24 Jun 2011: Queensland: Kuranda railway going strong

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Media release 24 June 2011

Queensland: Kuranda railway going strong

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has highlighted the 120th year anniversary of the railway to Kuranda.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The railway line to Kuranda was completed in 1891, a remarkable example of railway engineering.  The first tourist train ran in 1936, and today the Kuranda Scenic railway is recognised as one of the top tourist railway experiences in the world, as well as an important local economic driver."

"Queensland Rail have put together an interesting online pictorial history, celebrating this significant milestone, and well worth a look (1). When visiting Cairns a trip to Kuranda by rail is a must!"

"Congratulations to all at Queensland Rail, past and present who have contributed to making the Kuranda rail experience first class!"

Reference:

1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/queenslandrail/sets/72157626903982299/

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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Kuranda Scenic Railway --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuranda_Scenic_Railway

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Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
24/06/2011

KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY COMMEMORATES 120 YEARS

A series of events are being held this weekend to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk is in Cairns this evening to join local MP Steve Wettenhall, Far North Queensland tourism operators and community members for a BBQ dinner to mark the occasion.

"The construction of the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway between 1882 and 1891 was, and still is, an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude and an inaugural part of Queensland history," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"In the wet season of 1882, tin miners near Herberton were unable to obtain supplies and on the verge of famine, they were crying out for a rail line to the coast.

"The completed Cairns to Kuranda railway line was open only to goods traffic by 13 May 1891, however, due to demand the line was opened to passenger travel just ten days later on 25 June 1891.

"Rising from sea level to 328m, the journey between Cairns and Kuranda passes through World Heritage protected tropical rainforest, past beautiful and spectacular waterfalls and into the awesome Barron Gorge."

Mr Wettenhall said it wonderful that the local community was taking part in the celebrations for the 120th Anniversary of the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

"It's wonderful to see the community coming together to celebrate the remarkable history of this iconic tourism infrastructure," Mr Wettenhall said.

"Local business owners, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism Kuranda, Buda-Dji artists and locals will all join in the commemorations of this popular tourist attraction.

"The famous railway winds its way on a journey of approximately 1 hour 55 minutes from Cairns to Kuranda, the village in the World Heritage protected tropical rainforest.

"With the capacity to transport 2000 passengers a day, the Kuranda Scenic Railway journey is an unforgettable tourist experience not to be missed," Mr Wettenhall said.

For more information and reservations, please contact the Kuranda Scenic Rail booking office on (07) 4036 9333 or visit the website www.ksr.com.au.

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http://www.ksr.com.au/IndustryMedia/PublishingImages/ksr-robbs-monument.jpg

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From the Cairns Post click here!

Kuranda Scenic Railway celebrates 120 years

Kuranda Scenic Railway celebrates 120 years

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

This year on June 25th, the original Kuranda Scenic Railway celebrates 120 years since the first passenger service from Cairns to Kuranda; village in the rainforest.

This North Queensland Icon has been delighting tourists from around the globe on its spectacular journey through the now World Heritage Barron Gorge National Park.

Construction commenced in 1886 on one of the most ambitious railway projects ever undertaken.  Up to 1500 men at a time endured terrible hardships and an unforgiving landscape.  Armed only with picks, shovels and dynamite, these men moved almost three million cubic metres of earth.  Impassable swamps, mysterious diseases, deadly creatures, deep ravines, raging waterfalls and sheer cliffs were to prove no obstacle.

The 37 kilometres of track from Cairns to Kuranda ascends 327 metres and includes 15 tunnels, 55 bridges and 98 curves.

The original Kuranda Scenic Railway today stands as tribute to the courage, ingenuity and fortitude of the pioneers of this once formidable landscape.  In recognition of this feat, Kuranda Scenic Railway is Heritage Listed and is also National Engineering Landmark.

The scenic journey takes approx. 2 hours offering two classes of service.

Heritage class is seated in authentic timber carriages with audio visual commentary with complimentary trip guide in 10 different languages.

KSR Gold Class is a premium class of service seated in exclusive vintage green carriages including comfortable lounge style seating, dedicated hostess & a selection of beverages and appetisers.

For bookings call (07) 4036 9333 Information available at www.ksr.com.au

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A driver's eye view of the Kuranda Scenic Railway including some facts about this incredible engineering feat, filmed using a Go Pro. Released for the railway's 120th anniversary.

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Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
25/06/2011

120 YEARS OF KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk will join up to 500 passengers on the Kuranda Scenic Railway service today on a special train ride to mark the first ever journey on the line 120 years ago.

Travelling on the special service with the Minister will be Barron River MP Steve Wettenhall, Queensland Rail staff, local residents and visitors to the area keen to join in the celebrations taking place along the journey.

The service will stop off at Freshwater, Kuranda and Centenary Park stations along the way where passengers will disembark to enjoy a myriad of celebrations to mark the occasion.

These include a cake cutting, live bands, performances by local artists, balloons, magic shows, horse carriage rides, jumping castles, and numerous other children's activities.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the local community to come together to celebrate one of Queensland's most iconic tourism attractions," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The completed Cairns to Kuranda railway line was opened to passenger travel on 25 June 1891.

"Here today it is remarkable to follow the same journey as those first passengers did 120 years ago, the same journey that thousands of people have travelled since 1891."

Mr Wettenhall said the journey on the Kuranda railway line was just as impressive today as it was when the line was first opened.

"The Kuranda railway line between Cairns and Kuranda passes through World Heritage protected tropical rainforest, past beautiful and spectacular waterfalls and into the amazing Barron Gorge, providing passengers with beautiful scenery from start to finish," Mr Wettenhall said.

"It's wonderful that the local community is coming out today to take part in the anniversary celebrations for this iconic tourism attraction."

For more information and reservations, please contact the Kuranda Scenic Rail booking office on (07) 4036 9333 or visit the website www.ksr.com.au.

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