The world-famous Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of the true "must-do" attractions while visiting the Cairns region.

You will discover the pioneering history of the tropical north, be astounded by a magnificent engineering feat and explore some of the great characters involved in the construction of this great railway. 

The railway line is one of the reasons Cairns city prospered in its early days.

Built as a link to the booming gold and mining towns of the Atherton Tablelands, the railway came into operation in the late 1800s.

In 1882, the miners of Herberton were on the brink of total starvation, unable to get supplies due to flooding and other adverse weather conditions.

A route to civilisation was desperately needed and adventure bushman Christie Palmerston was charged with finding a starting point for a railway. 

Smithfield was chosen as the starting point for the line, which was the wind up the Kuranda Range and across the Atherton Tablelands and beyond.

Dense jungle and cliffs with sheer drops of up to 327 metres and a slope as steep as 45 degrees made work very dangerous, with many men losing their lives in the construction of the railway.

Somehow, without modern equipment but simply determination, dynamite and bare hands the team eventually finished the job. 

After removing 2.3 million metres of earthworks, creating 15 tunnels, 93 curves, dozens of bridges and 75 kilometres of track, a banquet high up on the bridge with General Sir Henry Wiley Norman, Governor of Queensland marked the completion of Stoney Creek Bridge.

Shortly after in June of 1891 the line was open for everyone to enjoy. 

These days the railway is no longer used for mining or supplies, but continues its legacy as one of the top Cairns tourist attractions.

Winding through World Heritage rainforest and up over the magnificent Barron Gorge, a trip on the railway gives visitors an unforgettable view of the Cairns region's amazing natural landscape.

So when your in Cairns, make sure you put the Kuranda Scenic Railway high on your to-do list.

You won't be disappointed!

Click here for more information about other Cairns attractions and Cairns tours.

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