Climbing the mountain. Kuranda Scenic Railway
I am into historic railroads at the moment. The reason is that my baby brother Ben stars in the AMC drama “Hell on Wheels” about the building of the first US Transcontinental Railroad. “Hell on Wheels” was the name given to the town that followed the building of the the railroad, and, if the show is to be believed is an apt description for the conditions workers lived in. As an aside, “Hell on Wheels” is a great show and worth a look see, but definitely for adults only. It plays on Austar in Australia.
North Queensland has its own historic railroad, the Kuranda Scenic Railway which runs from sea level in Cairns climbing 328 meters to the rainforest town of Kuranda and takes approximately one and three quarter hours.
After following “Hell on Wheels” which is set just thirty years prior to the construction of the Kuranda Scenic Railway I am in awe of the hundreds of men that were employed to build the 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges necessary to complete the railway. I can only imagine the hellish conditions, working in the sticky tropics that these north Queensland pioneers endured, and which led to many losing their life.
An interesting historical commentary accompanies passengers on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. After watching “Hell on Wheels” I found I could vividly imagine the railroad workers experience of mud and heat although there was no mention of the prostitutes and pioneer women that must have accompanied the workers camps! My experience, as a passenger with two small children, in contrast to the experience of the early pioneer workers was comfortable and spectacular. The journey, at only 1 and a half hours from Freshwater Railway Station, catered well to my children’s short attention spans. The trains stops to allow passengers to view Barron Falls and this leg stretch contributed to a pleasant journey with my two little boys.
The town of Kuranda caters to tourists with markets, restaurants and a variety of wildlife attractions. Take the time to experience the beautifully restored station and tea rooms at Kuranda before venturing into the town – I can recommend the scones, jam and cream.
We chose to be picked up by car and driven down the mountain however tourists may purchase a return ticket or return via the Skyway Cable car. Locals, don’t forget to ask for a locals discount.
The view climbing the hill. Kuranda Scenic Railway
In the rainforest. Kuranda Scenic Railway.
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Disclaimer: We received free tickets to ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
I cannot decide what to do on our extra day in Cairns. I have it narrowed down to Kuranda, Daintree, Port Douglas or just relaxing. Reading this about Kuranda is very helpful.
If you have a car then the trip to Port Douglas is stunning. The drive is only 45 minutes and you could easily go up just for a quick morning or afternoon outing, and then have the rest of the day to relax. Daintree is a good few hours drive north and the rainforest closer to Cairns is just as interesting.
Thanks, that helps a lot.
We did the Skyrail up to Kuranda and the Scenic Railroad back down. It was wonderful!! Thanks for the advice. Between this and the tip on the Churros in Darling Harbour, I am really appreciating your blog.
I’ve been following your Australian trip – you have seen so much of the country. Glad you made it here to Cairns. The Skyrail is amazing – I haven’t taken my kids on it yet but went sans kids a few years back.
Although I couldn’t ask for a locals discount, it sounds like something worth exploring on a trip to Australia! I, too, marvel sometimes at how things got built – rails, roads, castles, fortresses – back long ago before they had any modern equipment. Amazing.