TNQ Writer
Thought that finding the perfect rail experience was harder than it steams? Whether you enjoy a cheeky scenic train ride or you’re a full on a foamer – FYI that’s US slang for an obsessive railfan – there’s a train experience for everyone in Tropical North Queensland.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
There’s one rail experience in Tropical North Queensland that’s so iconic, it’s pretty much the Cairns version of the Hogwarts Express. Enter the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a picture-perfect rail journey that winds its way from Cairns to the quirky rainforest village of Kuranda through world heritage rainforest. If waterfalls are how you roll, you’re in luck – the journey incorporates unsurpassed views of the spectacular Stoney Creek Falls and the mighty Barron Falls.
Undara Experience
Sleep in a restored railway carriage
Sleep in a restored railway carriage
The carriages are set along an original teamsters coach road
The carriages are set along an original teamsters coach road
If you thought sleeping in a railway carriage meant rickety bunk beds, you’ve obviously not heard of Undara Experience. Here, you can comfortably rest your head on a deluxe double bed in a stunningly restored turn-of-the-century railway carriage, complete with an ensuite bathroom, living room and fridge. Wake up feeling rested and ready for a tour of the iconic Undara Lava Tubes, some of the largest and longest lava tubes on the planet.
The Station Café
Eat on a stationary train at The Station Café
Take your taste for trains to a literal level at the Station Café in Atherton. Hop aboard a stationary train carriage and tuck into tasty breakfast, brunch and lunch options. Don’t forget to keep your phone camera handy as the café is prettily peppered with hanging baskets and greenery.
Choo Choos/ Bally Hooley
Dine onboard the Bally Hooley at Choo Choos at the Marina
Dine onboard the Bally Hooley at Choo Choos at the Marina
The interior of the Bally Hooley features beautiful stained glass
The interior of the Bally Hooley features beautiful stained glass
The word “cute” may not come to mind when you think of trains, but it will when you see the colourful historic Bally Hooley in Port Douglas. Although it’s not currently operating as a moving locomotive, you can dine on the train with Choo Choos at the Marina. With scrumptious treats to tuck into such as coconut and chilli crumbed calamari, you’d be crazy not to hop aboard.
Savannahlander
Venture into the outback on the Savannahlander
Aussie outback train adventures don’t get more action-packed than the Savannahlander. Venture west from Cairns to Forsayth and back to Cairns over four days on this classic 1960 rail motor, stopping each night to sleep at outback towns. Although the train itself is pretty impressive – think three rail motor units built in 1963 and 1971 – the tours on the stops offer the best the outback has to offer.
Join Fun Over 50s (if you’re over 50 of course) for an adventure like no other. Fly into Cairns and take the Kuranda Scenic Rail to explore ancient rainforests. Travel through the Gulf Savannah on the Gulflander and Savannahlander trains, ending with a remarkable tour of the Undara Lava Tubes in Cobbold Gorge.
Wander through the Undara Lava Tubes, join Ewamian Traditional Owners to explore Talaroo Hot Springs, explore the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves and marvel at Cobbold Gorge. Between your outback adventures, you can check out the ever-changing landscape looking over the shoulder of the driver from the front row, which is available for everyone.
Gulflander
Take a journey from "nowhere to nowhere"
Take a journey from "nowhere to nowhere"
Ride on the "tin hare"
Ride on the "tin hare"
Hardcore railfans will want to add this “journey from nowhere to nowhere” to their bucketlist. Hop aboard the “Tin Hare”, a 1950 railmotor, and pass from wetlands, to grasslands to the savannah on a route that was originally created to connect Normanton to the gold fields of Croydon. The five-hour one way journey is narrated by your accredited Savannah Guide driver, who will share stories of the railway line, history and local flora and fauna.
High Tea Trolley at Freshwater Station
Grab the girls for a high tea at Freshwater Station
Photo source: highteatrolley.com
Train stations and high tea go hand in hand at Freshwater Station, a departing point for the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Open by bookings only, the High Tea Trolley offers trolleys of delicious delights brought straight to your table. Whether you are looking for a high tea with friends or a function of up to 80 people, this train track-side venue is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Tinlander
Journey along a section of the historic Cairns to Herberton Railway
Journey along a section of the historic Cairns to Herberton Railway
Take to Tinlander to Historic Village Herberton
Take to Tinlander to Historic Village Herberton
The Tinlander offers short but sweet ride from Herberton Station to the Historic Village Herberton on Sundays from 10am to 2pm with more days over the school holidays. Journey along the banks of the Wild River on a section of track from the original Cairns to Herberton Railway, which was built in the early 1900s to transport tin from Herberton. Volunteers are at the heart of the Tinlander and are currently resorting the track between Atherton and Herberton, as well as restoring a 1905 Peckett steam locomotive and 1910 wooden carriage.
Spirit of Queensland
Traverse the whole state of Spirit of Queensland
Take in the whole of Queensland from the comfort of your seat on the Spirit of Queensland Travelling from Brisbane to Cairns on a 25 hour journey, the train also offers Railbeds for those staying for the long haul. While Queensland is your oyster, with stops at Townsville, Airlie Beach, Mackay and more, we recommend disembarking at Cairns and spending time exploring all that is on offer in this tropical paradise. Kuranda Scenic Railway anyone?
