Community
10 February, 2025
Visitors love scenic train
DESPITE Cyclone Jasper bringing the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR) to a halt early last year for two months, the tourist train still managed to carry more than 336,000 passengers in 2024.
Queensland Rail acting regional head Wayne Prosser said this was down slightly from 2023 when there were more than 385,000 customers on the iconic service.
“In January 2024, the KSR was severely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which caused significant damage to the Kuranda Range, bringing services to a halt for more than two months and prompting a major recovery effort,” he said.
“Despite weather impacts, in December 2024, we recorded more than 29,000 customers onboard which is the highest number we’ve seen for the month since COVID-19.
“We know many of our guests come from far and wide to experience the Kuranda Range’s world-renowned beauty.
“Of the 336,000 customers recorded onboard last year, around 50 per cent were national and 50 per cent were international visitors, with a majority of international travellers coming from Japan. We also see many visitors from the United Kingdom, Europe, America and Canada.
“This year (2025), we are expecting more than 400,000 customers to jump onboard the train for an unforgettable journey, winding through the World-Heritage listed rainforest.
“For more than 130 years, the KSR has connected customers to the village of Kuranda, and each year on its birthday in June, Queensland Rail celebrates its important contributions to the community and local tourism industry.
“To ensure the historical service remains safe and reliable for customers, Queensland Rail crews have a strict maintenance regime in place including planned carriage and locomotive inspections.
“In late-2024, one of the locomotives was freshly painted with Buda-dji imagery.
“In addition to the yearly KSR birthday celebrations, we host a special event during NAIDOC Week in collaboration with the location’s Traditional Owners, the Djabugay bama.”
Mr Prosser said the Queensland Rail network was celebrating its 160-year birthday this year as well.
“While planning is underway for this year’s celebrations, we encourage customers to follow the Queensland Rail social media pages to stay up to date with any announcements,” he said.
Tickets cost as little as $55 (one-way, adult fare).
Far North Queensland locals can also bag a bargain with 20 per cent off fares all year round.
For more information visit https://bit.ly/3PZsE3A
