Episode 2 Part 1 - Of rivalry and railways… The Cairns Railway

The Queensland Rail History Podcast

In this two-part episode, we’re going to dive into one of the most iconic pieces of railway in Australia, arguably in the world: The Kuranda Scenic Railway – the KSR - located in Far North Queensland. It has become such a popular tourist attraction in Cairns, truly a must-see experience.

We’ll chat with our historian, Greg and deep dive into how this railway came to exist and we’ll also chat with a Train Driver with over 25 years of experience driving on the Kuranda range.

Rising from sea level to 327m, the journey to Kuranda passes through flat farm fields outside of Cairns, heading up through a dense world heritage listed rainforest, winding through man-made tunnels, over the Barron Gorge, and over towering bridges, passing spectacular waterfalls along the way.

This year also marks the 130th anniversary since the Kuranda Scenic Railway was opened. But how did this railway get built...? and why did they build it...?

Construction of the Cairns to Kuranda Railway was an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. This enthralling chapter in the history of North Queensland stands as testimony to the splendid ambitions, fortitude and suffering of the hundreds of men engaged in its construction. It also stands as a monument to the many men who lost their lives on this amazing project.
If you have any questions about our rail history, please message us on the Queensland Rail Instagram or Facebook accounts. We’d love to hear from you, what you love about the podcast, and what you’d like us to feature on a future episode.

FOOTNOTE:
Journal by the Royal Historical Society
Adoption of the 3ft. 6ins. gauge for Queensland Railways

챕터

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Mecca of our desires - Kuranda and the famous Barron Falls (00:02:48)

3. Discovery of tin in Herberton (00:04:07)

4. Cairns win the railway bid (00:08:40)

5. Building a railway up Barron Gorge (00:12:47)

6. Section 1 (1885 to 1887) (00:15:05)

7. Section 2 (1887 to 1888) (00:22:45)

8. Horseshoe Bend (00:27:33)

9. Working conditions (00:31:43)

10. The first fatal accident (00:35:43)

11. Questions from the community (00:39:05)

12. Conclusion - Part 2 teaser (00:47:21)