How many people died building the Kuranda railway?

Some 32 men were killed in accidents during construction. That the line was completed at all is largely credited to the contractor John Robb, who together with the government engineers found a way to construct the railway despite the rugged and unstable terrain and the harsh tropical climate.

Is the Kuranda Skyrail worth it?

The answer is yes. Even for this frugal traveller, I found it a fun day out. The SkyRail offers some amazing views of Cairns and of the rainforest. It’s a longer ride than I imagined and well worth the money.

How much is the train from Cairns to Kuranda?

$8 – $75
Alternatively, Queensland Rail Travel operates a train from Cairns station to Kuranda station twice daily. Tickets cost $8 – $75 and the journey takes 1h 55m.

Is it better to go up or down the Kuranda Skyrail?

Thanks folks — I was focusing so much on the views aspect, I nearly forgot the logistics of getting out of Kuranda — so definitely Train up, Skyrail down.

How long did Kuranda Railway take to build?

5 years
1886: Construction started on the Railway to transport supplies from the mining belts to the sea. 1891: Taking 5 years to complete, the first work train steamed into Kuranda 12th April. The Railway was officially opened June.

How was the Kuranda Skyrail built?

The towers were constructed in 10 metre x 10 metre clearings, and were placed as far apart as mechanically possible. The tower footings were built largely by hand, up to five metres deep in some cases, using picks and shovels. There were no roads built during Skyrail’s construction.

Does Skyrail have air conditioning?

Train has no air conditioning.

How long is the Skyrail trip?

1 ½ hours
How long does a Skyrail experience take? Allow 1 ½ hours to complete a standard one-way Skyrail experience or; up to 2 hours for a one-way Diamond View experience. These timings include two stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. You can however choose to spend as much time as you like at Red Peak and Barron Falls.

How long is the Kuranda train ride?

1 hour and 55 minutes
5. How long does the journey take? The one-way journey is 1 hour and 55 minutes from Cairns Railway Station (including 5-minute stop at Freshwater Station to pick up more passengers and 10-minute stop at Barron Falls Lookout.

How much time do you need in Kuranda?

If you wish to explore Kuranda Village there are numerous acitvities, including markets, art galleries, cafes and wildlife parks. Depending on your schedule, we recommend allowing 2 – 3 hours in Kuranda ‘Village in the rainforest’.

Why did they build the Kuranda railway?

Desperate calls for a railway to the coast The setting was the prolonged North Queensland wet season of 1882. Desperate tin miners on the Wild River near Herberton were unable to obtain supplies and were on the verge of famine.

How old is the Kuranda Scenic Railway?

Construction of the railway began in 1886. The railway was completed as far as Kuranda in 1891. Passenger services began operations on 25 June 1891. Many lives were lost as numerous tunnels and bridges were built.