Kuranda Scenic Train & Skyrail – Self Drive
Adult $145|Child$80|Family $390
Gold class option 9.30 train only $60 per person
Train departs Cairns 8.30am or 9.30am
Return Skyrail 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Tour not bookable online – please contact us P 07 40283567
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns Central or Freshwater Station, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am trains (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore the Kuranda markets Wednesday through to Sunday and the many attractions of Kuranda, then return on the Skyrail as you guide over the rainforest canopy. Includes return transfers from Skyrail to Cairns Railway Station.
Please note this option is not bookable online, please call Katie or Maryanne at Cairns Discovery Tours on (07) 40283567
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.
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)
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
12.30pm Skyrail departing Kuranda meets the 2.00pm transfer from Skyrail Terminal to Cairns
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.
Inclusions
- Kuranda village famous ‘village in the rainforest’
- One‐way journey on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- One‐way journey on historic Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Coach transfer back to your boarding station
Gold Class inclusions: – 9.30am service only
- Dedicated attendant service
- Individual seating, lounge-style chairs
- Ambient, historical carriage décor
- Kuranda Scenic Railway gift pack including badge, pen and postcard
- Souvenir trip guide
- Stop and disembark at Din Din (Barron Falls) station, with stunning views of Din Din (Barron Falls)
- Morning tea featuring a selection of Queensland and local Tablelands produce such as Gallo Dairyland Cheese, Skybury Coffee, Wondaree Macadamias, Tropical Sorbets, freshly-baked muffins, quality Australian white and red wines and Great Northern Brewing Company Super Crisp Lager.
- Welcome tropical mocktails served in the pavilion area, 20 minutes before the arrival of the train when boarding at Freshwater Station in the morning
Please Note: Gold Class service is not offered on the 15-minute journey between Cairns and Freshwater Station.
What to bring
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Extra cash or credit card for additional purchases
Non-operational dates
Kuranda Scenic Train not operating
19th, 20th & 21st November 2025
25th December 2025
Monday 11 May to Friday 15 May 2026
Wednesday 17 June to Friday 19 June 2026
Wednesday 4 November to Friday 6 November 2026
Skyrail not operating
7th – 20th October 2025 (Inclusive)
25th December 2025
25th – 31st May 2026 (Inclusive)
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For over 28 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Cairns with thousands of travellers, offering authentic, community-connected tour experiences.
👩🏫 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.













