The best part of a Cairns Kuranda day trip is getting there. With the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as choices in both directions, the journey up and back are definite highlights.
Where is Kuranda?
Perched in the mountainous hinterland of Cairns within the Great Dividing Range, Kuranda is 25 kilometres (16 miles) from the coast. An ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest surrounds the village.
It’s a perfect destination for a day trip. During the summer months, Kuranda’s cool tropical climate offers a welcome respite from the sweltering heat of the coast.
Cairns Kuranda day trip
1. Kuranda Scenic Railway
Travellers can begin (or end) their journey at the Cairns Railway Station or Freshwater Railway Station. The trip takes almost two hours from Cairns or 90 minutes from Freshwater. It includes a 10-minute stop at the viewing platform overlooking Barron Falls. An audio commentary provides interesting information on the railway’s history and scenic points along the way.
Freshwater is a popular starting point. Arrive early enough to enjoy breakfast in an authentic antique railway carriage. Next to the restaurant is a collection of exhibits that help profile the history of the railway.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway travels 37 kilometres on a narrow-gauge track (3 feet 6 inches or 1.06 metres) completed in 1891, a remarkable engineering feat given the era.
The scenic ride climbs 327 metres through106 cuttings and 15 hand-carved tunnels, around 98 curves, and over 55 bridges. It begins the steep climb from Freshwater Valley to Kuranda on the Atherton Tableland at Horseshoe Bend, a 180-degree bend within a 100-metre stretch.
The vintage-refurbished carriages date from the early 1900s. Each carriage is made of Silky Oak, but more sustainable timber is used these days in their upkeep.
The iron-latticed Stoney Creek Falls Bridge stands on three trestle piers. Its construction was quite an accomplishment for the late 1880s.
The train stopped once in the 90-minute journey at Barron Falls Station for a bird’s-eye view of Barron Falls.
2. Kuranda Station
Kuranda Station is no ordinary railway station. It’s one of the village’s key attractions. Enjoy a delicious mango smoothie or a traditional Devonshire Tea at the tea room surrounded by well maintained tropical gardens.
The 37-lever frame in the station’s signal cabin is used daily for train traffic. It’s Queensland’s only mechanically interlocked semaphore signal system used as part of routine train operations.
3. Village of Kuranda
The village offers lots to see and do within walking distance of the railway and Skyrail stations. The Kuranda Visitor Information Centre has a wealth of information to help make the most of your visit. Here are some ideas:
- There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Shopping opportunities abound at local stores and the two markets operating on select days.
- Learn more about the rainforest on a World War II army duck on land and water at the Rainforestation Nature Park. Kuranda Riverboat Tours offers a 45-minute cruise on the Barron River, home to a host of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, water dragons, fish, and many species of tropical birds.
- The Rainforestation Nature Park also offers the one-hour Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. It includes a performance by Pamagirri dancers and an introduction to customs and ancient traditions on the Dreamtime Walk led by local indigenous guides.
- There are several places to get up close and personal with rainforest wildlife. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary houses a collection of over 1500 tropical butterflies in a free-flying habitat. Birdworld Kuranda has one of Australia’s most extensive collections of free-flying birds and offers hand-feeding opportunities. Or feed kangaroos and cuddle a koala at the Kuranda Koala Gardens.
- For a self-guided experience, explore the national park on a series of interlinked walkways like the Jumrum Creek Walk, Kuranda Village Circuit Walk, or the River Walk. This was our choice which became a railway-track walk when we encountered a flooded path.
Most attractions are open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to coincide with the average length of stay of day trippers who come to Kuranda by train and Skyrail..
4. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The award-winning Skyrail Rainforest Cableway runs for 7.5 kilometres above the canopy of the Barron Gorge National Park with its heritage-protected northern rainforest millions of years old.
The Kuranda terminus is close to the Kuranda Railway Station.
There are two stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Visitors determine how long they stay at each one. A helpful resource is the multilingual Interpretive App and Audio Guide. With extensive multimedia and GPS functionality, the app helps visitors appreciate the wonders of the rainforest as they travel along the cableway.
A boardwalk loop traverses the Rainforest Discovery Zone at Red Peak. Complimentary ranger-guided tours depart every 30 minutes, and information boards help visitors become acquainted with rainforest flora and fauna.
Barron Falls hosts a CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) Rainforest Interpretation Centre.
At sea level, the cableway terminus is at Smithfield, a 15-minute drive from Cairns. Bus transfers are available to the Freshwater Railway Station or to select hotels in Cairns. An up-to-date list is provided at the time of booking.
Packing suggestions
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Rainwear (complimentary umbrellas are provided at cableway stops)
- Insect repellent
- Motion sickness prevention and relief
- Camera
- Phone with downloaded Skyrail App and Audio Guide
If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one of more social media buttons, Have you visited Kuranda? If so, what were some of the highlights? Please add your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.
If you enjoy train travel, the Spirit of Queensland service between Brisbane and Cairns is exceptional. For my review, see Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland: Is the RailBed sleeper worth it?
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