Stoney Creek Bridge

While the rest of Cairns is only just stirring into life, the train quietly slips out through the Northern Suburbs of Cairns, Freshwater and Redlynch, where it then begins its ascent of the famous Kuranda Range. Stops are made at Stoney Creek to view the falls, Barron Falls and Kuranda . From here we follow the Barron River around to Mareeba . After a short stop, we proceed to the small town of Mutchilba for a morning tea stop, then a quick visit to Dimbulah .

From here cultivated fields and agriculture give way to the rugged bush, and we begin more ascents up the Featherbed and the Lappa ranges. At 1.00 pm we arrive at the first day's destination, Almaden where lunch is available and most passengers will transfer over to Chillagoe by coach for an afternoon of touring the caves and their overnight accommodation.

Thursday morning is an 8.00 am departure from Almaden bound for Mt Surprise and Forsayth. Enroute, we stop at Bullock creek for morning tea, Mt Surprise for Lunch, Einasleigh for an afternoon leg stretch and refreshments. After Einasleigh, we climb the rugged Newcastle Range, then pass through the stunning Delaney Gorge before terminating at our destination of Forsayth . Passengers are either transferred to Cobbold gorge or enjoy a relaxing evening in the town.

Mt Surprise

Friday's departure is at 8.30 am for our relatively short run to Mt Surprise. At Einasleigh, the Cobbold Gorge passengers rejoin the train. During the return journey, the train stops at lineside attractions (such as bower bird bowers, old mine sites) that were not visited on the outward journey. At Mt Surprise, you can either be transferred to Undara for a lava tube experience, and an overnight stay at the Lava Lodge, or remain in Mt Surprise.

On Saturday the train departs for the run to Cairns at 8.15 am, with an stops at Bullock Creek for morning tea, Almaden for lunch, and Dimbulah for afternoon tea. Many line-side attractions are visited and the journey culminates in a late afternoon descent of the Kuranda Range.