Kuranda/North Queensland
The picturesque mountain retreat village of Kuranda is just 25km northwest of Cairns, in Tropical North Queensland, but getting to this ‘Village in the Rainforest’ (and back again) is an experience in itself.
Of course you can take the “boring” road trip…up through the escarpment and in to Kuranda or, like me, you can enjoy the Skyrail/Scenic Railway combo that has a view around every corner. This by far the better choice to make!
Peaceful Kuranda was originally enjoyed by visitors wanting to view the majestic Barron Falls, and by ‘hippies’ who set up in the village and enjoyed weekly markets to sell their arts and crafts…and other “pastimes”. Today it is very different!
Kuranda is a vibrant village where day-trippers and long-stay visitors alike can enjoy the totally different climate and atmosphere to that of the ‘locals’ on the coast.
The Aboriginal Dreamtime legend tells of Buda-dji (The Carpet Snake), which carved out the Barron River and the creeks and tributaries that join on to it…from the coast to the tablelands.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway:
Skyrail is a unique experience, which will take you on a journey atop the World Heritage Rainforest of Tropical North Queensland.
Spanning 7.5km, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway traverses the McAlister Range, through the Barron Gorge National Park, taking guests on an amazing journey between its Smithfield and Kuranda Terminals.
Guests glide just metres above the rainforest canopy in Skyrail’s comfortable six-person gondola cabins, which provide spectacular and uninterrupted views of the rainforest, tropical Cairns, the Coral Sea and the lush Cairns Highlands.
Witness the wonders of the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforests from Skyrail’s unique vantage point, before alighting at Skyrail’s two rainforest mid-stations to explore and learn more about this fascinating environment from the forest floor.
At Red Peak Station, qualified Rangers provide regular guided boardwalk tours sharing their knowledge of this ancient environment and answering visitor questions, while the Rainforest Interpretive Centre at Barron Falls Station provides a fun and informative learning experience for people of all ages.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is open every day (except Christmas Day and during programmed maintenance), from 9.00am to 5.15pm. Bookings are highly recommended. For more information visit www.skyrail.com.au
Kuranda Scenic Railway:
The original Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls.
This famous railway winds its way on a journey of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Cairns to Kuranda, and back again.
The Cairns-Kuranda Railway was constructed between 1886 and 1891 and even today is considered an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. Hundreds of men were employed to build the 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges that stand as a monument to the pioneers of tropical North Queensland who lost their lives while working on the railway.
Rising from sea level to 328m, the journey to Kuranda passes through World Heritage protected tropical rainforest, past spectacular waterfalls and into the awesome Barron Gorge. Upon reaching the village of Kuranda a rich assortment of interesting attractions and unique shopping experiences awaits you.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway can be joined at Cairns Railway Station or Freshwater Connection for morning departures to Kuranda. Journeys from Kuranda Station to Cairns run in the afternoon. The journey includes an English commentary and all passengers receive a souvenir Z-card portraying the history of the railway’s construction and a map of Kuranda and the journey. www.ksr.com.au