Kuranda Scenic Railway in Australia 2023-2024

The trendy Kuranda Scenic Railway invites you on a journey through Far North Queensland's World Heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest, one of the oldest on Earth, home to thousands of plant species and hundreds of unique animals. Passengers will rise from sea level to 1,072 feet (327 meters) during the journey to Kuranda and will dive into lush green spots in a convenient train car.

Kuranda Scenic Railway Route

The Kuranda journey starts from Cairns Railway Station. Then, the train will stop at Freshwater Railway Station, the most popular tourist departure point. The next stop is Jungara, which features a 180-degree bend with a five-chain radius curve.

Passengers will also have a chance to see Stoney Creek Falls, the most spectacular feature of the railway route, followed by Robbs Monument and Barron Falls Stop, from where you can take the best photos of Barron Falls. Finally, the train arrives at Kuranda Railway Station. In the rainforest village, guests can visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld, Koala Gardens, and Kuranda Markets.

Trip Duration

The one-way trip lasts 1 hour and 55 minutes from Cairns Railway Station and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Freshwater Railway Station.

Accommodation Classes

Kuranda Scenic Railway passengers can choose between two classes options: Heritage Class and Gold Class​.

Heritage Class

Heritage Class is historical timber carriages with bench-style seating. The large open windows provide the best conditions to explore the stunning World Heritage-listed rainforest scenery and waterfall views. Heritage Class includes audio commentary, a photographic stop at Din Din (Barron Falls), a souvenir trip guide, and filtered water.

Gold Class​

Gold Class​ gives you the opportunity to relax in individual club lounge-style seating in handcrafted carriages adorned with Victorian-inspired décor while enjoying delightful food and beverage service during the trip. Gold Class features a tropical welcome drink for morning and afternoon travelers, locally sourced appetizers and beverages, a photographic stop at Din Din (Barron Falls), dedicated attendant service, audio commentary, a souvenir gift pack, and a trip fan guide.

Royale Service

​​​​​Royale Service is the best option for large groups (minimum 15) with a mid-range budget. The group will travel in a Heritage Class carriage featuring seating in refurbished Heritage Class carriages, historical carriage décor, audio commentary, souvenir trip guide, stop and disembark at Barron Falls station, with breathtaking views of Din Din (Barron Falls), chilled refresher towel during summer months, service by Guest Service Attendants, filtered water, orange juice, Australian sparkling wine, locally grown macadamia nuts, and souvenir postcard.

Kuranda Scenic Railway train also has accessible facilities and can accommodate a maximum of four passengers who are confined to wheelchairs, mobility scooters per train service.

Kuranda Scenic Railway Tickets Price

A Heritage Class Adult Ticket costs $55 one-way and $84 return. A Child Ticket is $27.50 one-way and $42 return. An Australian Senior or Pensioner Ticket is $44 one-way and $68 return. A Family Ticket is $137.50 one-way and $210 return.

A Gold Class​​​ Adult Ticket costs ​$109 one-way and $192 return. A Child Ticket is ​$81.50 one-way and $150 return. An Australian Senior or Pensioner Ticket is $98 one-way and $176 return. A Family Ticket is $353 one-way and $642 return.

A Royale Service Adult Ticket costs ​$78 one-way and $130 return. A Child Ticket costs ​​$50.50 one-way and $88 return. ​An Australian Senior or Pensioner Ticket is $67​ one-way and $114 return. ​​A Family Ticket is $229 one-way and $394 return.

Departures Schedule

Kuranda Scenic Railway is operating two return services daily: Cairns to Kuranda and Kuranda to Cairns. The first departure from Cairns to Kuranda is at 8:30 am, arriving in Kuranda at 10:25 am. The second departure from Cairns to Kuranda is at 9:30 am, arriving in Kuranda at 11:25 am.

The first departure from Kuranda to Cairns is at 2 pm, and the second departure is at 3:30 pm, with arrivals in Cairns at 3:55 pm and 5:25 pm, respectively. These two services also pick up passengers in Freshwater.

Non-Operating Dates 2024

The Kuranda Scenic Railway operates twice a day, except on the following dates: Monday, May 13; Tuesday, May 14; Wednesday, May 15; Thursday, May 16; Friday, May 17, 2024. Monday, June 10; Tuesday, June 11; Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Wednesday, November 6; Thursday, November 7; Friday, November 8, 2024.