Kuranda Scenic Railway

From here, you can take a train to Cairns. The journey takes about two hours one way and includes scheduled stops at scenic viewpoints where there is time to get off and take photos. It is an enjoyable experience, but the timetable is fixed, so it is best to check the schedule and make a reservation by the day before. On board, there is only a water dispenser that does not appear very clean, so bringing your own drinks is recommended. It is also possible to travel to Kuranda by taxi, which means you can choose to take the train in only one direction. Personally, I recommend going by taxi and taking the train back to enjoy the scenery.

This is a beautiful train ride up the hills to and from Kuranda village. The ride offers breath taking views of the hills and waterfalls. The train is immaculately maintained, and the staff were wonderful.

My wife and I took the Kuranda trip on Saturday 13 Dec 2025. This was our second trip following excellent trip in 2022. Our trip on the 9:30am heritage class ticket from Cairns to Kuranda station was very good. The ride was smooth and faultless. Due to extended period of little rain the railway track, rainforest floor was dry and water fall was trickling with little water. It was hot and humid day. Understandably, as these are historic trains there were no air conditioning or chilled water facility especially for tourists travelling from cooler part of Australia or Europe/Canada who are not used to hot and high humid weather. Unfortunately, the return leg of 2:00pm train from Kuranda station to Cairns was bone jarring and totally unacceptable in 2025. Train had to come to total stop several times on the track due to faulty train bogies or/and other mechanical issues where the steel wheels were making high pitch screeching metal sound of possible derailing from the track. We thought we would have to get off the train as it may not be safe to stay on. Our experience with staff has always been professional and customer focused. Though we were given all the history of the construction of the track, bridges, tunnels including scenic points over the PA but there were no mention or apologies for the mechanical issues or poor ride experienced endured by the passengers. This lack of transparency to the passengers destroys goodwill of all hard working staff of Kuranda Scenic Railway. Tourists from southerns states like NSW/VIC not to mention those from overseas spend significant airfare and accommodation costs to experience the scenic beauty of the Kuranda heritage train journey and they expect a mechanically trouble free and safe trip experience. This did not happen on this occasion. We felt very disappointed. This is unfortunate as tourism is the life line for Cairns and Port Douglas. Government of Queensland and Cairns' tourism organisation needs to ensure that their high profile tourists attractions are safe and operating at the international standards. Thanks

The historic railway is a great attraction, however the scenery isn't that scenic as you make you way through the forest, it does have snapshots of photo opportunities. There are cafes and toilets at the start and finish of your experience

Great train ride, good views and at the scenic locations the train even slows down to enjoy the views! The combination of train ride and the gondola is not cheap, but its an unique experience with a rich history.

We took the scenic railway from Karanda down to Freshwater station and loved it. Very friendly staff who were happy to reseat us so that we didn't have to travel backwards in the corner of the carriage. Great experience, very beautiful scenery, which my photographs don't quite capture.

A wonderful trip to Kuranda. We were fortunate to get Gold pass at the last moment. It was very relaxing with drink and morning/afternoon tea service. Very comfy lounge seating. Would recommend 👌

Such a beautiful journey. It started from Cairns Railway station and took about 2 hours to reach Kuranda. The train will give you vintage vibes with good seating capacity. People can take turns to see the view outside and get the window seat. The train compartments do have washrooms and also drinking water. During the ride, you will encounter small tunnels. The PA does make relevant announcements while on the journey, but the voice is really faint due to noise by the train tracks.