Kuranda Scenic Railway
Passenger services began on the 25th of June, 1891, but the first tourist train from Cairns to Kuranda ran in 1936. It is now a popular tourist attraction, with visitors enjoying the journey through the World Heritage rainforest. The historic Kuranda Railway Station was built in 1915.
Interior design and noise coming from the rails adds to the experience
Elevating from sea level to 328m, the journey to Kuranda takes you through spectacular waterfalls and into the stunning Barron Gorge. Zigzagging through picturesque scenery, you travel through 15 handmade tunnels and across 37 towering bridges that stand as a monument to the pioneers of the north.
The railway was built initially to connect gold and tin mines to the coast. Construction of the railway began in 1886 and was completed in 1891. It was a major engineering marvel. The workers built fifteen tunnels and 150 cuttings through steep terrain and dense rainforest. They endured terrible hardship and an unforgiving landscape. Armed only with picks, shovels, and dynamite, these men moved over two million cubic meters of earth. They were exposed to impassable swamps, mysterious diseases, deep ravines, raging waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. They were known as “Navvies” – a shortened version of navigators – those working on major civil engineering projects.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The cableway can operate at a speed of 5 m/s (18 km/h, 11 mi/h); however, its normal operating speed is much slower to provide guests with the maximum time to enjoy their rainforest experience. There are 32 towers in total. The highest tower is Tower 6, at 45 m (133 ft).
This is undoubtedly the easiest and most scenic way to explore the beautiful rainforests of Cairns and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The 7.5km Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glides effortlessly over the rainforest canopy, its gondola cabins are comfortable and provide panoramic views.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway journey is unique and one of a kind as it takes you through the Wet Tropics Rainforest, home to the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, older than the Amazon Rainforest. Dating back 130 million years, many of the ancient plants in this rainforest existed when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Feel the true experience of riding this cable car here.
Frog on the border 