Kuranda Village Day Trip by Scenic Train and Skyrail Cairns
Overview
This Kuranda day trip from Cairns combines two of Queensland's best-known rainforest journeys in a single day: the Kuranda Scenic Railway one way and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway the other. Both tickets are included, together with hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairns and free time to explore Kuranda Village. Choose to take the train up and the cableway down, or the reverse. It is a relaxed, shared day that suits couples, families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants the rainforest without driving.
Highlights
- One-way Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket through gorges, tunnels and waterfalls
- One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket gliding above the canopy
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairns
- Free time in Kuranda Village to explore markets, shops and cafés
- Choose the train up and Skyrail down, or Skyrail up and the train back
- World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest from two different angles
Full Description
The Kuranda Scenic Railway
The Kuranda Scenic Railway climbs from Cairns to the highland village of Kuranda on a line built by hand in the late nineteenth century. The journey takes about an hour and three quarters and passes through rugged mountain country, hand-dug tunnels, steep gorges and past waterfalls such as Stoney Creek and Barron Falls.
The vintage-style carriages have big windows and a running commentary, and the best photographs come at the viewing stop beside Barron Falls. If you are wondering whether the Kuranda train is worth taking, this is the classic way to see the range and it earns its reputation.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway runs for about 7.5 kilometres over and just above the canopy of the World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest, between the Smithfield terminal near Cairns and Kuranda. It is a remarkably long gondola cableway and gives a different view of the forest from the train.
You can look down on tree ferns, palms and fig trees, and see the Barron Gorge and Barron Falls from above. The trip takes about 90 minutes, and the Skyrail stations along the way have short boardwalks if you want to step off and explore.
Kuranda Village and its markets
Kuranda Village sits in the rainforest on the Atherton Tableland, and you have free time to explore its rainforest markets, art and craft stalls, cafés and short walking tracks. Most visitors wander the main street, try an Aboriginal art gallery and enjoy a coffee or lunch.
Wildlife attractions such as the Koala Gardens, the Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld are nearby, but their entry tickets are not included, and neither is food. Plan around two to three hours for your visit, and keep an eye on the return time so you never miss your journey back.
Choosing your direction and how the day works
The default option takes the train up and returns by Skyrail, leaving Cairns in the morning. The second option reverses this, riding Skyrail to Kuranda first and returning by train, with a slightly later start, which is handy if you prefer a gentler morning. Both cover the same two journeys, so choose the direction you like most.
Both options include hotel pickup from central Cairns, but not from the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove or Port Douglas. The start time is not your pickup time, so check your voucher. Luggage and large bags cannot be carried, so bring only a small daypack.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup in central CairnsBe ready at your accommodation in the morning, as your voucher shows the pickup time.
- First journey to KurandaRide the Scenic Railway or Skyrail, depending on your option, for around one to two hours.
- Free time in Kuranda VillageExplore markets, shops, cafés and walking tracks, and enjoy lunch at your own cost.
- Return journeyCome back on the other form of transport, either the cableway or the train.
- Drop-off in central CairnsTravel back to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cairns
- One-way ticket on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
- One-way ticket on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Free time to explore Kuranda Village
Not included
- Luggage or heavy bag storage
- Transfers from the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove or Port Douglas
- Food and drinks
- Entry to Koala Garden, Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird World and Rainforest Station
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users, as non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not carried
- Guests who are afraid of heights on the cableway
- Guests who cannot walk short distances on uneven ground
- Guests staying at the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove or Port Douglas, who are outside the pickup area
Meeting point
Hotel pickup covers accommodation in central Cairns, and your voucher shows the pickup time, which is not the same as the activity start time. Pickup is not offered from the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove or Port Douglas.
Important information
- Wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat, and bring sunglasses and a camera
- Bring cash or a card for lunch, markets and souvenirs
- Luggage and large bags are not allowed and storage is not provided
- Entry to Koala Garden, Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird World and Rainforest Station is not included
- The pickup time is not the activity start time, so check your voucher
- Cruise passengers should check pickup arrangements, as terminal timings vary
- If weather stops the cableway, we will help you change your date
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Kuranda train and Skyrail tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from accommodation in central Cairns. They are not offered from the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove or Port Douglas.
Are both the train and Skyrail tickets included?
Yes. Each option includes a one-way ticket on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and a one-way ticket on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
What is the difference between the two options?
The default option takes the train up and the cableway back, and the second takes the cableway up and the train back.
How long is the Kuranda day trip?
The whole day lasts about seven hours, including pickup and drop-off, the two journeys and free time in Kuranda.
Is lunch included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but Kuranda has plenty of cafés and market stalls to choose from.
Are the wildlife parks in Kuranda included?
No, Koala Garden, Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird World and Rainforest Station are not included in the ticket.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children of all ages enjoy the train and cableway, and child prices are shown in the booking panel.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, and bring a hat, sunglasses, camera and money for lunch. Luggage and large bags are not allowed.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. The booking panel shows the next available dates and start times.
