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Kurranda Train and Skyrail

Kuranda Day Tours

Kuranda Village, which is nestled amongst the pristine World Heritage Listed Rainforest is a popular day tour from Cairns.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a must-do experience, and it’s one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia. The journey from Cairns to Kuranda offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, passes spectacular waterfalls and enters the Barron Gorge. The journey includes an English commentary companion, which includes the history of the railway’s construction and a map.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5-kilometre scenic tourist cableway running above the Barron Gorge National Park in the Wet Tropics of Queensland’s World Heritage Area in Australia. It operates from the Smithfield terminal in Cairns to the Kuranda terminal or vice versa from Kuranda. Duration is approx 1.5 hours with 2 stops to visit along the way, Barron Gorge and Red Peak Station where you can join a 20 minute complimentary rainforest tour.
Skyrail does not operate on the following dates due to maintenance
Christmas Day 2023
6th - 19th May 2024 Inclusive
Kuranda Scenic Train not operating due to maintenance on
10th - 12th June 2024
6th - 8th November 2024

What to see and do in Kuranda – This secluded little village sits amongst the trees by the banks of the mighty Barron River and is very popular with visitors. Well known for its markets and attractions. Visit the Heritage Markets - open Wednesday to Sundays, Birdworld, Koala Gardens, or one of my favourites – a 45-minute calm water River Boat tour along the Barron River.
A favourite with many visitors is the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in the Southern Hemisphere. It is home to over 1500 butterflies, all of which are bred in a breeding laboratory. Butterflies include the local rainforest species, including the Electric Blue Ulysses, the majestic green and yellow Cairns Birdwing and the Monarch butterfly.
Rainforestation Nature Park is located 10 minutes from Kuranda, with a FREE shuttle bus operating from the Butterfly Sanctuary hourly from 10.45 am. Here you can experience the tropical rainforest from a totally unique perspective aboard an amphibious World War II Army Duck or DUKW. Watch the famous Pamagirri Dance Show and discover authentic Indigenous Australian culture, or take a 30-minute guided half-hour tour along an all-weather walkway that gives further insight into Aboriginal traditions and beliefs. There is so much to see and do.
Have your own car and want to self-drive – make your way to Skyrail and park your vehicle. You will be transferred to Freshwater Train station. Return by Skyrail where your vehicle is parked. Prices start from $128 for adults, Child $64, Family $321. Call Maryanne on (07) 40283567 or email us for further information.
Skyrail Kuranda Tour

Skyrail, Kuranda Village, Rainforestation-hotel transfers

FROM $171
Departs daily 8am - 5:30pm
Begin your eco-friendly journey on our electric coach to Kuranda. Visit Rainforestation Nature Park for unique wildlife encounters and an authentic World War 2 Army Duck tour. Explore Kuranda in your own time before returning via Skyrail. Includes hotel transfers.

 

 

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This Skyrail tour with Tropic Wings offers wildlife, rainforest, Kuranda Village and more! Begin your Skyrail tour by travelling to Kuranda via a 100% electric coach. Visit the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park to explore the rainforest on an authentic World War 2 Army Duck on land and water. Visit the Koala and Wildlife Park and view crocodiles, snakes, dingoes and the endangered Cassowary and Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Enjoy free time in Kuranda Village before boarding the 3.45 pm Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Soar over the ancient rainforest canopy and stop to explore the rainforest at ground level at Barron Falls and Red Peak. You will be met and transferred to your chosen accommodation at approx 5.30 pm. Itineraries may operate in reverse or a different sequence. Market days Wednesday - Sundays

 

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Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail Day Tour with return hotel transfers

FROM $168
Departs daily 7.30am - 5.30pm
Experience a day of adventure from your Cairns hotel 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 Rainforest.

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Travel to the rainforest village of Kuranda in style with our Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway package! Fly over the rainforest canopy on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Explore the rainforest at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations and join a guided ranger tour. Experience the brand new “Edge” lookout, which offers uninterrupted views of the mighty Barron Falls through glass panels. Enjoy your spare time in Kuranda Village. Browse for jewellery gifts and more at the Original and Rainforest Markets or taste a range of culinary treats at Kuranda’s many quirky cafes. Visit the world’s largest butterfly flight aviary at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or enjoy a relaxing walk along the Barron River. Experience the world’s most beautiful railway journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and journey past stunning rainforest waterfalls and past steep gorges. Stop at Barron Falls station and see the stunning Barron Falls. Kuranda original and heritage markets open Wednesday through to Sunday

Optional Kuranda River Cruise & Lunch
(Not available Monday and Tuesday)

Enjoy a tranquil 45-minute Wet Tropics calm water cruise on the Barron River in Kuranda aboard the MV Kuranda. The commentary highlights various aspects of the World’s most ancient tropical rainforest in Australia, river life and the history of Kuranda. The river is home to a host of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, snakes, fish and birds. Occasionally a wild cassowary may be spotted on the edge of the rainforest by the riverbank. Following your cruise make your way to Cafe Mandala for lunch where there will be a reserved table for you. Choose anything from Café Mandala’s menu to the value of $20 and pay the Cafe owner separately for anything ordered over the amount.

 

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Kuranda Army Duck Tour with Train & Skyrail

FROM $201
Departs Daily 7.30am - 5.30pm
Start your Cairns adventure with Kuranda Scenic Railway through lush rainforest. At Rainforestation Nature Park, explore flora and fauna in their natural habitat on historic Army Ducks. Free time in Kuranda before a serene return on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Transfers included. Photo Credit: Tourism Australia

 

 

 

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Start your day with a trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and enjoy the incredible views, as you glide above the rainforest canopy. Allow 1.5 hours to complete the experience, this includes time at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Enjoy a tour across land and water on the historic World War II Army Ducks at the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park ,spotting flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Enjoy free time in Kuranda and then finish your day with Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding your way down the mountain through rainforest, past waterfalls and including a stop at the breathtaking Barron Gorge. You will be met at Freshwater station and transferred to your Cairns chosen accommodation. Kuranda Markets open Wednesday - Sunday.

 

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Kuranda Scenic Train over Barron Gorge

Electric Bus to Kuranda • Return Kuranda Scenic Train

FROM $161
Departs daily 7.45am - 5.15pm
Experience emission-free travel from your Cairns hotel to Kuranda on a 100% electric bus. Explore Rainforestation Nature Park with an authentic WW2 Army Duck tour, guided Koala & Wildlife Park Tour,  and Pamagirri Dance Performance in the rainforest amphitheatre. Enjoy free time in Kuranda before returning via the scenic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Transfers included.

 

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You will be collected from your accommodation or nominated pick-up point between 7.45 am -8.45am. Travel to Rainforestation Nature Park via the scenic Kuranda Range. Travel from Cairns to Kuranda on our 100% electric coach (subject to availability) and return on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Please be advised if you are travelling with a pram - collapsible prams and strollers can be stored under the Heritage Class seats provided they are no more than 25cm in height once collapsed. Large prams or non-collapsible strollers are unfortunately not accepted onboard Kuranda Scenic Railway. This action-packed Kuranda Day Tour includes the Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of Australia’s most stunning scenic train journeys. Wind through the lush World Heritage Rainforest and past stunning waterfalls and gorges. Visit Rainforestation Nature Park and explore the rainforest on land and in water tour on a World War 2 Army Duck. Visit the Koala & Wildlife Park and see koalas, Tasmanian Devils, crocodiles and the endangered Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo and Cassowary. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. Learn about authentic Indigenous culture on the award-winning Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Join a Dreamtime Walk spanning a didgeridoo playing presentation, spear throwing presentation and boomerang throwing. Watch a traditional Indigenous dance performance. Transfer to Kuranda Village to spend time visiting the markets before returning to Cairns on the 3.30 pm Train. 5:15 pm Your Coach will be at the Cairns Railway Station to transfer you back to your accommodation. Please tell your Driver Guide if you do not require a return transfer.

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

Adult $275|Child $145|Family $695
Departs daily 7.30 am - 5.30 pm
You will enjoy the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as part of your transfers as you embark on a full-day adventure to Kuranda and the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park. Ride an amphibious WWII Army Duck through the rainforest, meet Aussie wildlife at the Koala and Wildlife Park, visit the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch.

 

 

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Join Tropic Wings, the longest-established coach operator in Cairns, for a full-day adventure to Kuranda, located in World Heritage Rainforest. Your Kuranda day tour includes a visit to the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park. Explore the tropical rainforest from a totally unique perspective aboard an amphibious World War II Army Duck. Your Duck Captain will take you on an entertaining and educational tour over land and water. Wander at your leisure through the Koala and Wildlife park to familiarise yourself with a host of unique Australian wildlife - especially those from North Queensland. Visit the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, including boomerang and spear throwing and traditional Aboriginal dances as they perform traditional dances in the Rainforest Amphitheatre. Enjoy lunch at the Treehouse Cafe for Aussie BBQ with a selection of meats, salads, vegetarian options and tropical fruits. You will enjoy the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as part of your transfers.

Please be advised if you are travelling with a pram - collapsible prams and strollers can be stored under the Heritage Class seats provided they are no more than 25cm in height once collapsed. Large prams or non-collapsible strollers are unfortunately not accepted onboard Kuranda Scenic Railway.

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Karanda Scenic Railway and the Barron River.

Kuranda Scenic Train & Skyrail - Self Drive

FROM $125
Departs daily 8.30 or 9.30am - 5.15pm
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am trains (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore markets and attractions of Kuranda, then return via relaxing Skyrail. Transfers from Skyrail to Cairns Railway Station included.

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Make your way to the Cairns or Freshwater Railway Station 30 minutes before your train journey. Experience two of the most popular tourist attractions in Far North Queensland—journey aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda village. Leisurely explore Kuranda, the famous 'village in the rainforest', before returning to Cairns, gliding above the canopy of World Heritage rainforest and learning more about this ancient ecosystem with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Skyrail Rainforest Cable and Kuranda Scenic Train take approx 1.5 hours in each direction. Kuranda Markets open Wednesday to Sunday.

Journey aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns Railway Station at 8.30 am or 9.30 am. The original Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class carriages offer the old-world charm of travelling in authentic timber carriages, some of which are up to 100 years old.

Upgrade to Gold Class on the 9.30am Train service (see below for list of inclusions)

Experience your scenic journey in the refurbished original redwood heritage carriages. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and numerous photographic opportunities as you wind through the World Heritage-listed rainforest.

  • Leisurely explore Kuranda, the village in the rainforest
  • Travel on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway from the Kuranda Terminal at 2.30 pm or 3.30 pm departure
  • Transfer by shuttle coach from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Caravonica Terminal to Cairns Railway Station

Shuttle Transfer Times

  • 2.30 pm Skyrail departing Kuranda meets the 4.00 pm bus transfer from Skyrail Caravonica Terminal, Smithfield to Cairns Railway Station
  • 3.30 pm Skyrail departing Kuranda meets the 5.20 pm transfer from Skyrail Caravonica Terminal, Smithfield to Cairns Railway Station

Parking:

Cairns station Parking is at Cairns Central shopping centre – please ensure that you provide your number plate details upon check-in to validate for free parking. Freshwater station has free parking all around the station.

 

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