New 'Local' Focus for Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class

Queensland Rail is stepping up efforts to attract international visitors to the far north, launching a new Gold Class Kuranda Scenic Railway experience with a fresh focus on local produce and the area's rich heritage.

The railway - which winds through World Heritage protected rainforest from Cairns to Kuranda - is one of the tourism draw cards in the far north, and now there are even more reasons for visitors from around the world to take in the scenery in style.

More than 400,000 visitors are expected to take the journey this year, including 240,000 international visitors from as far as Japan, China, India, United Kingdom, Europe, and North America.

Queensland Rail Travel General Manager Carol-Anne Nelson said the new Gold Class experience starting Monday was a fantastic way for international and local visitors to enjoy the view and treat themselves to a little luxury at the same time. "The new onboard Gold Class menu showcases the best of Queensland and Tablelands produce throughout the 1 hour 45 minute trip, including freshly baked muffins with Mango Sorbet, as well as a gourmet selection of the State's best cheese, nuts, dessert, wine and beer," Ms Nelson said.

"The carriages have been hand-crafted in Victorian-inspired décor, and feature comfortable club lounge seating," she said.

"Customers can relax in the first-class setting as they admire the picturesque waterfalls, steep ravines and World Heritage protected rainforest along the journey which reaches 328m above sea level."

The story behind the railway is almost as impressive as the views, and we are also offering an exclusive tour of the heritage listed signal cabin at Kuranda station.

Crews in the late 1800s worked their way up a mountain through dense rainforest to construct 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges.

"It was a phenomenal engineering and physical feat, and we are proud to show off the result of their hard work to visitors from around the world."

From April 1, the new Gold Class experience will be offered on the following services:

• 9:55am departure from Freshwater Station (Guests wishing to board at Cairns station will receive a free transfer to Freshwater station on the 8:30am or 
• 9:30am departure from Cairns station)
• 3:30pm departure from Kuranda Station.

For more information , visit www.ksr.com.au.