Customers from non-English speaking background can now enjoy Queensland’s most popular tourist train, the Kuranda Scenic Railway, thanks to a free Queensland Rail app for iPhone and Android technology.

Once downloaded, the app provides audio and visual commentary from on board the train.

Queensland Rail Executive General Manager Customer Service Martin Ryan said the app would enhance the experience for local and international tourists.

“We have developed a unique and interactive app to give customers, in particular overseas visitors, the opportunity to listen to commentary while they sit back, relax and take in the many historical sites onboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway,” Mr Ryan said.

“The app is very simple and easy to use and can be downloaded for free by searching ‘KSR’ in the iTunes and Google play stores, and selecting from one of the four available languages including Japanese, Mandarin, German and English.

“Once downloaded, customers simply select their departure station (Cairns, Kuranda or Freshwater) and choose from the numbered landmarks for more information. An audio playbar, image and transcript of the commentary will appear.

“Customers can scroll through the app browsing information about the World Heritage protected rainforest landmarks from Cairns to Kuranda, learn about the history and making of the Kuranda Scenic Railway as well as be educated on important safety messages for each station.”

According to Queensland Rail, more than 350,000 customer journeys were made on the Kuranda Scenic Railway in the last financial year, with about 75 per cent of these from overseas visitors. The train’s biggest markets include Japan, China, Germany, United Kingdom, France, United States and New Zealand.

“We expect the new app to encourage even more overseas tourists to visit the region and to use the service as they now can now travel independently without the need for an interpreter.

“We are looking to add to the languages available for overseas visitors in the coming months.”

The Railway app is the second to recognise the value in providing multilingual tourist services via app. As The Newsport reported on September 30, non-English speaking tourists visiting Port Douglas’ beaches this summer will benefit from an upgrade to Surf Life Saving Australia’s smart phone app, Beachsafe.

The Beachsafe app provides information and conditions for more than 12,000 beaches around the country, including Port Douglas’ Four Mile, in 72 languages.

Both apps are available on the App Store and via Android technology.