Kuranda Scenic Railway to reopen from Saturday, February 17

After ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper hammered the Far North in December, closing the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway, the engines on the popular tourist locomotive will now fire up again.

A favourite Far North tourist attraction has a reopening date after landslips caused by December’s ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper damaged the Kuranda rail line.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway will reopen on Saturday, February 17.

Queensland Rail will operate two return services every weekend, as part of a staged return to full service, until March 2 when the full timetable will be reinstated.

Barron River MP Craig Crawford said the reopening could be attributed to a “gargantuan” effort by clean-up crews.

“Before the unprecedented weather event, Kuranda Scenic Railway patronage was reaching pre-COVID levels, with annual patronage expected to exceed 400,000 passengers,” Mr Crawford said.

“It’s great to see our iconic service back on the rails.”

Bart Mellish, Queensland’s transport minister, said crews had repaired more than 60 sites in two months to get the railway open again.

“The damage to the Kuranda Range rail line following ex-tropical cyclone Jasper was significant with major track washouts, significant landslips, uprooted trees and debris on the tracks in more than 60 sites along the railway,” Mr Mellish said.

“We know how important the Kuranda Range is to the community and local tourism industry, which is why Queensland Rail crews and contractors have been working as safely and quickly as possible to reinstate services for customers, local tourism partners, and the businesses of Kuranda.”

Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said more than 5400 cubic metres of spoil, equivalent to 540 dump truck loads, and more than 400 fallen trees had to be removed from the tracks.

“We expect that our long-term works will be completed in July 2024, but we will continue to keep the community informed of any updates,” Ms Stapleton said.

“Particularly, if works are further hindered due to heavy rain or other severe weather events.

“I would like to thank the community for their patience while these important works are underway.

“With train traffic increasing, we’re reminding everyone to keep safety front of mind and remain extra vigilant when travelling near the rail corridor.

“Whether you’re a pedestrian or driver, it’s important to only cross railway tracks at designated crossings where it’s safe to do so and pay attention to the signs and signals in place.”

Originally published as Kuranda Scenic Railway to reopen from Saturday, February 17