Interim Kuranda Scenic Railway excursion services begin

QR will commence short excursion train trips from Kuranda to Barron Falls tomorrow (March 27), as an interim service while works continue to ensure the line is safe for the commencement of normal schedules.

Phil Reeves, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport said many visitors to Tropical North Queensland had been disappointed on missing the historic and spectacular Kuranda Scenic Railway journey.

“These short excursions will give our guests a sample of the regular experience and the opportunity to take in one of the highlights of the trip, the Barron Falls Gorge. This will go a small way towards filling a gap in a visit to the region,” Mr Reeves said.

“This interim service will provide a slice of the usual tourist experience and I am sure inject some much appreciated income into the local economy.”

The thirty minute excursions will depart daily, on the hour from Kuranda Station beginning at 11am through to 3pm. Kuranda Scenic Railway carriages and locomotives will be used to transport the passengers.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the services were good news for tourists and businesses alike.

“The Kuranda Rail is a tourist icon for the region and some business operators in Kuranda that rely on trade generated by the scenic railway have told me that the closure of the service has had a significant impact on their bottom line,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“I’ve been listening to the concerns of Kuranda businesses and I know they are very pleased that this short but scenic trip will put a rail experience back on the menu for visitors to the region so I too am delighted that the interim service will be up and running this week.”

“This will be a fun trip for Kuranda visitors and the thirty minute round-trip to BarronFalls will still leave ample time in most schedules for people to enjoy the attractions in the village”

The round-trip fare will be only $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets can be purchased at Kuranda Station or by calling Kuranda Scenic Railway on 4036 9333.

QR’s North Queensland Manager Traveltrain, Mr Gary Young said repair and construction work on the line was progressing well and the construction of the rock fall mesh fence was underway.

When the rock fall fence is completed, the construction on the tunnel can safely commence. Tunnel construction will be interrupted for safety reasons as trains pass through, so only one daily service will operate each way between Kuranda and Cairns.

“While this is less than our normal service level, the single train is expected to meet the demand at that time of the year,” Mr Young said.

The service is limited so a 40 metre long tunnel can be constructed at the site as quickly as possible as a long term solution to the slippage problem. It is expected that this tunnel will be completed in time for the peak season around mid year. The normal two daily services in each direction will then resume.

Media inquiries
Minister's office: Robert Hoge 3237 1942
Member for Barron Falls: 4038 2800