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From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Self-Guided Kuranda Tour

Male driver using GPS navigation in car to reach Kuranda Village, Australia.
Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class carriage interior, Cairns, showcasing plush seating and panoramic windows.
Skyrail cableway gliding over Barron Falls rainforest in Kuranda, Queensland.
Kuranda Skyrail Cableway overlooking lush rainforest and coastline in Cairns, Australia.

Explore Kuranda on a self-guided journey with the Scenic Train and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Enjoy round-trip coach transfers from Skyrail Terminal.

    • Opt for this self-guided tour of Kuranda with scenic railway and skyrail tickets with round-trip coach transfers from Skyrail Terminal.

    • Pass through hand-carved tunnels on the historic Kuranda Science Railway and glide over the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail, with stops at Red Peak for complimentary ranger-guided tours.

    • Explore Kuranda Village at your own pace, browsing local markets, cafés, and wildlife sanctuaries like Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (entry at own expense).

    • Choose to upgrade your ticket to get a one-way Skyrail or one-way scenic train ticket for your convenience.

    • Did you know? The Scenic Railway is over 130 years old. It was originally built to connect Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands and support mining and agriculture.

    • Kuranda Scenic Train ticket

    • Skyrail Cableway ticket

    • Round-trip coach transfer from Skyrail Terminal

    • Free time in Kuranda Village

    • One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket (as per option selected)

    • One-way Scenic Railway ticket (as per option selected)

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 10 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.6
    292 ratings
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    Peter Marshall

    Peter

    5/5

    Sep, 2024

    The scenery, the speed of the train, the commentary were all great.
    Dylan Nguyen

    Dylan

    5/5

    Jan, 2025

  • Journey to Kuranda on the historic scenic railway

    Board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a heritage train that winds through World Heritage-listed rainforest, hand-carved tunnels, and towering bridges. As you pass Barron Falls and Stoney Creek, hear stories of the railway’s construction and its role in Queensland’s history.

    Explore Kuranda at your own pace

    Once in Kuranda Village, enjoy free time to explore. Wander through the local markets, grab a bite at a café, or visit wildlife attractions like Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (entry at own expense).

  • Glide above the treetops on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking in breathtaking views of the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns coastline. Stop at Red Peak and Barron Falls to explore scenic boardwalks, enjoy complimentary ranger-guided tours, and experience the rainforest up close.

    Upgrade to one-way ticket options

    Prefer a shorter journey? Choose a one-way ticket—travel by Scenic Railway or Skyrail, allowing you to experience the rainforest from a single perspective.

  • What to bring

    • Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle and a light jacket for the train journey.

    What’s not allowed

    • Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the Scenic Railway or Skyrail. Smoking is prohibited in all transport vehicles and station areas.

    Accessibility

    • The experience is wheelchair accessible.

    • Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.

    Additional information

    • The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.

    • Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.

    • This tour does not include hotel transfers and is for self-drive travelers. Guests must drive to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal and park their car at Skyrail Smithfield Terminal before taking a bus transfer to Freshwater Station.

    • The Scenic Train takes approximately 2 hours, while the Skyrail journey takes around 1.5 hours, including stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls.

    • Kuranda attractions (wildlife parks, markets, and other experiences) are not included and can be purchased separately upon arrival.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    • If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification

    Meeting point

    • Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

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