Kuranda Scenic Railway
Departure Times
Please note this is only bookable as a voucher. If you are visiting Kuranda we recommend the Self Drive Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail or the Tropic Wings | Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway (STAR) products.
Discover ancient, heritage-listed rainforests and waterfalls on a remarkable railway journey from Cairns to Kuranda!
- Relax and enjoy unsurpassed views of renowned rainforest and waterfalls
- Wind through 15 tunnels and 37 bridges from Cairns to Kuranda
- Learn the fascinating history of the Kuranda Railway and Cairns region
- Option to upgrade your package to Gold Class!
- Choose from a one-way journey or return experience from Cairns
Overview
Board the delightful Kuranda Scenic Railway for a twisting journey through the renowned, heritage-listed rainforest and waterfalls of the Cairns region. Sit back and relax as you cruise through the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest, enjoying the pristine sites of Stoney Creek Falls and the Barron Gorge. Winding through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges from Cairns to Kuranda, guests can enjoy knowledgeable commentary along the way about Kuranda Railway’s unique history. Passing through enchanting waterfalls, cascading mountain ranges, and the charming rainforest village of Kuranda, a Kuranda Scenic Railway experience is like no other!
The Kuranda Scenic Railway offers one-way journeys from Cairns to Kuranda and Kuranda to Cairns, or a popular return journey options from Cairns. For railway enthusiasts and travellers wishing to upgrade their package, a luxurious Gold Class Kuranda Scenic Railway option is offered. With a travel option for every Cairns itinerary, a day aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway cannot be missed!

Features
- Relaxed 37km journey through the Barron Gorge National Park
- Authentic, vintage carriages aboard an iconic Queensland railway train
- Pass through Stoney Creek Falls and photographic opportunity at Barron Gorge
- Perfect for railway enthusiasts, passing through 15 tunnels and 37 bridges
- Chance to visit the rainforest village of Kuranda
- Commentary along the way of the regions highlights and railway’s history
- Complimentary trip guide (available in 11 languages)
- Option to travel one-way or enjoy a return trip from Cairns
- Premium Gold Class options offering personal onboard service and food and beverage selection

Rising from sea level to 327 metres, journey through spectacular tropical rainforest aboard a historic Queensland icon!
Important Information
Please note:
The Scenic Railway Train from Kuranda departs 2:00pm or 3:30pm and returns back into Cairns approximately, 3:55 pm or 5:25 pm
Sample Itinerary
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Return service option
Departing from the Cairns Railway Station, a return journey on the Kuranda Sceni...
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Important Information
- Carriages on the Kuranda Scenic Railway are more than 100 years old, with no air-conditioning. During warmer months, please plan ahead for tropical heat and warmer travel conditions.
- Not all Kuranda Scenic Railway seats have a window, however, all seats have access to view the scenery.
- Child Policy: 0-3 years inclusive free of charge; 4-14 years inclusive child price applies.
- We do not have facilities for luggage storage at our stations or on Kuranda Scenic Railway.
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1.5% surcharge for VISA, MASTERCARD and AMEX card purchases.
What To Bring
Please bring only day carry-on luggage:
- Refillable water bottle and drinking water
- Lightweight, cool clothing (there is no air conditioning aboard)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Motion sickness medication if you are affected by train travel
- Camera
- Cash or EFTPOS for lunch and additional purchases at Kuranda Village
- Small folding stroller (no higher than 25cm when folded) can be accommodated onboard our carriages
What's Included
- 37-kilometre rail journey onboard authentic vintage carriages through the Barron Gorge National Park
- Audio commentary in each carriage
- Complimentary trip guide (available in 11 languages)
- 10-minute photographic stop at Barron Falls Lookout
- Drinking water and water coolers provided in each carriage
- Onboard Guest Services Attendants are available to answer questions and assist during the journey
Gold Class Extras Included:
- Dedicated personal hostess/host
- Locally sourced produce and beverage served onboard in the morning and afternoon journeys
- Souvenir gift pack
- Green vintage carriages with Victorian-inspired decor
What's Extra
- Lunch and additional personal purchases at Kuranda Village
- Gold Class option
Cancellations
No shows or client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. No shows or client cancellations made within 72 hours of departure forfeit 50% of the total ticket price.
A refund in the event of cancellation is subject to both our Cancellation Policy and the terms of the supplier.
Terms and Conditions
Our Terms & Conditions apply to this experience. Please review them before booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the train times departing Cairns Central Train Station to Kuranda?
You have the option of an 8:30am or 9:30am train departure from Cairns Central Station. Please check availability at the time of booking. If you select the 8:30am train you will arrive in Kuranda approximately 10:25am. If you select the 9:30am train you will arrive in Kuranda around 11:25pm.
What are the train times departing Kuranda Railway Station back to Cairns?
You have the option of a 2:00pm or 3:30pm train departure from the Kuranda Railway Station coming back to Cairns. Please check availability at the time of booking. If you select the 2:00pm train, you will arrive back into Cairns Central approximately 3:55pm. If you select the 3:30pm train, you will arrive back into Cairns around 5:25pm.
Is the Kuranda Scenic Train air conditioned?
Being a heritage train, there is no air conditioning. However the windows do open to allow a nice flow of air through the cabins.
How long does the scenic train take to get to Kuranda?
The Kuranda scenic train takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes each way.
Where does the Kuranda scenic train depart from?
The Kuranda train departs from Cairns Central Railway Station, which is located right next to Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0 / 5.0
Based on 1 reviews
