Savannahlander
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The Savannahlander is a classic 1960 Rail Motor which travels between Cairns and
Forsayth, giving passengers one of the great rail experiences of the world as
it rattles its way from the coast, up the scenic Kuranda Railway, through World
Heritage listed rainforests, the through the savannah to outback Australia. "The
Silver Bullet" as the train is affectionately known, was state-of-the-art
when it was brought into service. Now it reflects the pace and grace of a by-gone
era, while at the same time offering a unique experience to people adventurous
enough to make the journey.
This grand-old-lady travels at a sedate 50 kph, and stops at suitable locations for the driver to make a billy of tea, or to point out interesting landscape features to the passengers. The trip can take between two and four days, depending on which side trips passengers elect to do along the way. For "the locals" of the outback, the Savannahlander is still a vital communications link, while for the fortunate visitor to the region, it offers a unique rail experience, and an insight into one of the most diverse and fascinating regions of Australia. |
The Savannahlander is operated by Cairns Kuranda Steam Train Limited.
Tickets can be purchased from: QR Travel Centre, Cairns
Savannahlander - Onboard
The Savannahlander travels between Cairns and Forsayth, giving passengers one of the great rail experiences on its way from the coast, up the scenic Kuranda Railway, through World Heritage listed rainforests, the through the savannah to outback Australia.
| Savannahlander Timetable | |||
| Wednesday: | Thursday: | ||
| 06:30 | Depart Cairns | 08:00 | Depart Almaden |
| 08:00 | Kuranda | 11:30 | Arrive Mt Surprise |
| 09:15 | Mareeba | 12:15 | Depart Mt Surprise |
| 10:00 | Mutchilba | 14:00 | Arrive Einasleigh |
| 10:27 | Dimbulah | 14:45 | Depart Einasleigh |
| 13:00 | Almaden | 17:45 | Arrive Forsayth |
| Friday: | Saturday: | ||
| 08:30 | Depart Forsayth | 08:15 | Depart Mt Surprise |
| 11:15 | Arrive Einasleigh | 11:45 | Arrive Almaden |
| 12:15 | Depart Einasleigh | 12:10 | Depart Almaden |
| 14:15 | Arrive Mt Surprise | 14:35 | Dimbulah |
| 14:55 | Mutchilba | ||
| 16:00 | Mareeba | ||
| 17:00 | Kuranda | ||
| 18:40 | Cairns | ||
Note:
- The Savannahlander operates for 42 Weeks of the year, from the first Wednesday in March (3rd March in 2010) until the second Wednesday in December (15th Dec in 2010)
- On the Easter long weekend the Savannahlander departs on Good Friday returning on Easter Monday. This service operates instead of the previous Wednesday departure. In 2010 there will be a departure on Friday the 2nd of April instead of Wednesday the 31st of March
