Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail from Cairns Station
Additional Information
Transfer from your hotel to the Cairns Railway Station is NOT available.
Train journey takes about 2 hours from Cairns to Kuranda.
Skyrail journey takes about 1 hour 15 mins from Kuranda to Smithfield (includes the 2 stops along the way).
Coach transfer takes about 30 mins from Skyrail Smithfield to Cairns Railway Station/hotels.
- Included in price:
- One-way Kuranda Scenic Railway (Heritage Class) + One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + One-way bus transfer back to City accommodation. Limited space is available for disabled or mobility impaired customers in easy access carriages. Please contact us to discuss your needs before booking as places are limited.
- Able to be purchased/hired:
Gold Class Upgrade: You may like to upgrade from the standard Heritage Class Carriage to the Gold Class Carriage.
- Gold Class is ONLY available on the 9.30am service and begins once the train reaches Freshwater Station (@ 9.55am) and continues through to Kuranda. Passengers travelling from Cairns will travel to Freshwater in our Gold Class carriages.
- Gold Class passengers beginning the tour at Freshwater Station will enjoy tropical mocktails served in the pavillion area, 20 minutes prior to the arrival of the train.
- Gold Class offers individual seating in lounge-style chairs, historical decor, with a dedicated host service provided.
- Morning Tea is included in Gold Class and features a selection of Queensland and local Tablelands produce such as Gallo Dairyland Cheese, Skybury Coffee, Wondaree Macadamias, Mango to Go (100% pure mango treat), freshly baked muffins, Sirromet wines and Great Northern Brewing Company Super Crisp Lager. (note: Alcoholic beverages not served on Anzac Day 25 April)
- You'll also receive a Gold Class Gift Pack (souvenir pen, badge, postcard and trip guide) to remember your journey by.
- What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes, hat, camera
- Fitness level required:
- Low
- Child policies:
- Child Fares 4-14years. Infants under 4 years are Free of Charge, however please include them in your booking request to ensure a ticket/seat is issued. Children must be accompanied by an adult while travelling on Kuranda Scenic Railway.
- Departure points:
- Cairns, Queensland
- Departure time:
-
8:30 AM Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
9:30 AM Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
- Pickup/departure instructions:
- Please make your own way to Cairns Railway Station in the morning as your one-way transfer is only available in the afternoon from Skyrail, and will return you to either the Cairns Railway Station or your Cairns CBD accommodation. Choose your preferred departure time of 8.30am or 9.30am, however please note if your preferred departure is full we will book you on the available departure.
- Duration:
- Train ride - 2 hours from Cairns Skyrail journey - 1.25 hours from Kuranda Skyrail coach - 30 mins from Smithfield to Cairns
- Approximate Return Time:
- Return times will vary depending on the Skyrail service time.
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
Tour Details
- Operator
- Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Destination
- Kuranda
- Departs From
- Cairns
Tour Description
This exciting full day tour starts at the Cairns Central Train Station, with morning departure times of either 8.30am or 9.30am. Trundling along, you’ll experience this scenic journey in the original, fully refurbished, red-wooden Heritage Class carriages that simply radiate old world charm. Informative audio commentary on the fascinating history and ingenuity of our forefathers will be played during your journey. This 34 km Railway runs through the Barron Gorge National Park and is an absolutely astonishing engineering feat. Built between 1882 and 1891, it encompasses 40 bridges and 15 hand-made tunnels. Complimentary chilled refresher towels and filtered water are provided to keep you cool and comfortable.
This amazing train journey crosses the remarkable Stoney Creek Bridge and stops at Barron Gorge viewing platform. Indulge in the 360-degree view of this spectacular lush green rainforest and the spectacular, constantly roaring Barron Falls during your short stop. Back on the train and you’re off to Kuranda. The diverse collection of attractions, sights and sounds in this quaint mountain village is guaranteed to please and delight all travellers, whether young, old or anywhere in between. While strolling through this beautiful area, you might choose to visit Koala Gardens to have a snuggle with their gorgeous little koalas and walk through the eye-popping reptile house. Birdworld – with its enclosed rainforest habitat – will allow you to immerse yourself in their world. Free flying above and around you are exquisite bird species from Australia and around the world. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary has 1500 glorious tropical butterflies, including the electric blue Ulysses butterfly and the giant Cairns or Australian Birdwing. Enjoy a delicious morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea of sumptuous fresh food, with a lovely cup of tea or coffee from an assortment of quaint little eateries. Kuranda Heritage Markets caters to all – peruse unique souvenirs and toys, fresh goods and produce, opals and boomerangs, beautiful food and beverages – it’s all here. No Kuranda options included.
Hopping on The Skyrail Cableway for your return trip, you leisurely glide only metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable gondola type cabins that accommodate six people. Enjoy our World Heritage listed Rainforest from an exhilarating and completely different perspective. With its rugged mountainous landscapes, deep ravines, thunderous waterfalls, gorgeous unique wildlife and tropical lush rainforest, sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the spectacular sights, exquisite sounds and the sweet musty aromas of this very special place.
Alighting at Skyrail's Caravonica Station, you can pick up a coach for a relaxing ride back to your accommodation or Cairns Central Railway station.
Prices & Availability
Sorry, 12 June 2026 was not available.
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Tour
Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail from Cairns Station
Rates
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