We have learned much about Australia on this trip so far, but one item that stands out is that there are rainforests here. I, like many others, probably haven’t thought about this land down under as being tropical, but this northeastern city of Cairns fits. With its warm and sunny climate coupled with its positioning to the Coral Sea, the mountains surrounding Cairns are filled with rainforest, including the historic mountain town of Kuranda. 

Neither Tammy, Alex, nor I have been on a “real” train; the one at Dollywood doesn’t count, nor does the out-and-back ride we had in Colorado a couple of years ago. This ride from Cairns Central Station up to Kuranda, however, was the real deal, even with an option for the Gold Class car, which we chose without hesitation. 

This Kuranda Scenic Railway train was beautiful; it harkened back to the early 1900s with ornate silky oak wood, brass, and comfy armchairs. Some of the cars of the train were nearly 100 years old, but very well maintained, and they had mid-1900s diesel/electric engines. As it was a warm day, we kept the windows open so we could wave back to the various folks living and working alongside the tracks who waved as we passed. Being in Gold Class, we were served drinks, finger foods, yummy mango sorbet, and even given a refresher towel. Nice 🙂

On the way up the mountain, the train made a couple of stops for pictures, including two sharp bends that allowed us to see both ends of the train, as well as spectacular views of a waterfall and into Barron Gorge and Falls. This railway was built by blasting into the mountain, so the views off the side were epic and steep, with multiple tunnels and bridges along the way. 

Once off the train and into Kuranda, we began exploring the many activities there, the shops, and unique food. Started as a gold rush town in the late 1800s, Kuranda was originally only accessible by railway, but now there is a road and even a cable gondola. There is a butterfly sanctuary with many different species native to Australia, including the rare and largest in the world, Hercules Moth. We were fortunate to see it as it only lives for a few days due to not having a mouth to eat; it must live off its body fats for its short life. This moth emerged from its cocoon just yesterday, its timing perfect for our visit. 

For lunch, we found an eatery that served traditional Australian pies. Now, these aren’t pies like we know in the US; a pie here is a meal, complete with various meats, vegetables, sauces, and cheeses. Tammy and I kept it simple with chicken/asparagus/potato and chicken/curry, respectively, while Alex ventured out to have a kangaroo pie along with a sausage roll. Seems kangaroo down under is like cow in the States, a tasty treat. We topped our lunch off with another traditional item, a lamington, sponge cake dipped in chocolate and coconut, yum!!! Given the tropical feel of the area and abundance of coconut, sugarcane, mango, and other fruits, these are often used in drinks, including coffees Tammy and I enjoyed, coconut chai, and coconut chocolate, more yum. 

We found a path along the nearby river to explore, seeing unique trees and birds along the way, but all the while keeping an eye on the river for crocodiles. Later in the walk, a youngster came walking by wet. I asked if he had been swimming in the river, and to my surprise, he said yes. Wow… but according to him, the freshwater crocs are nice; it’s the saltwater crocs you have to worry about. I know he lives there and knows his country, but I’m wary of any croc. 

On the return trip from Kuranda to Cairns, one of the train staff gave us a quick education on how the emergency stop system works. The pull cord is still used on this train and alerts the engineers in the engines while releasing the air pressure in the cars’ brake system.

We completed our day with a farewell group gathering with finger foods on the hotel veranda overlooking the bay and a nice chat with our tour manager, Karen. She was a treat to have, very helpful in having a local guide us and assist with airport transfers and the like while in both Sydney and Cairns. 

Although many of our trips are either self-organized or all-inclusive, this trip was a big difference. We used Gate 1 Travel as our travel company. We paid a single price for flights, stays/breakfast, and excursions booked via Gate 1 Travel. Anything extra was on us. Also provided was our tour manager, who was there to assist and guide. Most of the group of 30ish folks were on excursions together, but much of what we did was just the three of us. We really appreciated that about Gate 1 Travel: we have flexibility to do what we want on our schedule if we choose. 

Tomorrow is a travel day. We are headed to the South Pacific island of Fiji.

Full album of pictures: https://jeffgibson.smugmug.com/Kuranda-Scenic-Railway