Kuranda Scenic Railway and Day Trip Tours

Journey from Cairns to the rainforest village of Kuranda. Ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, glide above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and enjoy a relaxing Kuranda village tour while exploring the vibrant Kuranda Village markets and rainforest surroundings.

Adult $167.00 Child 4-14yrs $92.00
Family 2A+2C $499.00

Kuranda Scenic Railway journey, Army Duck rainforest ride and native wildlife encounters in one great value 9 hour Cairns day tour, with electric coach transfer included.

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Kuranda Scenic Train with Army Duck & Coach Transfer

Adult $167.00 | Child $92.00 | Family 2A+2C $449.00 2AD+2CH

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Kuranda electric bus transport in rainforest village

Experience emission-free travel from your Cairns to Kuranda on a 100% electric bus. Explore Rainforestation Nature Park on an authentic WW2 Army Duck rainforest tour, guided Koala & Wildlife Park Tour and Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Performance in the rainforest Amphitheatre. Enjoy free time in Kuranda before returning on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Return hotel transfers included.

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Electric Bus to Kuranda • Return Kuranda Scenic Train

Adult $200.00 | Child 4-14yrs $102.00 | Family 2A+2C $527.50

7:45 am

5:15 pm

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over tropical rainforest near Cairns

Not available from 20th July – 19th August 2026 Skyrail Closure
Departs Daily 10.30am – 5.45pm
Discover Kuranda with Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway. Glide above the rainforest in comfortable six-person gondolas and explore Kuranda in your own time. Enjoy the 1.5 hour journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic railroad that travels through the breathtaking World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest.

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Kuranda Day Tour from Cairns with hotel transfers

Adult $210.00 | Child 4-14yrs $110.00 | Family 2A+2C $557.50 | Gold Class upgrade $67.00 per person

10:30 am

5:45 pm

Please read inclusions & itinerary for changes during Skyrail upgrade 19th August – 26 October 2026

Begin your eco-friendly journey on our electric coach to Kuranda. Visit Rainforestation Nature Park for unique wildlife encounters, Pamagirri Aboriginal experience and an authentic World War 2 Army Duck rainforest tour. Explore Kuranda in your own time to wander through the shops and markets before returning on the breathtaking Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Includes return hotel transfers.

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Skyrail, Kuranda Village, Rainforestation-hotel transfers

Adult $210.00 | Child $110.00 (4-14 yrs) | Family 2A+2C $557.50

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Rainforestation Army Duck rainforest tour experience Kuranda

The Kuranda Army Duck Tour with Train and Skyrail. You will journey through and above Far North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest. Experience an amphibious WWII Army Duck Rainforest Tour at Rainforestation Nature Park. Free time in Kuranda before finishing your day with Kuranda Scenic Railway. Hotel transfers included.
Please read inclusions & itinerary for changes during Skyrail upgrade 20th July – 26 October 2026

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Kuranda Army Duck Tour with Train & Skyrail

Adult $240.00 | Child $128.00 4-14 yrs | Family 2A+2C $640.00

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Explore Kuranda at a relaxed pace with a classic rainforest journey—9.45am Skyrail Rainforest Cableway one way and the 2.00pm Kuranda Scenic Railway the other. Gives you 2.5 hours in Kuranda to wander the Kuranda village and soak up the rainforest atmosphere.

Travel between 20th July and 25th October please read Skyrail modified operations for inclusions

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Skyrail-Kuranda Scenic Train Day Tour

Adult $217.00 | 4-14yrs $115.00 | 2A+2C $588.00

8:40 am

4:15 pm

Rainforestation Nature Park Credit Anna Rita Evans

This Kuranda Day Tour includes the Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park. Ride an amphibious WWII Army Duck through the rainforest, meet Aussie wildlife at the Koala and Wildlife Park, the Pamagirri Aboriginal experience and Aussie BBQ lunch plus hotel transfers.

Please read inclusions & itinerary for changes during Skyrail upgrade 20th July – 26 October 2026

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Classic Kuranda Day Tour with Scenic Train and Skyrail, Rainforestation Nature Park, lunch & hotel transfers

Adult $306.00 | Child 4-14yrs $162.00 | Family 2A+2C $814.50 | $67.00 Gold Class per person

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Explore Kuranda at a relaxed pace with a classic rainforest journey—11.00am Skyrail Rainforest Cableway one way and return on the 3.30pm Kuranda Scenic Railway. Enjoy 3 hours in Kuranda to wander the Kuranda village and soak up the rainforest atmosphere.

Travel 20th July to 25th October please read Skyrail modifications for inclusions

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Kuranda Skyrail-Scenic Train Day Tour

Adult $217.00 | 4-14yrs $115.00 | 2A+2C $588.00

10:20 am

5:30 pm

Explore Kuranda at a relaxed pace. 9.45am Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and 3.30pm Kuranda Scenic Railway. Gives you 4 hours in Kuranda to wander the Kuranda village and soak up the rainforest atmosphere.

Travel between 20th July and 25th October please read Skyrail modifications for inclusions

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Skyrail-Kuranda Scenic Train Day Tour CS945330

Adult $217.00 | 4-14yrs $115.00 | 2A+2C $588.00

8:40 am

5:30 pm

Board the 8:50am Kuranda Scenic Railway and wind through World Heritage rainforest to Kuranda village. Enjoy 3 hours to explore at your own pace, then glide back to Cairns on the iconic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, departing Kuranda at 1:45pm.

Travel between 20th July and 25th October please read Skyrail modifications for inclusions

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Kuranda Scenic Train-Skyrail Day Tour 850S145

Adult $217.00 | 4-14yrs $115.00 | 2A+2C $588.00

7:20 am

3:30 pm

Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class carriage experience

Travel to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, then enjoy up to four hours in the village to explore at your own pace. Return in comfort on the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class, featuring handcrafted Victorian-style décor, lounge-style seating and personalised onboard service.

Travel between 20th July and 25th October please read Skyrail modifications for inclusions

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Kuranda Skyrail /Train Day Tour with Gold Class S945

Adult $286.00 | 4-14yrs $184.00 | 2A+2C $864.00

8:40 am

5:30 pm

Kuranda Scenic Railway heritage train station

Kuranda Scenic Train departs Cairns at 8.30am or 9.30am
Return Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Not bookable online ☎️07 40283567
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns or Freshwater Station, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am train (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore the Kuranda markets and the many attractions in Kuranda. Return on the Skyrail Rainforest Cablewayas you guide over the rainforest canopy. Includes return transfers from Skyrail to Cairns/Freshwater Railway Stations.

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Kuranda Scenic Train & Skyrail – Self Drive

Adult $155.50 | Child $85.00 | Family 2A+2C 4-14yrs $399.00 | Gold class option 9.30 train only $60.00 per person

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Embark on an unforgettable Kuranda day tour from Cairns to Kuranda, nestled in the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest. Travel one way aboard the famous kuranda scenic railway, a highlight of many kuranda scenic railway tours, winding past waterfalls, tunnels and bridges through Barron Gorge National Park before returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with breathtaking views.

Skyrail Upgrade Project 2026 -2027
As Skyrail reaches 30 years of operation, they are embarking on a $85 Million upgrade project. The project aims to replace the existing cableway infrastructure and all Gondolas, improving the accessibility as well as providing a quieter, smoother enhanced rainforest experience

What options are available while Skyrail is closed/upgrading
Tours are offering the Kuranda Scenic Train one way with Coach travel to or from Kuranda
From 19th August – 25th October Wednesday through to Sunday Skyrail will operate a loop experience between Kuranda and the Barron Falls, please read inclusions & itinerary on the tours listed for details
Feel free to contact us on 07 40283567 for further clarification.

Important Skyrail Closure Dates:
Skyrail does not operate on the following dates due to maintenance.
20th July – 18th August 2026
Mondays & Tuesdays 19th August – 25th October 2026

Skyrail modified operations
Wednesdays to Sundays: Skyrail will operate a Kuranda ⇄ Barron Falls Loop Experience
19th August – 25th October 2026 inclusive

Kuranda Scenic Train not operating due to maintenance on:
2nd – 6th November 2026
25th December 2026

The Kuranda Scenic Railway, operating for over 134 years, is a true piece of living history. This 37 km journey features onboard commentary, spectacular views of Barron Falls, and the option to upgrade to Gold Class for a touch of luxury with lounge-style seating and personalised service.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway runs 7.5 km between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, taking around 1.5 hours with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls, where ranger-guided boardwalk tours offer insight into this ancient rainforest. Please note: Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Train close on select dates for maintenance.

Many visitors include the Kuranda Scenic Railway as part of a full Kuranda day trip itinerary combining train, cableway and a guided Kuranda village tour experience, but if you’re short on time, there are also other half day options in Cairns to consider.

Once in Kuranda Village known as the “Village in the Rainforest” stroll through the vibrant markets, enjoy coffee at local cafés, and visit wildlife attractions such as the Butterfly Sanctuary and Koala Gardens.

Rainforestation Nature Park set , offers amphibious Army Duck rainforest tours, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show, and guided cultural walks. A free hourly shuttle operates from the Butterfly Sanctuary from 10:45 am.

Prefer to self-drive? Park at Cairns or Freshwater Station, take the train up, and return by Skyrail for a seamless round-trip experience. Have questions? Call (07) 4028 3567 or browse our Cairns tours.

Here’s why thousands of customers trustCairns Discovery Tours.

🗓️ Flexible Cancellations

Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. (Helicopter tours are 48 hours) We make exploring Cairns stress free, so you can book with confidence.

💳 Book Now, Pay Later

Reserve your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option, or just give us a call or send us an email to secure your booking. We will be in touch to arrange payment 7 days before your departure. Perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.

🌴 Local Since 1995

For over 30 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Far North Queensland travellers from around the world. Based in Cairns, we offer authentic tour experiences backed by genuine local knowledge and long standing connections to the region.

👩‍🏫 Expert Local Guides

Our passionate Cairns tour guides are storytellers, historians, and nature enthusiasts. With deep local knowledge, they bring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cairns’ tropical heritage to life, ensuring an unforgettable and educational experience.

Very good support from Marianne to organize our Cairns visits, both for diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and for Kuranda and Rainforest Cape tribulation tours ! You can trust she will arrange every modification needed at her best ! Loved the trip in Cairns also thanks to Marianne, who listens and adapts to your interests and time ! Big Thank you, Marianne!

Great tour. We covered a lot of ground without feeling rushed. The day was well organised & seamless with a very knowledgeable tour guide/ driver.

I’m not often impressed enough to comment I certainly am with Maryanne Nothing was too much effort, even to ringing me at 9pm on Friday night to change a trip Refunded was processed within ten minutes of cancellation, new options provided All the five star reviews are true!

Cairns Discovery Tours is such a wonderful company. They all were essential in giving us an unforgettable experience on our first trip to Cairns. Maryanne is so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful in finding perfect excursions for us. Her Daintree Rainforest tour with the awesome Jeremey as our guide was truly amazing ! On top of all of this, everyone was so kind and helpful to recover and return to my wife a lost sentimental bracelet. I can not thank them all enough for making our vacation so special and memorable. You are all the best !

I had an incredible time with Cairns Discovery Tours! The entire experience was seamless, but I especially want to highlight the amazing help I received from Maryanne. She was absolutely wonderful throughout the booking process—her assistance in coordinating all the different spots and managing the details made my trip stress-free and truly enjoyable. If you're looking for a professional and helpful team in Cairns, I highly recommend them. Thank you, Maryanne, for all your hard work!"

We booked a whole day trip out to Daintree , Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Our guide was Jeremy. He was really fun and knowledgeable and I think he made all the difference in the World on this excursion. Without him, we would be lost not knowing what to look at and what to look out for. Highly recommended excursion if you can get a guide like Jeremy!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Kuranda Tour from Cairns

Looking for the Best Kuranda Tour from Cairns? Honestly, the best Kuranda tour really comes down to how you like to travel. The most popular is the Kuranda Train and Skyrail combo, however Skyrail is currently undergoing a major $85M gondola upgrade (August–October 2026), so availability on that experience will be limited during those months.

Tour operators will be replacing the Skyrail with coach transfers to or from Kuranda and adding a bonus attraction in Kuranda like the Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld or Koala World.

Feel free to call or email us and we will assist you with your Kuranda tour options available from Cairns

Is Kuranda worth visiting when staying in Cairns?

Absolutely. Kuranda is one of the most popular day trips from Cairns and suits almost every type of traveller. Set in World Heritage-listed rainforest, the charming village is known for its markets, wildlife encounters, and the iconic journey to get there. The combination of the Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of the great train journeys of the world and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway makes the trip itself a highlight.

What’s the difference between the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail?

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a historic 37km rail journey that winds through Barron Gorge National Park, passing waterfalls, tunnels and rainforest it has been operating for over 134 years. Skyrail is a modern 7.5km gondola cableway that glides above the rainforest canopy with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Most tours combine both, travelling one way by train and the other by cableway.

What types of Kuranda day tours are available from Cairns?

There are options to suit different budgets and interests from self-drive packages combining the Scenic Railway and Skyrail, to fully guided full-day tours that include Rainforestation Nature Park, a WWII Army Duck rainforest ride, Koala and Wildlife Park, Pamagirri Aboriginal cultural experience, and lunch.

How long does a Kuranda or Atherton Tablelands tour take?

Most Kuranda day tours depart around 7.30 – 8.30am and return to Cairns by 5.00 – 5.30pm. Half-day options are also available, giving you a morning rest with pick ups at 10.20am. Atherton Tablelands tours are full days due to the distance involved, tours start at 7.30am to 5.30pm

What attractions are typically visited on Atherton Tablelands tours?

Tablelands tours commonly visit highlights such as the volcanic crater lakes (Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham), iconic waterfalls including Millaa Millaa and Zillie Falls, the ancient Curtain Fig Tree, Yungaburra village, local coffee and macadamia farms, and the Mount Uncle Distillery. Food and wine tours also include tastings of regional produce across multiple stops.

Are Kuranda and Tablelands tours suitable for families and older travellers?

Yes, both destinations are well suited to a wide range of visitors. The Scenic Railway and Skyrail are accessible and comfortable for all ages, and Rainforestation Nature Park is popular with families. Tablelands tours are generally low-impact and scenic, though some walking trails at waterfalls may be uneven. It’s worth checking specific tour details if mobility is a consideration.