Kuranda Scenic Railway launches new Commentary System

Heritage Goes Hi-tech!

The Kuranda Scenic Railway, Australia’s best known and visited scenic railway, now provides visitors to Tropical North Queensland with an audio-visual interpretive commentary during their wonderful journey to and from Cairns and Kuranda.

Until now visitors have enjoyed a highly informative audio commentary. However, in an endeavour to help passengers understand the torturous hardships endured in the construction of the Kuranda Range railway, vision has been added to the interpretive experience.

By way of three TV monitors per carriage passengers can view photographs and video footage that helps them visualise the interpretive information that explains the great history surrounding the railways construction as well as the interesting current points of interest.

The new system uses GPS technology to activate the recorded commentary at precisely the right point of the journey ensuring relevant and timely delivery.

Gary Young, North Queensland Manager for the Kuranda Scenic Railway commented, “This is a terrific development in the delivery of integrated interpretive information to our guests. Our wonderful history and general points of interest can be represented to travellers who are becoming hungry for high-quality interpretive experiences.”

He added, “This system now provides the connection between our previous audio and printed information. It has also been carefully designed and timed not to distract our visitors from the spectacular views along the rim of the Barron River National Park.”

Key features and information about the Kuranda Scenic Railway System include;

• Enhanced interpretation, general information and safety messaging on board.
• The system was designed and installed by media technology company Icons In-house Graphics Pty Ltd based in south east Queensland.
• The system was installed by Icons and QR at Portsmith Rail depot. 
• Project was funded by the GGM PSG for $250,000.00

System consists of;

• 38 Kuranda Scenic Railway carriages each with 3 Flat screen CTV monitors linked to the existing audio system.
• 3 Kuranda Scenic Railway ‘vans’ with Icons Presentor (media player), amplifiers and GPS technology.
• Multi-channel cabling to provide multi-lingual commentary presentations to selected carriages.

The aim of the new system is to provide a higher level of information and customer service to passengers by way of;

• The release of a Guest Service Attendant from “commentary duties” to attend Kuranda Scenic Railway passengers.
• GPS activated recorded commentary to ensure consistent presentation.
• Visual presentations that compliment the audio commentary at times that do not detract from the ‘real’ visual experience from the train.
• Historical and present-day photography (still and movie) to provide passengers with greater understanding of the journey and area.
• Visual representation of the Safety Messages.
• Presentation of multi-lingual messages through subtitles or language specific commentary (still under development).