 10-minute photo op at Baron Falls. The box breakfast/lunch served was mostly vegetarian foods. The train travels from Cairns to the small town of Kuranda (known as “the village in the rainforest”). The town has many shops, cafes, art galleries and a wildlife park called Kuranda Koala Park. Kuranda Village is a location to pick up the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Railway. Recommend.
    Thank you for taking the time to review. Happy to hear you had a great time onboard.
    Written 5 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2022
    Written 26 January 2023
  • chattam2013
    Canberra, Australia330 contributions
    Very Hot Train Ride
    If you are going to do the train then do it early in the morning on the way up. The carriages aren’t not air conditioned and minimal air comes through them. They need to fit a:c or fans otherwise they are going to have a fatal medical. The journey down was ok but would be great if the old towns still stood and we could see how it was back in the day. Even just for historic value. I basically passed out and so did my son from the heat and we were grateful for the a/c in the coach back to skyrail to get our car. Amazing day but heat a massive issue
    We’re disappointed your journey didn’t meet your expectations. Our train, made up of carriages 100-years old, is in fact a vintage experience and part of it’s charm. As it is restored to heritage there is no air-conditioning however the open air carriage allows the rainforest breeze and we have drink fountains in each carriage. We understand it can be hot and during this time in Queensland the weather is challenging and the crowds are aplenty during holiday season. We thank you for your feedback and review.
    Written 12 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 February 2023
  • Juliemac2550
    Newcastle, United Kingdom51 contributions
    Great trip
    Great experience. We were staying in cairns and booked this direct at the train station on the morning of travel. Trains leave 8:30 or 9:30 each day. We booked to return on sky rail which unfortunately was cancelled due to a storm so the company bussed us back and gave a full refund for that leg of the tour. Kuranda itself was beautiful with lovely independent shops and licensed cafes. We visited the Kuala centre. We opted to return after 3 hours which was just right.
    Thank you for the review.
    Written 12 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 February 2023
  • Leah
    2 contributions
    Skip the train. Hot and boring
    Quite the boring ride and was miserably hot. If you aren’t right on the window you can’t really see anything. We were all a sweaty mess and slept the entire ride. My husband said most everyone on our car was asleep it was so hot and boring. Skip the train and just do the Skyrail or save your money and do neither. Karunda was boring and basically flea market shops. I had read all these good reviews on it all being a must see but for us it was hundreds of dollars and a day wasted.
    Sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your trip with us. The carriages on Kuranda Scenic Railway are more than 100 years old, all part of the charm of this heritage experience! However, it does mean there is no air-conditioning, only open-air windows and the rainforest breezes.
    Written 10 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 7 April 2023
  • Daley_10
    Lower Hutt, New Zealand203 contributions
    Kuranda Scenic Railway - Get the Gold Class coming back - make sure you book it.
    Came down from Kuranda on the Scenic Railway. Again amazing scenery. Unless you can get a seat in the Gold Class area it’s a hard one and a half hour ride down. The Gold Class is tailored to provide a more luxurious and personalised journey with nibbles and alcohol supplied. An upgrade is $49 however when we booked this was full and we had to ride in the main carriages which fit 5 to a seat and hard going. If you book, book in advance and book the Gold Class.
    Great to hear you had an enjoyable journey onboard.
    Written 21 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 19 May 2023
  • Pam Q
    Adelaide, Australia177 contributions
    Unique tourist experience with great views
    We caught this delightful train at the Cairns Railway Station which was within walking distance of our hotel. Apart from a delay at the ticket booth, the trip was comfortable and well organised with good commentary preparing us for photo opportunities. Weather was perfect and scenery great. After arriving in Kuranda we enjoyed a wander through the original market (check out the home made ice creamery - wonderful) and along the Barron River before catching the cable car back. I'd booked our return to Cairns station via the cable car which ends in Smithfield & then 5pm shuttle bus to Cairns. We decided to catch an earlier cable car down to Cairns. Staff helpfully arranged this for us, including the shuttle bus connection. The cable car ride with it's opportunities to stop & walk around along the way was fantastic. I think the return trip cable car ride probably offered the better views.
    Thank you so much for the review, and feedback. Glad you enjoyed your journey onboard, and were able to experience both Skyrail and our beautiful train. Happy onwards travels.
    Written 2 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 30 June 2023
  • kiwibird1967
    Nelson, New Zealand5 contributions
    Kuranda by cable car or train?
    Recently we visited Kuranda. We booked through an agent because we didn't have a car. Pick up from hotel, straight to cable car. Smooth and convenient. The cable car was great! We had a good day, though not stunning weather wise. Enough to see the views and hear birdsong. I recommend walking the boardwalk. Easy walk, nice view, quick and just adds a little value to your trip. We visited the butterfly house. It was okay. The time of year may have accounted for the lack of variety of butterflies. We had The Entertainment Book discount so that made it okay value. If you have been to the butterfly place on Singapore airport, then you need not go to this. However, good for kids. Kuranda had tourist shops and we were not in the market for tourist wares. With the limited time available, we walked the shops, went to the butterfly place and had lunch, before getting the train back. The train itself is lovely, the station is quaint, but the journey was long, without many opportunities to see the big vistas I expected to see. A little commentary at times, comfortable seats, lovely staff, and one stop to get photos. All fine if you are happy to chug along often seeing weedy trees by the train tracks and many tunnels. I would not take the train again, but I would do the cable car.
    Thank you for your review. We hope you enjoyed your trip with us on Kuranda Scenic Railway, and if you do visit us again we hope the weather works in your favour to allow for the amazing coastal and rainforest views!
    Written 23 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 July 2023
  • TrekStars
    Melbourne, Australia178 contributions
    Dangerous Diesel Fumes
    We parked at Skyrail and took a bus to Freshwater station. The bus trip was smooth and commentary was excellent. At the station, the train was 15 minutes late. Hundreds of people were getting restless in the warm sun yet bizarrely no announcement was made about the delay. We were assigned seats in car 3. This was terrible luck. It’s near the front of the train and so we spent the whole journey inhaling unpleasant and dangerous diesel fumes. I’m unsure how this is allowed? Yes, it’s a historic train but it makes you feel sick to smell these fumes for nearly 2 hours. Aren’t there O&H rules? Unfortunately, you don’t get to choose your seats but I would recommend talking to staff about your booking and getting the back carriages. I wish I knew! The carriage was crowded and you miss so much if you don’t have a window seat. I was on the aisle and could only see trees and scrubs a lot of the time. The commentary was extremely hard to hear. I compared photos of the train from our last trip back in 2009. There were no bars on the windows then so it was easier to take photos. I enjoyed the Skyrail but wouldn’t go on the Scenic Railway again.
    We are very sorry to hear that your experience on Kuranda Scenic Railway did not match expectations on this occasion. The comfort and safety of our customers is of the utmost importance to us, and we encourage you to provide your feedback regarding your concerns to customerfeedback@qr.com.au so that our team can look into the issues you have mentioned and provide you with an official response should you require one. Once again we are very sorry that your trip with Kuranda Scenic Railway did not live up to what you had hoped. We hope you consider travelling with us again sometime.
    Written 24 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 16 July 2023
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4.5
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MikeFo
Brighton, UK1,049 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
The departing station (and the train) are decades old but quite charming - no luxuries on the train. You do however get a good commentary (very interesting) and some stunning views.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jellybellymelly
Singapore, Singapore1,020 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Would recommend upgrading to Gold Class for a more comfortable ride with some snacks and drinks. We did the 9.30am ride from Cairns to Kuranda in the morning. Booked tickets prior online directly with Kuranda Rail, and paid on the day of travel. Do book in advance as all the Gold Class seats were taken up.

Before stopping at Barron Falls, we were served coffee/tea, a selection of drinks, some cheese and biscuits, a small packet of macadamia nuts, and mango sorbet. The train stopped at Barron falls for 10 mins or so and we could get down and take some pictures.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sandra P
Brisbane, Australia88 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Kuranda train amazing. Staff amazing. Views amazing.
Staff go out of their way to make sure your trip is amazing and memorable. 10 out of 10.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ribruijn
Castricum, The Netherlands24 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Wonderful experience with special thanks to Liz who as a host went above and beyond to make our experience as best as possible
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Djarmila1978
Wuppertal, Germany169 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Solo
Last year when I visited Cairns I missed out on the Scenic Railway as it was fully booked so this year I booked way in advance to make sure I would get a seat. Booking was made in Gold Class.

I really enjoyed the 15:30 train ride back to Cairns. Seats were really comfortable and as I had a window seat, views were great. The service in Gold Class was immaculate and drinks and food were provided throughout the journey to Freshwater Rail Station. The lady serving was very attentive, fun and informed us on any upcoming views she deemed great. She really was part of the experience so a big thank you to her. As there is more space in Gold Class you could move a bit around to get good pictures no matter what side the (natural) attraction was on.

Absolutely loved the experience and would do it again, if ever in Cairns again.

Shoutout too to the booking team. I had booked the train for two people but as my partner had some health problems before the trip to Australia, he couldn't join. The team quickly replied to my cancellation email and refunded the seat.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

746ballfamily746
Sydney, Australia364 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Excellent experience - a very beautiful train journey with great views. Gold class is worth the little extra - comfortable seats and excellent service. Nice selection of local food products.
Can we suggest you limit alcoholic beverages to 1-2 per person though. It really isn't necessary to have 7 -8 drinks in such a short trip (and early in the morning).
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gold Class sure is the way to enjoy your journey. We are glad you enjoyed your local treats onboard.
Written 6 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alicia M
2 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
This was an awesome little ride. It was very informative and the views were amazing! We went during a very slow down time so there was plenty of room in our cart but I was very sad that the upgraded cart sold out so quickly as the regular admission doesn't have air conditioning nor drinks. I could see during busy months with hot weather it could be not as pleasant so I would highly recommend the slower seasons!
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazing to hear! Thank you for travelling with us, it is nice to travel in the cooler months, and enjoy the fresh cool air.
Written 6 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

C Mead
Townsville, Australia13 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
We got the Sky Rail up to Kuranda and the Train back down. It takes two hours and has a stop at Barron Falls with great views. There are toilets on board the train. We were in car 9 in seats 123 which faced backwards, so when you book look for 456 etc. Get out of the carriage and on to the space between the cars, but watch where U stand. Don't want to get squished between the carriages! Doing this gave some great views and made the trip seem quicker. At times the train is travelling at only 20 km/hr and it is a very gradual descent.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to provide a review. Glad you enjoyed your journey!
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jomarah
Melbourne, Australia118 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Lovely scenic trip! On the way down from Kuranda, our carriage was quite full, so at one of the stops, we were asked if we would like to move to a less full carriage and of course we did. Such lovely & thoughtful staff. And the views were wonderful.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazing to hear, glad you enjoyed your time onboard.
Written 3 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Aussieheli
Gold Coast, Australia226 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Couples
Great trip excellent views we had heard about this your it exceeded our expectations we highly recommend it except in the wet season
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review.
Written 22 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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