Kuranda Scenic Railway | Heritage Class vs Gold Class

Find out why the Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of Australia's most popular rail journeys and compare the two classes of travel - Heritage Class and Gold Class.
In this video, we travel to world heritage-listed wet tropics on a spectacular railway journey that includes towering waterfalls and deep ravines as the train winds through 106 cuttings, 15 hand-carved tunnels and 55 bridges in an engineering feat that still impresses today.
Rising from sea level to 328m, the journey to Kuranda includes the stunning Barron Gorge.
In addition to unsurpassed views of rainforest and ravines, we'll learn about the history of the line and the workers who built it.
Kuranda Scenic Railway travels through the ancient World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest of the Din Din (Barron Gorge) National Park, to the mountain village of Ngunbay (Kuranda).
Kuranda Scenic Railway website including fares and bookings:
www.ksr.com.au
🚉 Train: Kuranda Scenic Railway
🚉 Operator: Queensland Rail (QR)
🚉 Locomotives: QR 1720 class
🚉 Seat: Car 7, Seat 33 (to Kuranda) and Car 8, Seat 24 (to Cairns)
🚉 Route: Cairns - Kuranda
🚉 Distance: 33km
🚉 Travel time: 1 hour 55 minutes (scheduled)
🚉 Class: Heritage Class (to Kuranda) and Gold Class (to Cairns)
🚉 Travel date: 29 December 2022
EQUIPMENT:
🚉 Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Panasonic HC-VX1, DJI Mini 3 Pro
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:48 - Reservations and boarding
03:31 - Cairns to Freshwater
07:01 - Freshwater Railway Station and Redlynch
09:21 - Jungara Loop and climbing the range
11:01 - Stoney Creek station and waterfall
13:19 - Toilet tour
14:11 - Barron Falls
16:20 - Kuranda Railway Station
19:43 - Gold Class travel
21:46 - Kuranda to Barron Falls
22:40 - Afternoon Tea and views of Cairns
23:58 - Stoney Creek Waterfall and Bridge
26:19 - Horseshoe Bend and Redlynch
28:32 - Fares
29:15 - Arriving Cairns and final thoughts
31:03 - Spirit of Queensland preview
Music
I use Artlist for high quality, licensed audio. If you sign up using my referral link below, you will get two extra months for free.
artlist.io/Adam-3542584
Credits and sources:
www.ksr.com.au/
apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-...
Photos:
Surprise Creek Railway Bridge, 1920
Queensland Government Archives
www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au...
www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au...
Building Stoney Creek Bridge for the Cairns to Kuranda Railway, 1890
www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au...
Workman on track, Stoney Creek Falls Bridge, 1915
www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au...
Workmen on Bridge No 11, 1889
www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au...
Kuranda Railway Station, 1920
www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au...
Savannahlander, Forsayth
Photo by Lobster1 via Wikimedia Commons
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Redlynch railway station (fenced off)
2018
Photo by Kerry Raymond via Wikimedia Commons
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Re...
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[@brianbuzzen]

We did Gold Class a few years ago , it was wonderful. Beers, food, unlimited, great service to your seat. The only way to do the trip we reckon.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, it’s good to treat yourself when on holiday. 👌

[@ggreg2258]

That falls in the rainy season is amazing! ! Station at Kuranda is quite beautiful and unique. Very enjoyable vid.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Definitely. Would love to visit when it’s in full flow.

[@aussiejohn5835]

Hi Adam 👋, I have done this amazing journey in 1974 and 2019 and I recommend the train journey up and returning on the Skyrail which offers fantastic views as you descend. I am looking forward to your next adventure.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi John. Yes, I agree. I have done it like that before a few years ago … however I noticed a lot of videos already cover that so that’s why I decided to compare the two classes. But if I return, I’ll definitely take Skyrail at least one way. Cheers!

[@simonolsen9995]

Love your work man. Hitting the age where this sort of stuff is high adventure for me. Your attention to the little things is much appreciated.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

So good to hear. Thank you! 🙏

[@brodieduncan2002]

I did that 2 weeks ago when I was In Cairns for a holiday. I did the train on the way up and the I did the sky rail on the way back down

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Nice!

[@rajaramank3290]

Wow....what a seens n what a falls..I enjoyed tku bro

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it

[@exploreearth6275]

Lovely Kuranda scenic railway

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It is!

[@gregbowen617]

I grew up in Cairns right opposite the railway line to Kuranda. A lot has changed since I left in 1978! Still beautiful, and Barron Falls are a sight to behold in monsoon season… great video, brings back so many memories…

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Lovely to hear that. Thank you!

[@xr6lad]

Another excellent video. You should have done the Skyrail cable car as a comparison. I thought the Skyrail was much nicer as it was above the trees and through them with a great mid-ride stop where you can get off and wander round on elevated walkways. I felt the train dragged a bit much and was more crowded which took away from the experience.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers! Yes, fair enough. I reckon doing Gold Class one way and Skyrail back would be the perfect combination. 👌 (I have done Skyrail before but not since I started making videos … maybe next time 🤔)

[@frizzy60]

Hi Adam, another great production. I always look forward to you videos being released. On many occasions it has brought back find memories

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s wonderful to hear - thank you!

[@WhiteStickTravel]

Hi Adam, i did this journey back in 1989. in those days they didn't have any of the tourist stuff they have today. you just climbed aboard and sat where you like. there was no information or gold class. the only commentary on my journey was a group of Americans from California who got very excited to see the waterfall. great video thanks.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh wow. Didn’t realise it had changed so much. Good to know. Thanks for sharing!

[@nathanmaurice747]

Great video Adam, appreciate taking a look at a place I might never get to like so many of your videos. You are definitely a hidden gem in our country, and abroad from time to time, and I think many are missing out not viewing or subscribing. Safe and happy travels!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow - that’s very kind of you to say, Nathan. Thank you! I enjoy travelling and making these videos (editing them is sort of a way to relive the trip), so hopefully there will be many more. 😊

[@ThrottleAddiction]

Visually spectacular! We went to the SkyRail terminal, where they shuttle-bussed us to Freshwater Station. After visiting Kuranda, we rode the cable car back down, which returned us to the SkyRail terminal.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Sounds like a perfect day. 👌

[@anjummirza1452]

Excellent information and narration. Very beautiful journey...

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@railvlogger1439]

Lovely video. QR is really getting their moneys worth out of those 1700 class locomotives. I can remember them back in the 70's operating Brisbane's suburban rail services.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, they’ve done well out of them.

[@johnmullin1188]

Nice 1 my friend great video it must rain a lot seeing the waterfalls up there thanks for the video John uk

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you. Yes, they have high rainfall around Cairns.

[@railwaymechanicalengineer4587]

BRITISH RAILWAYS MECHANICAL ENGINEERS VISIT IN 1986. When I visited in late 1986, the original station at Cairns was still in place and the town was only half the size it is today. And Queensland Government Railways had already seen the tourist opportunities of this line. As they were operating a diesel hauled trip to Kuranda & return daily. Indeed I suspect the 1950's "Heritage" coaches still in use today, are probably the ones I rode on in late 1986. Of course this line is doubly stunning for Americans or Europeans who I think assume Australia is just a vast flat plain of scrub desert ! So to find mountains and beautiful Tropical Jungle is a stunning and entertaining surprise in itself. As a Railway Engineer I was of course also interested in all of the rail operations based on Cairns. To what I think was the Area Manager for the area, I suggested to increase attraction, the "tourist" train needed a Steam loco (oil fired to reduce any problems of trackside or wildfire). I think this train has on occasion used steam for the "tourist" train. But as seen in your film it seems they now need two diesels to haul it up into the mountains, as the train appears to have even more carriages than when I made my visit. So is obviously proving even more popular !! Certainly I recommend a ride as it wasn't just the amazing colours of the plethora of massive tropical flowers, which the train had to almost push aside to reach Kuranda station. Which was itself a riot of colour. But also the stunning views of the waterfall you pass right in front of, as the train crosses a large arch girder bridge. It's almost as though the railway was designed & built solely for Tourism !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much for sharing … most interesting history! 👍

[@sarbaazchabahar]

Beautiful country👍✌️

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It certainly is. Cheers! 😍

[@KSwenson]

Superb video again. Thank you!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@Zuuu40]

Fantastic video and thank u for adding subtitles to your videos

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Glad they’re useful. Cheers!

[@cristos58]

Fantastic presentation. Well done. Thanks mate

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@leonwakefield7285]

Another great one Adam,enjoying your trips more and more 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Brilliant. Thanks Leon! ☺️

[@Bigdaleadventure]

Great video once again love the detail you go into really makes for a interesting watch. Enjoy can’t wait for more

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Good to hear that. Thank you!

[@oswaldboelcke5470]

Another great video. Your train videos are the best I have ever seen. Thanks.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow, thanks!

[@HenrysAviation]

Awesome video as usual!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 🙏

[@Rheilffordd]

Great video! I visit Cairns regularly for work, and always make time to see this train come and go, however I have actually never been on the train itself! Thanks to your video, this has really prompted me to pull a finger out and go do it! (The old QR diesels make it feel like a heritage tour in its own right!)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, watching and riding it are two very different experiences … definitely worth doing, as is Skyrail. Those locos are classics … QR have certainly gotten good value out of them. Cheers!

[@nickalliker6219]

Another great video Adam; I’ll definitely check this out when up in cairns 👍👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Nick! Definitely worthwhile. 😄

[@nicozufferey9225]

Stunning video 💚

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!!

[@dianacalder9614]

A wonderful journey Adam, i really enjoyed this. The scenery is amazing and i love those old world train stations. I watched this while having my breakfast this morning, a lovely way to start the day. 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Diana. It’s a great train trip - glad you liked it.

[@adammurphy6845]

Been to CNS so many times and have never done the Kuranda train....thanks for the insight and great video as usual. Def will give it a go when next up that way

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

You’re welcome. Hope you enjoy the train ride when you’re next in Cairns. 😊

[@RMillerism]

We did this trip from Freshwater a few weeks ago. Great trip. Heritage was good enough for me. Cheers from Port Hughes.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@grouchogroucho7743]

Great video - really enjoyed your commentary.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 😊

[@Toninz]

Feel as though I’m travelling on your channels so informative it’s so awesome thank you for taking us on your journeys 🙏👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Really glad to hear that. Thank you! ☺️

[@Toninz]

Honestly you should be getting paid for promoting them 🤗👍

[@Northisbest]

Excellent video 👍👍 Went there twice in 1991 and 2016 Can't wait next video Brisbane to Cairns Never see before

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! I’ve been on it twice too … always an enjoyable trip.

[@trainman9024]

the steam engine that once ran on that line now runs at the bellarine railway in Vic hauling the Qtrain with ex sunlander carriages

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing!

[@RailTownProductions]

Great video. Loved it as always. You should do Savannahlander :)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, that’s one I’d be keen to try … just have to find time in the schedule. 🤔

[@johnclauder615]

What a great video; you must have spent days, if not weeks working on this with shots on and off the train. I agree the gold class is worth the money. The train and the skyrail offer very different experiences and I would suggest to anyone to do both,. I found the return journey by train rather long because of the constant application of the brakes ! Good work !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Because they have two trains running each way, I was able to get most of the shots on the same day. However, one shot is from a visit a year earlier and another I got the following day before boarding the Spirit of Queensland, so it all came together. 😊 Good advice re Skyrail. I’ve done it once before but wasn’t making videos then. Interestingly, the up and down running times are the same but yes, the return journey can feel longer for some reason. 🤔

[@kevinbennett3954]

Well done you look like a season traveler I have actually enjoy your videos

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s great to hear - thank you!

[@nobodycares85]

I remember doing this trip many years ago, it was a lovely trip. The skyrail was interesting given my fear of hieghts but was still absolutely worth doing.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Nice!

[@joshgibson3807]

Great video and the scenery is amazing

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you. Glad you liked it. ☺️

[@joshgibson3807]

@@TonyTran423 hi tony what was your plans for your next video

[@joshgibson3807]

@@TonyTran423 Alright sounds good

[@michaelformaini7053]

Another great video contribution from you Adam. I've done the trip twice before (1987 and 1998) back when I was in the Rail Industry and had the benefit of First Class Interstate Passes on leave (no such luck now as I didn't get my 30+ years of continuous service - politics of the day deprived me of that). Nice to see the 21st century iteration as I have a Canadian railfan friend coming to do this and other classic rail journeys in September and this will serve to stimulate conversation about his experience of the same journey. By the way, I can experience some free interstate travel and discounts on other services, having obtained a retired rail employee pass and a seniors card, so to the political forces of the past, ....swings and merry-go-rounds! Thanks for the timely posting Adam!🙂😉🙂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Michael. Yes, you have to make the most of any benefits you can get. Cheers!

[@arokh72]

That guy holding his phone outside the window at the beginning of the video made me nervous. I'd be afraid of dropping it if I did that. You may recall I commented on your Spirit of Queensland video about being inspired to take that trip. Whilst in Cairns I will certainly take this trip and the Skyrail. Looks like you can book it with a shuttle bus back to Cairns Central, which seems ideal. I'm not sure if I should take a tour, that includes Hartley's, and gives 1 hour in Kuranda, or skip Hartley's and explore Kuranda more, especially the birds and butterflies.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ha - yes, fair enough. I’ve not been to Hartley’s but it gets good reviews so sounds like it would be worth checking out. Enjoy your adventure!

[@daintyfoal1981]

23:23 that dirt field if i can remember is the armour and artillery museum, which is next to the skyrail start point edit: i might be wrong, its been a while since ive been to cairns

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, you could be right.

[@teddythewonderlizard1448]

Excellent video and review Adam. Looking forward to your take on the Spirit of Queensland!

[@xr6lad]

Yes. Will be interesting. Not a fan of the BC type seats. Much prefer the sleeper cabins for a proper quieter sleep without other passengers around (plus I also snore so am aware of annoying others). You don’t get that with cabins .

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! ☺️

[@teddythewonderlizard1448]

@@xr6lad Based on experience, I think that the SoQ sleeper bed - as a facility - compares more than favourably with ViaRail and Amtrak roomettes, and the high priced berths on other Australian 'tourist' trains. As a value proposition, it is miles ahead of all of them. That aside, I rely on Adam to identify and explain all the bits that I miss out on my first trip so that I don't on my second. And subsequent.

[@allenzhang9900]

Long time no see again, another great video

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers! Glad you liked it. 😊

[@allenzhang9900]

@@FromtheWindowSeat Look forward to see your coming video for trip to Brisbane now. I have always dreamed to catch the spirit of Queensland to travel but university has restricted my everything😢

[@Hongaars1969]

HI Adam. So lovely to watch your latest adventure. Must check my notification alerts because I seem to have missed your last two posts, from New Zealand. Wishing you safe onward travels

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Eugene. Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@dereksanders7905]

We did the Karunda Scenic Railway(in Gold class) and SkyRail during a holiday to Oz in 2018 and will be doing the KSR again during our next Oz holiday in October 2024.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Excellent! Hope you enjoy your 2024 trip.

[@PS-Straya_M8]

Hi Adam, another great video 😁 Just wondering, have you done any Tasmania train journeys, and if not will you be doing so?

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I haven’t … well, not since I was a kid. Definitely something I’d like to explore. 🤔

[@PS-Straya_M8]

@@FromtheWindowSeat thanks Adam, will keep an eye out for your video in future 😁

[@theaustraliantrainspotter]

Oh man if I had known you were in cairns I would of come say hi this is literally my home train

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh cool. 😎

[@theaustraliantrainspotter]

@@FromtheWindowSeat thanks

[@runningtap12]

Where are you from, Adam? Loving your videos!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I’m from Adelaide, South Australia.

[@andreawoelke]

Great drinking movement coordination with the guy behind you at about 21:20!😂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ha! 😂😂

[@techerino]

Pretty brave doing this in December! Weather can really ruin the trip during the wet

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Was lucky I guess. Cheers!

[@firstfreeone]

I am quite surprised you did not video or mention Robb's Monument named after the contractor who built the track.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I must have missed that. Oops!

[@YaseenExperience]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

❤️

[@rachelmartin2967]

9 nice opening English nice

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks

[@warrickjones590]

Visited the falls in 88 left my keys at the bottom so back down I trudged.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ooops! 😝

[@JuliansTrainsandGames]

Are you going to do the Savannahlander one day?

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hopefully one day! 🤞

[@railvlogger1439]

By the way, have you been on the ' Gulflander' between Normanton and Croydon? I am unsure as to whether it is still running.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

No, I haven’t but would love to one day.

[@itsyhana4903]

This is how my school (Redlynch State College) got its old logo from… Interesting

[@itsyhana4903]

What I meant was the one with a beautiful view image with the train and waterfall

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh - that’s cool!

[@michaelhutchings2847]

3 foot 6

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Nothing like narrow gauge 😜

[@WiseGuy02]

Looks like a nice way to spend the day. I think the fat guy behind you would have been disappointed with the food.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It definitely is. 👍

[@heathbaum]

To expensive

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Fair enough

[@mickzammit6794]

Kuranda was a beautiful peaceful place when it was inhabited mostly by timber workers and Aboriginal families then the hippies found it was excellent for growing marijuana and they moved in en masse. After time came those who saw the opportunity to turn the place into a cash cow. For instance the mango sorbet shown comes at a scary price like most things in Kuranda these days. And what about the robbery that took place back in the day on the railway? Did they avoid speaking about that? Big hello to the Grogan family of the old days who couldn't keep up with all the so called wonderful development. All gone now guys.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Interesting. They do cover the train robbery in the recorded commentary. 🤔

[@mickzammit6794]

@@FromtheWindowSeat that's good because my impression of the video was that it was made for gain. A trip to the bottom pub could have shown a bit of local history too but the person looked more like a mango sorbet sort of guy.