Kuranda Scenic Railway
The unique Kuranda Scenic Railway has journeyed through tropical North Queensland for over 125 years, and provides its passengers with breathtaking views over one of the most stunning areas of Australia. The 23 mile (37 kilometre) long track winds through the lush green World Heritage Rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and a variety of different birds, fauna and reptiles, before it terminates at the small mountain village of Kuranda.
Demand for the Kuranda Scenic Railway began in 1882 when, unsatisfied with the often unpassable road from Port Douglas, local tin miners began calling for a railway line which would lead them to the coast. Years of debate followed, with railway leagues from both Cairns and Port Douglas fighting for the right to the railway, before construction on the line officially began in 1886. Although initially designed for commuter purposes, the railway began operating as a tourist attraction as early as 1936 and today is used solely for this purpose, transporting tourists through the spectacular rainforest to the tropical village of Kuranda every day of the year except Christmas Day.