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Combine Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway for an amazing way to explore the Cairns Rainforests. These two tours provide unique ways to experience the Barron Gorge National Park. Both start / end their tours in Cairns, with a meeting point and changeover at Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest. Most people start with Kuranda Scenic Railway in the morning, taking a scenic and historic rail journey to Kuranda, before returning to Cairns with a spectacular ride on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in the afternoon. In between the two, spend time exploring Kuranda with its markets, wildlife attractions, boutiques and galleries.
Kuranda Scenic Railway takes you on a 34km journey from Cairns to Kuranda, crossing 55 bridges and passing through 15 handmade tunnels. Skyrail is a 7.5km cableway taking you over and through the Barron Gorge National Park with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations. Skyrail operates continuously throughout the day from 8.30am to 5pm, while Kuranda Scenic Railway has two departure and two return times from Cairns, allowing you to schedule the day to suit your preferred itinerary and times. For the purposes of this tour, we’ve prepared a schedule based on catching the train to Kuranda and returning on Skyrail.
What We Love About Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway. We love the fact that these iconic attractions provide completely different experiences in and of the Barron Gorge National Park, which is the closest of the Cairns Rainforests. The train is all about the history and track building, with a stop to admire Barron Falls. Skyrail is firmly focused on the rainforest, providing views over the canopy and the chance to explore the forest floor at Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations. Between the two you have Kuranda Village and when you put it all together, it’s an awesome rainforest day tour from Cairns.
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The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway combination is one of the most popular Cairns day tours. It’s accessible to people of all ages and abilities and combines history and heritage, with ecotourism and rainforest exploration. We have based this tour around catching the train from Freshwater Station to Kuranda in the morning and returning to Smithfield on Skyrail in the afternoon. If you self-drive to the start of the tour then you’ll park at Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal and take a coach transfer over to the Freshwater Train Station (ensuring your car is waiting for you at Skyrail, at the end of the tour). Alternatively you can book the tour with transfers included from Cairns city locations. There are two train departure times in the morning 8.50am or 9.50am, and you can pick your Skyrail return time, but make sure you factor in extra time to explore Kuranda Village before returning on Skyrail. We suggest at least 2 hours in Kuranda.
Explore the Barron Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway. Start your adventure at the quaint Freshwater Train Station, set amongst the cane fields and suburban Cairns. The train winds through Freshwater and Redlynch before commencing its climb up the MacAlister Range. This historic rail journey takes you through 15 handmade tunnels and crosses 55 bridges, providing amazing views of the rainforest, Barron Gorge and waterfalls. There’s a photo stop at its Barron Falls station, on the way to Kuranda.
Skyrail provides a different perspective of the rainforest, as you glide just metres over the canopy on a 7.5km cableway journey from Kuranda to Smithfield. In addition to the outstanding views of the rainforest, you descend through the canopy to the forest floor, where you can explore on boardwalks at Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations. There’s Ranger guided tours, an Audio Guide App covering flora, fauna, history and stories from the Traditional Owners and range of interpretive signs and displays.
The combination of Skyrail Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway provides you with views of two rainforest waterfalls, both impressive and beautiful. Firstly, we have Barron Falls which is the centrepiece of the Barron Gorge National Park. It is 125 metres high and was carved out by the Barron River over thousands of years. The flow at Barron Falls varies throughout the year, due to the activities of the hydro-electric station. For most of the year it’s a modest single stream drop, but in the summer monsoon (February and March) it transforms into a roaring cascade that thunders through the gorge. You have views of Barron Falls from both sides of the Gorge, with Skyrail and the Train.
On Kuranda Scenic Railway you also pass right by Stoney Creek Falls, a striking cascade that tumbles beside the tracks. It’s this waterfall that often features as the ‘hero shot’ for Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway has scenic rainforest boardwalks at both stations. At Red Peak Station, located 545 metres above sea level, an elevated timber walkway loops through the rainforest, providing a close look at tropical plants including a 500-year-old Kauri Pine, orchids and climbing palms. Ranger guided tours run regularly, with times shown on the rainforest clock at the station.
Barron Falls Station also has boardwalks weaving through the rainforest, leading to several lookouts overlooking Barron Gorge and Barron Falls. The highlight here is The Edge Lookout, a glass-floored cantilevered platform that extends over the gorge for uninterrupted waterfall views. Both stations provide interpretive signage and restroom facilities.
Bringing the two attractions together is Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest. The Skyrail and Scenic Railway Kuranda Terminals are adjacent to each other, and a short walk from the Village’s shops, markets and cafes. This small community is a hive of activity offering an eclectic range of shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes, market stalls and restaurants. It’s also home to some wildlife attractions, including Kuranda Koala Gardens, where you can pat a koala and feed kangaroos and wallabies and Birdworld Kuranda, where you can meet a Southern Cassowary and hang out with Lorikeets, Macaws and so much more.
The Barron Gorge National Park is within the traditional lands of the Djabugay People, who have lived in this rainforest for thousands of years. Their stories, pathways and sacred places are interwoven throughout the landscape. When on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway you can hear Djabugay stories in their own voices, thanks to the Audio Guide App. Also, some Rangers at Red Peak Station are Djabugay People who lead guided boardwalk tours. Kuranda Scenic Railway acknowledges the Djabugay Bama people as the traditional custodians of the land through its onboard commentary and brochure information, which includes creation stories and the connection of the Djabugay people to the rainforest and its waterways.
This itinerary is based around you catching the Kuranda Scenic Railway ‘up’ in the morning and returning on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in the afternoon. Please note there are some logistics here. While the Kuranda Terminals for Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway are adjacent to each other, their Cairns Terminals are not. For this itinerary, you will drive to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal in the morning and park your car. Skyrail provides a coach transfer over to Kuranda Scenic Railway’s Freshwater Terminal, which is where you catch the train ‘up’. You will connect with your car again later in the day, as your return journey on Skyrail ends at its Smithfield Terminal (where you parked your car earlier in the day). There is also an option to board the train in Cairns, going ‘up’ to Kuranda and return on Skyrail to Smithfield, with a coach transfer provided back to Cairns city. The price is the same. Kuranda Scenic Railway has two departure times from Freshwater Train Station, 8.50am and 9.50am (we are using 8.50am for this itinerary). Skyrail operates from 8.30am to 5pm with the gondolas moving in a continuous circuit between Kuranda and Smithfield. Bookings are taken in 15-minute intervals, to avoid congestion. When choosing your return time, don’t forget to factor in extra time to explore Kuranda Village. We suggest at least 2 hours in Kuranda. To help with planning we have prepared the below suggested itinerary. The tour price includes tickets on Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You should take additional funds for food and beverage purchases, plus any souvenirs and/or additional attractions you want to visit at Kuranda.
Self-drive to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’s Smithfield Terminal. This is around a 15 minute drive from Cairns city, with plenty of car parking.
Board the transfer coach, which will take you from Skyrail over to Kuranda Scenic Railway’s Freshwater Train Station.
Board Kuranda Scenic Railway for your scenic and historic journey to Kuranda. Along the way you’ll pass through some Cairns suburbs, before climbing the rainforest range with views along the way. Pass by Stoney Creek Falls and stop at Barron Falls for photos.
Arrive at the scenic railway’s Kuranda Terminal. Alight from the train and take the short walk to Kuranda Village. You can spend as much or as little time as you like in Kuranda, but we suggest at least 2.5 hours. During this time explore the Village, browse the many shops and stores, visit the markets and check out the wildlife attractions. Lots to see and do for people of all ages and interests. Enjoy lunch at one of the stalls, cafes or restaurants.
Arrive at Skyrail’s Kuranda Terminal (adjacent to the scenic railway terminal). Board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to commence your 7.5km scenic journey, which begins by gliding over the Barron River towards Barron Falls Station.
Arrive at Skyrail’s Barron Falls Station. Alight from the cableway to explore the forest floor on boardwalks and make sure you visit The Edge Lookout, a cantilevered platform providing amazing views of the Barron Gorge and Falls.
Back on to Skyrail Cableway to continue your journey to Red Peak Station. Look down as you exit the station to see a magnificent collection of tree ferns in the rainforest. As you approach Red Peak you will see giant rainforest trees with basket ferns and climbing palms.
Alight from the cableway at Red Peak Station, which is the highest part of your journey at 545m above sea level. There’s Ranger guided tours, or you can enjoy a self-guided boardwalk tour with interpretive signage.
Back on to the cableway for the final leg of your journey. Make sure you have your cameras ready, because as you leave Red Peak Station there’s panoramic views over the rainforest and out to the Coral Sea. Glide down the mountain-side and over the Kuranda Range Road, on this final leg of your journey.
Arrive at Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal. If you picked a self-drive tour, then your vehicle will be parked outside. If you started your journey at Kuranda Scenic Railway’s Cairns Terminal, then there are coaches to provide you with a transfer back to the city.
It’s a full-day experience that combines two of Cairns’ most iconic rainforest attractions. You travel up to Kuranda on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, explore the Village in the Rainforest and return down via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. It’s the perfect mix of history, nature and scenic beauty.
The tour runs between Cairns (Freshwater Station) and Kuranda Village, travelling through the Barron Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, before returning to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal. You’ll see Barron Falls, Stoney Creek Falls and stunning rainforest scenery along the way.
Allow a full day. The train journey takes about 1.5 hours, Skyrail takes another 1.5 hours, and we recommend at least 2–3 hours in Kuranda to explore the markets, attractions and cafés.
One-way travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations, Ranger Guided Boardwalk Tour, The Edge Lookout, and access to the Skyrail Audio Guide App, featuring stories from the Djabugay People.
Meals, drinks and entry to any of Kuranda’s wildlife attractions (such as the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens) are not included. These can be enjoyed at your own cost during your free time in Kuranda.
If self-driving, you start at Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal (north of Cairns). You’ll park there, take a transfer coach to Freshwater Station, catch the train to Kuranda, then return by Skyrail to Smithfield, where your car is waiting. If you caught the train from its Cairns Terminal, then there is a coach transfer from Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal back into the city.
Morning departures are at 8:50am and 9:50am from Freshwater Station, arriving in Kuranda at around 10:25am and 11:25am respectively. Return times on Skyrail can be chosen to suit your preferred schedule.
We recommend at least 2.5 hours to enjoy Kuranda’s markets, shops, cafés and wildlife attractions. You can spend longer if you wish, just make sure to select an afternoon Skyrail return time that suits your plans and provides time to enjoy the 7.5km cableway and its two mid-station stops. You should allow 1.5 hours for Skyrail.
The 34km rail journey climbs from Cairns to Kuranda through rainforest-covered mountains, passing through 15 hand-cut tunnels and across 55 bridges. Highlights include Barron Gorge, Stoney Creek Falls and the Barron Falls Station stop for photos.
The 7.5km cableway glides over and through the Barron Gorge National Park, with two station stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. You’ll enjoy rainforest canopy views, ancient trees, waterfalls and coastal vistas across the Cairns hinterland and over to the Coral Sea.
Yes, it’s very family-friendly. Both Skyrail and the Scenic Railway are accessible for all ages and abilities. Kids love the train tunnels, waterfalls and gondola ride over the rainforest.
Yes. Skyrail’s Ranger Guided Tours at Red Peak Station are included in the ticket price and run throughout the day. The Skyrail Audio Guide App and the Kuranda Scenic Railway onboard commentary also share history, heritage and Djabugay stories.
Yes. The Diamond View upgrade features a clear perspex floor in the gondola for incredible photo opportunities. These cabins take up to 5 guests and can be selected when booking.
The tour operates in all weather conditions. The train and gondolas are covered and rainfall can make the waterfalls even more spectacular, especially Barron Falls.
Yes. Both Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway offer wheelchair access and assistance for passengers with limited mobility. It’s recommended to advise at booking time to ensure smooth arrangements.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, hat, camera and some cash or card for lunch and shopping in Kuranda. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also useful.
Yes, the itinerary can be reversed depending on availability and personal preference. Many guests choose the train first and Skyrail return to enjoy afternoon light over the rainforest.
If you have any question regarding this tour, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can help you find the perfect tour for you, we understand it can be overwhelming trying to decide. Our advice and booking service is free.
Imagine floating above the rainforest. Gazing down into its green heart, a sea of rustling leaves and climbing palms. A place where cassowaries roam and ancient trees reach for the sky. Well stop dreaming and start doing, because you can make that happen on Cairns’ Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. So easy. So beautiful. So worth it.
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