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
































From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Self-Guided Kuranda Tour
Duration: 6 hours (approx.)
6 hours (approx.)
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Explore Kuranda on a self-guided journey with the Scenic Train and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Enjoy round-trip coach transfers from Skyrail Terminal.
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)

Kuranda Scenic Railway train crossing bridge with waterfall in background, Queensland, Australia.
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).
Return over the rainforest with Skyrail
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.

Kuranda Railway Gold Class passengers enjoying scenic view and refreshments, Cairns.

Skyrail gondola over Barron Falls rainforest, Kuranda, Queensland.

Kuranda Scenic Railway train crossing bridge with waterfall in background, Queensland, Australia.

Kuranda Railway Gold Class passengers enjoying scenic view and refreshments, Cairns.

Skyrail gondola over Barron Falls rainforest, Kuranda, Queensland.

Couple enjoying the view from Kuranda Skyrail Cableway over lush rainforest and coastline.
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.

Skyrail cable car gliding over Kuranda Rainforest with waterfall view.

Visitors at a Kuranda lookout point viewing a waterfall amidst lush rainforest.

Couple enjoying the view from Kuranda Skyrail Cableway over lush rainforest and coastline.

Skyrail cable car gliding over Kuranda Rainforest with waterfall view.

Visitors at a Kuranda lookout point viewing a waterfall amidst lush rainforest.
Customer Reviews
Discover what our customers are saying about their experiences
Loading reviews...
By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .
FAQs
You might also like ...
Explore more experiences in Cairns.