Kuranda Scenic Railway

Kuranda Scenic Railway is a heritage railway operating between Cairns and Kuranda in Far North Queensland, Australia. Built between 1886 and 1891 through the Barron Gorge National Park, it is renowned for its 37 bridges, 15 hand-cut tunnels and views of Stoney Creek Falls and Barron Falls. The 34 km journey showcases World Heritage-listed rainforest and mountain scenery.

Visitors can expect a scenic heritage train journey through tropical rainforest, steep gorges and waterfalls between Cairns Railway Station and Kuranda Railway Station. The route passes through Barron Gorge National Park with commentary, open-air viewing opportunities and a 10-minute photo stop at Barron Falls lookout. Heritage carriages include Heritage Class and Gold Class with refreshments. Both stations are heritage-listed with displays, shops and access to Kuranda village.

Constructed between 1886 and 1891 to connect the port of Cairns with the Herberton tin fields on the Atherton Tablelands. Built by manual labour through rugged rainforest and gorge terrain, the line required 15 tunnels and 37 bridges and is considered a major engineering achievement of colonial Queensland. It has operated as a passenger and tourist railway for over 130 years.

The railway is a heritage-listed engineering landmark and a key tourism experience showcasing the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. It preserves late 19th-century rail heritage and connects visitors to Kuranda village, known for its markets, Aboriginal cultural experiences and rainforest setting.