Board the Kuranda Scenic Train and embark on a 90-minute journey through some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes. As you wind through the Kuranda Range for 37 km, you’ll pass through hand-carved tunnels, traverse steep ravines, and marvel at cascading waterfalls within the stunning Barron Gorge National Park.
Departing from Cairns, this historic railway transports you deep into the lush, World Heritage-listed rainforest. Along the way, spectacular scenery unfolds at every turn, offering a visual feast that will leave you in awe. As you continue your ascent, you’ll eventually arrive at the charming mountain village of Kuranda, nestled in the heart of the rainforest.
Here, you can explore vibrant markets and artisan shops before heading back. Whether you choose to book a one-way ticket or opt for a roundtrip experience, this scenic adventure is conveniently accessible from Cairns. It’s a must-do for anyone eager to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Queensland.
Kuranda Village
After your rail journey, explore Kuranda Village. Visit Kuranda Heritage Markets, wildlife, dining and aboriginal experiences.
Itinerary
You can book the train as a one-way or roundtrip
Cairns to Kuranda
Railway station
First departure
Second departure*
Cairns
8:30am (departure)
9:30am (departure)
Freshwater
8:55am (departure)
9:55am (departure)
Kuranda
10:25am (arrival)
11:25am (arrival)
Kuranda to Cairns
Railway station
First departure
Second departure*
Kuranda
2:00pm (departure)
3:30pm (departure)
Freshwater
3:32pm (arrival)
5:02pm (arrival)
Cairns
3:55pm (arrival)
5:25pm (arrival)
Included
One-way or return travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Optional Extras
Gold Class on 9:50am* departure from Cairns or 3:30pm* departure from Kuranda only (please choose this option at the time of booking) with individual seating in a lounge style with a dedicated host service provided. Includes a range of refreshments with tasty appetisers and a gift pack
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Cash/Credit card for purchases
Camera, hat, sunglasses, and umbrella in the green season
Bottle of water
How to get there
This is a self-drive option. Free car parking is available at both Cairns Central Station and Freshwater Station. At Cairns railway station, please provide your vehicle registration number when collecting your rail ticket to validate your car parking ticket.
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Children under the age of three years are free of charge (FOC). Children aged 4-14 inclusive are eligible for child rates.
Family rates are valid for 2 adults and 2 children (2A+ 2C).
We, Hot Getaways, are not liable for changes to tours, cancellations from the supplier, pricing, or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of personal belongings, property damage, delay or personal injury.
Size and weight limits
We may refuse the transport of any luggage we deem not acceptable, due to the nature, weight or size of the luggage. Daypacks should be limited to a maximum size 23cm x 34cm x 48cm to enable it to fit under the seat.
Kuranda Scenic Railway staff cannot assist with handling luggage items that exceed 20kg in weight due to Workplace Health & Safety regulations.
Items up to 25cm in height can be stowed under the Heritage Class seats including collapsible strollers or prams.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
A limited number of wheelchairs/mobility scooters can be transported on each Kuranda Scenic Railway service in the accessible carriage, speak with your booking consultant for more information.
More information on accessibility can be found on the Accessibility page.
Prams and strollers
Small collapsible prams and strollers can be stored under the Heritage Class seats provided they are no more than 25cm in height once collapsed.
There is limited capacity to store non-collapsible or large collapsible prams and strollers onboard the train, and there is no dedicated storage space onboard the train or at our station locations.
Please let us know at the time of booking if you intend to travel with a large collapsible pram or stroller or non-collapsible device.
If you are unable to travel with a small collapsible pram or stroller for your journey, please let the team know when you arrive at the station so they can assist you with your device. The carriage of larger prams and strollers on each Kuranda Scenic Railway service is subject to available space on the day.
For safety reasons, children are not allowed to travel on the train in a stroller, pram or baby capsule.
Bicycles
Bicycles are not accepted on any Kuranda Scenic Railway services.
