Kuranda Scenic Railway

Train ride Cairns, Queensland, Australia

What to expect

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a tourist railway service that operates along the heritage-listed Cairns-to-Kuranda railway line. The journey passes through the Macalister Range and the suburbs of Stratford, Freshwater, and Redlynch, offering stunning views of Barron Gorge National Park, Barron Falls, and other smaller waterfalls. The railway line is 37 km long and features 15 handmade tunnels and 37 bridges. The train travels from sea level to 328 meters, providing a unique and breathtaking experience. The Kuranda railway station is world-renowned for its tropical gardens and historic significance, and the nearby village of Kuranda offers a range of attractions, including a zoo, markets, art galleries, and Aboriginal crafts

Plan your family visit to the Kuranda Scenic Railway with these blog insights 👇

Kuranda Scenic Railway : Train Ride from Cairns

This family's experience:

Activities: We took the train ride from Cairns to Kuranda and enjoyed the views of the rainforest and the ocean

Highlights: The kids loved the train ride and the parents enjoyed the comfortable Gold Class seats and the attentive hosts ✨

Cairns With Kids (2022 in Cairns)

This family's experience:

Activities: We took the Kuranda Scenic Railway with the kids, it connects Kuranda and Cairns

Highlights: The kids enjoyed the views of the Barron River waterfalls, although they ended up going to sleep on the train. We enjoyed the scenic journey, the views of the rainforest, and the Barron Falls ✨

Things to do in Cairns, Cairns Australia

This family's experience:

Activities: We took the Kuranda Scenic Railway back down from Kuranda to Cairns, enjoying the scenic views and learning about the history of the railway

Highlights: The kids loved the train ride and the views. We also appreciated the historical information and the unique experience of traveling by train through the rainforest ✨

10 stages to live with children in Australia

This family's experience:

Activities: We took a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic train that passes through scenic landscapes

Highlights: The kids loved the train ride, and we all enjoyed the scenic views and historic stations ✨

10 Things To Do With Kids In Queensland

This family's experience:

Activities: We took a day trip on the historic train to the picturesque mountain village of Kuranda

Highlights: We loved the breathtaking views of steep ravines, waterfalls, and the Barron Gorge ✨

Incredible Things to Do With Kids On A Cairns Family Holiday

This family's experience:

Activities: We rode the train through the Barron Gorge National Park and saw the lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls. We also learned about the region’s history and biodiversity

Highlights: The kids loved the train ride and the scenery. We all enjoyed learning about the rainforest and its history ✨

The best way to visit Kuranda, the village in Australia's rainforest

This family's experience:

Activities: We took a return ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway

Highlights: The ride includes a quick stop to view Barron falls almost immediately after departure ✨