A Journey Through History and Rainforest: The Kuranda Scenic Railway
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Written By: Jocelyn Chiu
Photos By: Brent Paterson
Whenever someone asks me what’s worth exploring in Cairns, aside from the classic Great Barrier Reef diving, I always enthusiastically recommend the Kuranda Scenic Railway! This railway is not just a means of transportation; it’s a magical journey through history and nature. Today, let me take you on an exploration of this 130-year-old railway and the breathtaking tropical rainforest scenery along the way.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway: A Perfect Blend of History and Nature
The Kuranda Scenic Railway winds through one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests—the Kuranda Rainforest. Riding this train allows you to not only witness the grandeur of nature but also delve into the history and culture of this land.
The railway was originally built in 1886 to connect Cairns with inland agricultural areas, ensuring the transport of people and goods while boosting Cairns’ economic development. By the mid-to-late 20th century, as transportation methods diversified, the railway’s freight function declined, and the government transformed it into a tourist railway, allowing visitors from around the world to enjoy the unique beauty of this tropical rainforest.
Route and Travel Tips
The Kuranda Scenic Railway has three main stations:
- Cairns Station: Located in the city center, it’s perfect for travelers without private transportation.
- Freshwater Station: A mid-point station, ideal for those staying nearby.
- Kuranda Station: The final stop and the starting point for exploring Kuranda Village.
If you’re a solo traveler, I highly recommend boarding at Cairns Station. This way, you can skip the hassle of driving and easily plan a full-day itinerary!



Carriage Design: A Nostalgic Experience
The carriages of the Kuranda Scenic Railway retain the traditional 19th-century style, with vintage wooden frames and maroon sofa seats, making you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time to the era of steam trains. This design not only evokes a sense of nostalgia but also provides the perfect backdrop for photos—definitely a great spot for your social media feed!
During the journey, aside from enjoying the winding mountain paths, historical engineering relics, stunning valleys, and tropical rainforest waterfalls, the train also features audio commentary, allowing you to soak in the scenery while learning fascinating facts about the area.
Highlight of the Journey: Barron Gorge National Park and Barron Falls
One of the trip’s highlights is Barron Gorge National Park. Here, you can disembark and enjoy a panoramic view of the famous Barron Falls. During the rainy season, the waterfall’s powerful rush is awe-inspiring, while in the dry season, the gentle flow of water down the cliffs reveals a softer, more delicate beauty. No matter the season, this spot offers a unique visual treat.



Final Stop: Exploring Kuranda Village’s Art and Culture
The last stop of the scenic train is Kuranda Station, where passengers typically have 4-5 hours of free time to explore. Kuranda Village is renowned for its local art, culture, and tropical plants, and there’s plenty to discover:
- Kuranda Markets: A fusion of hippie and Japanese culture, this market sells a variety of handicrafts, local art, unique souvenirs, and Japanese snacks, allowing you to soak in the vibrant tropical artistic atmosphere while shopping.
- Wildlife Experiences: The village is also home to three wildlife parks—Koala Gardens, Butterfly Sanctuary, and Birdworld. If you’re an animal lover, consider purchasing a combo ticket for these attractions. We previously visited the Koala Gardens and Birdworld, and the experience was fantastic!
A Journey of Relaxation and Discovery
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is not just a trip through history and nature; it’s also a journey of relaxation and self-discovery. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this experience will leave you with unforgettable memories and profound insights. If you’re visiting Cairns, don’t miss this enchanting railway adventure—come and experience the unique charm of the Kuranda Scenic Railway!
Travel Tip: Be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid missing out on this incredible journey!
-Jocelyn Chiu










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穿越百年歷史與熱帶雨林的庫蘭達觀光火車(Kuranda Scenic Railway)
Written By: Jocelyn Chiu
Photos By: Brent Paterson
每當有人問我們凱恩斯有什麼好玩的,除了大堡礁潛水這個經典選項外,我一定會大力推薦庫蘭達觀光火車(Kuranda Scenic Railway)!這條鐵路不僅是交通路線,更是一段穿越歷史與自然的奇妙旅程。這次就讓我們帶大家一起探索這條擁有130多年歷史的鐵路,以及它沿途的熱帶雨林風光吧!
庫蘭達觀光火車:歷史與自然的完美結合
庫蘭達觀光火車的路徑穿越世界上最古老的熱帶雨林之—庫蘭達熱帶雨林。搭乘這條鐵路,你不僅能感受到大自然的壯麗,還能深入了解這片土地的歷史與文化。
這條鐵路最初建於1886年,目的是為了連接凱恩斯與內陸的農業區,確保人員和物資的運輸,同時促進凱恩斯的經濟發展。直到20世紀中後期,隨著交通方式的多元化,庫蘭達鐵路的運輸功能逐漸下降,政府便將其轉型為觀光鐵路,讓來自世界各地的遊客都能欣賞到這片熱帶雨林的獨特風光。
鐵路路線與乘車建議
庫蘭達觀光火車共有三個主要車站:
- 凱恩斯車站(Cairns Station):位於市區,非常適合沒有交通工具的遊客從這裡出發。
- 布邦吉車站(Freshwater Station):中途站,適合住在附近的旅客。
- 庫蘭達小鎮車站(Kuranda Station):終點站,也是遊客探索庫蘭達小鎮的起點。
如果你是自由行的旅客,我非常推薦從凱恩斯車站上車,這樣可以省去一天的駕車煩惱,輕鬆規劃一整天的行程!



車廂設計:復古與懷舊的完美體驗
庫蘭達觀光火車的車廂設計保留了19世紀的傳統風格,復古的木製車框和棕紅色的沙發座位,讓人彷彿穿越時空,回到那個蒸汽火車的年代。這樣的設計不僅讓人感到懷舊,還非常適合拍照留念,絕對是打卡的好地方!
旅途中,除了能欣賞蜿蜒的山路、歷史工程遺跡、壯麗的深谷與熱帶雨林瀑布外,車內還配有觀光導覽廣播,讓你在沉浸於美景的同時,也能收穫豐富的旅遊知識。
旅途亮點:巴倫峽谷國家公園與巴倫瀑布
這趟旅程的一大亮點就是巴倫峽谷國家公園(Barron Gorge National Park)。在這裡,你可以下車以全景視角欣賞著名的巴倫瀑布(Barron Falls)。雨季時,瀑布洶湧而下的樣子震撼人心;而乾季時,細緻的水流沿著峭壁靜靜流下,展現出截然不同的柔美風貌。無論哪個季節,這裡都能帶給你獨特的視覺享受。



終點站:庫蘭達小鎮的藝術與文化之旅
觀光列車的最後一站是庫蘭達小鎮車站,乘客通常會有4-5個小時的自由活動時間。庫蘭達小鎮是一個以當地藝術、文化以及熱帶植物聞名的地方,這裡有許多值得探索的景點:
- 庫蘭達市集(Kuranda Markets):這裡聚合了嘻皮與日式文化,販售各式各樣的手工藝品、當地藝術、特色紀念品和日式小點美食,讓你可以一邊逛市集,一邊感受濃厚的熱帶藝術風情。
- 動物園體驗:小鎮周邊還有三個動物園可以加價參觀,包括無尾熊動物館、熱帶蝴蝶館和澳洲鳥類館。如果你對動物感興趣,可以參考各館的組合套票,我們之前參加過無尾熊動物館和澳洲鳥類館,體驗非常棒!
一趟身心靈的放鬆與探索之旅
庫蘭達觀光火車不僅是一段穿越歷史與自然的旅程,更是一次身心靈的放鬆與探索。無論你是熱愛自然的旅人,還是喜歡歷史文化的遊客,這趟旅程都能為你帶來難忘的回憶與深刻的體驗。如果你來到凱恩斯,千萬別錯過這條充滿魅力的鐵路之旅,以及感受庫蘭達觀光火車的獨特魅力吧!
旅遊小提醒:建議提前預訂車票,尤其是在旅遊旺季,以免錯過這趟精彩的旅程哦!
-Jocelyn Chiu
