Kuranda Scenic Railway – Adventure Travel Queensland Australia

Kuranda_Train_en_Route_by_Heidi_SiefkasAt the tail end of a whirlwind, eight-day, maiden voyage tour to Down Under, including Tasmania, Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, and Cairns, I had traveled by catamaran, helicopter, bus, foot, cable car, plane, semi-submersible, and car. I was short one of the most pleasant ways to travel; yes, you know it, by train.  With only a day left in Australia, I got out my only clean clothes that remained and booked a day of adventure on the Kuranda Scenic Railway just outside of Cairns.

After zig-zagging via bus up the hills overlooking the Bay of Cairns and the Coral Sea, I arrived at the small town of Kuranda, which has a large craft market, a couple of watering holes, and its Koala Gardens for those animal lovers that want photographs holding koalas. With about an hour to spare prior to departure, I took a spin around the shops and purchased my go to souvenirs, can coolers or koozies. It just goes to show, you can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take the Wisconsin out of the girl! In passing, I witnessed other travelers purchasing everything from original aboriginal paintings and didgeridoos; however, I stopped and flat out gawked at one particular type of keepsake that was quite popular, a kangaroo scrotum pouch made out of real kangaroo privates. Although the shop owners claimed that the scrotums attracted the opposite sex as well as brought long-life, luck, and happiness, I knew it would be in my best interest not to buy a kangaroo scrotum regardless of the claimed properties.

Within a matter of minutes, I strolled from the shops down the hill to the depot to find my seat in the 1800's style train. And, I was off for an hour and half ride winding my way through the rainforest of Queensland passing rugged gorges, mountains, and waterfalls, over a total of a little over thirty kilometers. (I'm still slow at the km to miles, kilos to pounds, and Aus dollars to US dollars; so, I suggest you convert it!)

View of Coral Sea from the Kuranda Railway

View_of_Coral_Sea_from_Kuranda_Railway_Queensland_Australia

Stony Creek Waterfall

Stonry_Creek_Waterfall_on_Kuranda_Train_by_Heidi_SiefkasAs you can see, there are plenty of opportunities for taking photos while the train gradually descends from Kuranda to Freshwater Station. However, don't worry if you are a very particular or even professional shutterbug, there is one stop near Barron Gorge (below image). There you are allowed to exit the train to stretch your legs and take photos from the overlook.

Barron_Gorge_Kuranda_Railway_Queensland_AustraliaAlthough I was tempted to do just the railway experience, I was intrigued by two options that complement the railway: the SkyRail and Tjupakai Aboringinal Center. As I said, I had already traveled by almost every mode of transportation; so, I selected Tjupakai.

Tjupakai_Aboriginal_Center_Cairns_AustraliaAt Tjupakai (pronounced jab-oo-guy), I thoroughly enjoyed my last taste of the Aboriginal culture. My favorite activities were the dance and musical performances -- you know I couldn't sit in my seat -- as well as learning about medicinal uses of plants by the Aborigines, demonstrations on didgeridoo playing (women are NOT allowed to play the didgeridoo), a weaving workshop, and learning how to throw a boomerang. However, I must recommend that everyone try the face painting. Don't leave Tjupakai without your Aboriginal design! By the way, don't you like my dots? I felt like I was wearing my snorkeling mask from the Great Barrier Reef the day before.

Aboriginal_Face_Painting_at_Tjupakai_by_Heidi_SiefkasAs always, stay up-to-date on more travel stories and tips from Australia and more by connecting with me on FacebookTwitter, YouTube, and Instagram. If you are interested in learning more about the Kuranda Scenic Railway tour in particular, click here.

Here’s to more good times and good stories.

**Sponsored tour provided by Viator.com, specializing in sightseeing tours and activities where you tour like a local, but still with the curiosity of a tourist.

6 Responses

  1. One of my favourite spots to see when we head down to Cairns. The crepe cafe in the markets there is incredible!!!
    • Heidi Siefkas
      The food is incredible.
  2. We love Kuranda! When we lived in Cairns we did the cablecar up and the train down a few times - then when we had kids we took the train from Cairns Central just to the first station at Freshwater which was perfect for train loving little ones!
  3. This was my favourite experience when visiting Cairns!
  4. I love Cairns and think it's one of the best spots in Australia to visit. The rainforest around the area is incredible.
  5. I've always loved to include in my travels, a railway adventure. Never had a chance to visit this place in Australia. Hopefully soon!

Leave a Reply to Bryony