We purchased the Gold Class ticket to Kuranda. We needed to meet at Smithfield Terminal and then were transported by bus to Freshwater Station. The bus driver gave us some great information along the short drive. At the Station we were given a refreshing drink before boarding the train and being seated. The morning refreshments were more than sufficient - excellent cheese. The ride on the train was comfortable and we stopped along the way. The views were lovely. The only issue we had was that the seating was awkward. There were two of us and we sat side by side, but another couple sat opposite us. There were no tables in between and the gentleman across me was very tall, which meant he had little leg room, and also they sat backwards for the trip. The layout of the carriages could be more thoughtful, but it was an enjoyable ride with lots of lovely scenery and history.

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.

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!

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.

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.

One of the best tours I have taken by in my life.. I was extremely lucky to go on this ride after they spent months repairing the tracks from a Cyclone that hit in December. I took the 1st train and the last train for this tour.

We purchased the Skyrail and Kuranda Rail combination where we could go up to Kuranda via train from Cairns Station and return on the skyrail with a bus transfer back to the train station. A bit pricey for this combo at $135 each (May 2024) but an awesome experience and well worth doing while in Cairns. Customer service was fantastic with tour operators offering to move to a better seat in a less busy carriage. It was a great way to learn about and experience the history of the Kuranda Rail Line. I would highly recommend this tour

The Kuranda train trip from Cairns up to Karanda is an absolutely unmissable adventure. Winding through the rainforest marvelling at the vistas across the plains of Cairns through to the Great Barrier Reef you can even see Green Island on a clear day. Marvel at the engineering feet and consider the men who constructed this with such rudimentary instruments all those years ago. The commentary is amazing. If you can afford it, I highly recommend the Gold class as you are treated to a ride in an amazing cabin with a dedicated attendance and a served beautiful food and drinks while you admire the scenery pass by. And experience not to be missed.

Thoroughly enjoyed the ride back from Kuranda to Cairns. You can take this up to or come back from Kuranda on this Train. Very Well organised. You are allocated seats. The only thing I can say is that we were quite surprised they don't check tickets before entering or leaving....

This was such a cool way to get up to Kuranda. Would recommend the Sky Rail on the way back. The train had beautiful views and was a very cool educational experience about how it was built. Definitely would recommend as part of the Kuranda experience!