With an increasing number of travellers ditching airplanes for trains, it’s now a matter of which of the many scenic rides to try. One of them is Australia's Kuranda Scenic Railway ranked as the world’s third most picturesque train journey by Titan Travel, which assessed Tripadvisor reviews, ticket prices, and rail route stops. One travel content creator even described it as the most scenic railway in the world.

The line opened in 1891, initially for goods traffic only. Just 10 days later, it was opened to travellers. Its construction was a challenging engineering feat, reportedly resulting in the deaths of more than 30 workers due to the dangers of building through dense jungle and steep terrain. The journey starts in Cairns, a Queensland city on the tropical northeast coast, and ends in the picturesque mountain village of Kuranda.

The 90-minute route crosses 55 bridges, navigates 98 curves, and passes through 15 tunnels carved into the mountains more than a century ago.

Freshwater Railway Station is the first stop, and most popular tourist departure point for Kuranda Scenic Railway. In 2018, it underwent a £3.8 million refurbishment.

Describing the journey as a “trip through time", a traveller said on Tripadvisor: "The commentary provided on the train provides the traveller with the history of the line from its construction to its importance to the Second World War efforts in North Queensland through to the modern day."

The 37-kilometre journey winds through the Barron Gorge National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, revealing spectacular peaks, centuries-old trees, and hidden waterfalls such as the picturesque Stoney Creek Falls.

The trip ends in the bohemian Kuranda, known as the bohemian village in the rainforest, popular in the 1970s with alternative lifestylers.

It is also home to attractions such as Koala Gardens, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld and Kuranda Markets.

The ride was ranked behind the Himalayan Queen in India and the Bernina Express between Switzerland and Italy.