701 Kamerunga Road

Freshwater QLD 4870

RWC Cairns together with Queensland Rail are seeking to find the best of the best food, beverage and function centre managers to lease The Café & Function Centre at Freshwater Railway Station. Freshwater connection is a popular departure point for the Kuranda Scenic Railway situated in the suburb of Freshwater with views of the surrounding mountains. In 1984 Freshwater Connection was built as a tribute to the visionaries and pioneers who built the Kuranda Scenic Railway between 1887 and 1891.

Because this venue is not like any other…..

We are inviting potential applicants to explore the myriad of benefits on offers to lease the café and function centre, The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike, and our job is to ensure The Café operators reflect the local tourism vision to promote the area through showcasing our fine array of locally sourced food and beverages.

The opportunity and offering…..

The facility includes a fully-equipped commercial kitchen, cool room, exhaust, store rooms, function centres and much, much more. The multiple dining areas, include the open air platform where visitors soak up the atmosphere of the busy station, or for those who like to dine inside, step into an old style carriage. Further options also include an outdoor courtyard, plus the large open wooden pavilion. We look forward to seeing the calibre and range of operators keen to uphold the regions reputation of being a world class tourist destination. We may see existing businesses wishing to relocate and expand, or new businesses who see the opportunity on offer at this unique site.

More than just a Café …….

Visitors to the station are advised to arrive early to give enough time to explore the station and its history, gift shop and Café. Most days will see up to 900 passengers boarding the train at either 8.55am or 9.55 am, some having travelled quite a distance and keen for a quick breakfast or morning tea prior to departure. Not to mention family & friends dropping off daily passengers. You will also be given exclusivity to provide locally sourced catering for Gold Class passengers on a daily basis, 364 days per year. As the train rolls into the station hauled by the 1720 class locomotive, you'll be busy packing their daily fare. Finally you will have access to the facilities of the Freshwater Station to host weddings, functions and events - the list of possibilities here is endless, from holding an intimate wedding to a large corporate event, to kids birthday parties or afternoon tea sessions for local clubs and organisations of scones with jam & cream - you name it, you can do it here 24/7.

The unique buildings and surrounds….

The setting can whisk you away to a bygone era in a second, but quickly bring you back to the sights and sounds of a platform full of visitors all eager to experience our beautiful region. Polished and kept in perfect condition the station is a blend of old railway carriages, high structured wooden pavilions, winding wooden decks, all set amongst native plants and manicured lawns it is both tranquil and uplifting. Every space here holds a story.

Maintaining our regions tourist ethos …..