General News
19 May, 2026
Vote 1 for the Savannahlander
The Savannahlander rail trip is currently sitting at number one in a statewide competition to name Queensland’s top tourism attraction.
In an excited series of posts this month, the Friends of the Savannahlander Facebook page noted it was coming third in the competition developed as a lead-up to the State Government’s Queensland Day (6 June) and had encouraged people to continue voting.
By Last Thursday, the popular train journey had reached number one.
It’s a bittersweet development for the Savannahlander, with the past two years being a challenge for its operators.
Following the 2023 flood events after Cyclone Jasper, the rail line was severely damaged along sections including between Kuranda and Mareeba, and further west on the final section of the Queensland heritage-listed Etheridge Railway Line heading toward Forsayth.
The damage means the train now departs from Mareeba, instead of Cairns, and travellers are bused up to near Einasleigh.
Last year, repairs were undertaken by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to the Copperfield Gorge wooden trestle bridge at Einasleigh, 250 kilometres south-west of Cairns.
But before the train had a chance to cross it, severe weather again damaged the bridge.
“With everything that we’ve been up against over the last two years, it’s been hard to stay optimistic,” Savannahlander train driver and tour guide, Wil Kemp posted.
“But the one thing that keeps me there is the undying support that the Savannahlander receives from passengers that travel with us, and the communities that we visit in Queensland’s Gulf Savannah Country.
“To see the Savannahlander’s name up there with the likes of Australia Zoo was a very overwhelming moment for me and I sincerely thank you all for your support that got us this far.
“So if you want to support the Savannahlander, the repair of the Etheridge Railway and the communities that we travel through without spending a cent, then now is your chance.”
In the meantime, Member for Cook David Kempton has vowed to continue to “fight” for repairs to the bridge.
Funds need to be found to reinstate the bridge and other sections of track, and Mr Kempton has said he was awaiting a report by Transport and Main Roads.
The Savannahlander takes tourists from Cairns through to the Gulf Savannah country, visiting Mareeba, Dimbulah, Almaden, Chillagoe and the old mining towns of Einasleigh and Forsayth.
Passengers can also take in attractions such as Chillagoe caves, the Undara lava tubes and Cobbold Gorge, making the train journey a vital tourism link for the region.
The 2026 season for the Savannahlander had a slow start, with at least one train trip cancelled due to a lack of passengers.
However, last week the train had one of its biggest groups this year, with 34 passengers making the journey.
Voting for the Savannahlander can be lodged until May 28. To vote go to https://qldday.initiatives.qld.gov.au/ and follow the prompts to register and then log in.
