Hotels near Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a 37 km heritage train from Cairns to the rainforest village of Kuranda - built 1882-1891 to serve the Mareeba goldfields. The 90-minute journey climbs 327 metres through tropical rainforest with 15 hand-hewn tunnels, 93 curves, and the dramatic Stoney Creek Falls viaduct. The 1891 train carriages have been restored with viewing windows; the Gold Class includes lounge seats and refreshments.

Standard return ticket 65 AUD; Gold Class 88 AUD. Most visitors combine the train one direction with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (the world's longest gondola, 7.5 km, 1996) the other direction - the standard Kuranda combo (130 AUD) is the day's classic experience. Allow 8 hours total including lunch in Kuranda (the village has koala parks, butterfly sanctuaries, and Aboriginal markets). 2 daily train departures.

Pro Tip: Take the Skyrail up to Kuranda in the morning (the rainforest views are best on the way up) and the train back down to Cairns in the afternoon (catching the Stoney Creek Falls viaduct from the right side of the train). Combine with the Rainforestation Nature Park at Kuranda for koala photos.