Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

Great day out. Very enjoyable

Let’s start the skyrail was not opened when we visited so my review is on the rest of the activity. The koala park was nice $25 we were in there like 30 mins . Markets are just a waste of time just junky stuff . Whole place just looks old could do with a revamp. Train ride was nice and comfortable BUT if you don’t get a window seat you miss a lot as the people sitting there are taking photos so you really can’t get in to look out so then it becomes just a train ride .

To be honest, all you see is few waterfalls and forest you also go thru 15 tunnels, the little village was cute with its markets and nick knacks. If you want to see and do everything at the village you need more than one day. Kuranda River cruise was the best highlight for me, we learnt a lot from the guide saw small crocodiles' sea snake, turtles but be mindful there is a lot of stairs to get to the wharf not easy for some and a lot of stairs and hilly. A big disappointment was the sky rail is upgrading so you had to catch the train back or a bus, but they leave too early to see everything.

What a great trip but it was little bit rain that doesn’t spoil the vibe love the train ride with amazing view

Kuranda is a tourist shiooing centre. There is n museum of its history. However, the walk along the bank of the B arron River is worthwhiule, though not mentioned in the pqmphlet as it does not require spending money. The thai lunch ws good.

Unfortunately this is a painfully slow trip with a number of speed restrictions slowing the train to 10-20kmh. The track is rough which is probably the reason for the slow speeds. The scenery is ok but because of the rain most of it was hidden from view. The stop at the falls was nice, not only to view the falls but to stretch your legs. The seating layout is cramped with people sitting opposite you giving very little legroom. The train crew are polite and will answer any questions you may have. The onboard commentary is informative but unfortunately it would cut out halfway through a sentence and not finish. Windows should be closed when going through the tunnels, especially the 429m tunnel as the diesel fumes were excessive . I am a train drive in my home country and the diesel fumes would definitely fail our health and safety regulations and would without doubt set off our tunnel gas monitors , they are far beyond safe levels. The station at Kuranda is beautiful, the town is very touristy with multiple shops selling the same things. The markets were not open and because of the relentless rain it made the 3 hrs in town too long. My suggestion would be to take the late train from cairns and return on the early train. Try and book a seat facing forward in the direction of travel on the right hand side leaving cairns and a front facing seat leaving Kuranda on the left hand side to get the best views. Over all it’s a novel experience for those who have not been on a train but for me I wouldn’t do it again.

The scenery and train ride was nice. Unfortunately sky rail was not working so will have to come to that. We got a replacement vocher for koala land to replace the sky rail. Definately not equal value they should combine birdland and koala land on the same voucher if replacing the aky rail. The Karanda town is mainly trinket markets and tourist food option. The chocolate coated kingston buiscuit at the chocolate shop was delicious. Overall not tnehe greatest of value

Train not very comfortable it's a long day bird your was magnificent and koala your was good too. Worth a look

All very well organised, helpful and friendly service, enough time to explore the location; all was very well explained

Highly recommended experience. The train travels slowly along the interesting routes and you have plenty of time to take photos and look around. Kuranda is a very beautiful and rather quiet place, which is indeed very geared towards tourism, but you don't get the feeling of being ripped off.