Why was the Kuranda railway built?
1886: Construction started on the Railway to transport supplies from the mining belts to the sea. 1891: Taking 5 years to complete, the first work train steamed into Kuranda 12th April. The Railway was officially opened June.
How old is the Kuranda train?
Construction of the railway began in 1886. The railway was completed as far as Kuranda in 1891. Passenger services began operations on 25 June 1891. Many lives were lost as numerous tunnels and bridges were built.
Where does the Kuranda railway start?
Cairns
Board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway as it meanders its way between Cairns and Kuranda. Opened in 1891, this famous railway ascends from the coastal plains of Cairns through Freshwater Railway Station and on to Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest, some 328 metres (1,076 feet) above sea level.
Where does Kuranda train leave from?
Cairns Central Station
The Kuranda Train sets off from Cairns Central Station, then stops at Freshwater Connection to pick-up passengers before heading up the mountain.
How long is the Kuranda Railway?
37 kilometre
A 37 kilometre rail journey onboard authentic vintage carriages through the Barron Gorge National Park (World Heritage-listed rainforest – The Wet Tropics) from Cairns to Kuranda, village in the rainforest. The track rises 327 metres above sea level with the steepest gradient being 1:50.
Is the Kuranda railway open?
The Kuranda Scenic Railway operates daily all year, except Christmas Day.
What is Kuranda known for?
The picturesque mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is just 25km northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. Surrounded by the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest, the colorful village of Kuranda is well known as the Village in the Rainforest attracting visitors for well over a century.
How long is the train to Kuranda?
approximately 2 hours
The journey to Kuranda takes approximately 2 hours, which includes a 10-minute stop at the spectacular Barron Falls Station for a bird’s eye view of the Barron Falls. Passing through 15 hand carved tunnels, 37 bridges, spectacular waterfalls and into the stunning Barron Gorge.
Is the Kuranda train operating?
We are currently operating two (2) return services daily….Timetables.
| Station | Service times | |
|---|---|---|
| Kuranda | 2.00pm (departure) | 3.30pm (departure) |
| Freshwater | 3.32pm (arrival) | 5.02pm (arrival) |
| Cairns | 3.55pm (arrival) | 5.25pm (arrival) |
How long is Kuranda railway?
1 ½ hours
When does the Kuranda Scenic Railway depart and how long does it take? Allow 1 ½ hours to complete a Kuranda Scenic Railway Journey.
Does the Kuranda train have toilets?
There are toilets on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and while you are exploring Skyrail there are bathrooms located at Smithfield Terminal, Kuranda Terminal and at both the stops – Red Peak and Barron Falls – along the way!
How long is the Kuranda train trip?
When was Kuranda Station built?
Kuranda was first settled in 1885 and surveyed by Thomas Behan in 1888 in anticipation of development that would accompany the arrival of the railway. Kuranda Station is one of the earliest stations to be built in Australia.
What makes the Kuranda Scenic Rail so special?
The Kuranda Scenic Rail is now a popular tourist attraction where visitors marvel at the sheer beauty on a journey through World Heritage rainforest, but appreciate the hardships that workers endured to create the line. The historic Kuranda Railway Station was built in 1915 and is the prettiest railway station in Australia.
Who built the Cairns to Kuranda railway?
The railway from Cairns took several years to construct commencing in 1887, reaching Kuranda in 1891. An incredible feat of engineering with no modern machinery but plenty of sheer will, it’s safe to say manpower built the railway.
Why is Kuranda famous for tourism?
The railway is very much an integral part of Kuranda and brings many tourists each year to enjoy what Kuranda has to offer. Back then, as is still the case today, people were drawn to the picturesque rainforests of Kuranda and it soon became a favourite destination for honeymooners.