Kuranda Scenic Railway and Day Trip Tours

Kuranda Scenic Train & Skyrail – Self Drive

Kuranda Scenic Railway heritage train station
Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class carriage experience
Kuranda Scenic Railway heritage train station
Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class carriage experience

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.

Please note this option is not bookable online, please call 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.

 

  • 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. 

  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Extra cash or credit card for additional purchases

Kuranda Scenic Train not operating
Monday 11 May to Friday 15 May 2026
Wednesday 17 June to Friday 19 June 2026
Wednesday 4 November to Friday 6 November 2026
25th December 2026

Skyrail not operating
25th May–3rd June  2026 (Inclusive)

Skyrail closed for Upgrade Project 26th July – 25th October 2026 
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

 

Explore related tours

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.

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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Snorkellers exploring Green Island reef lagoon

Adult $240 |Child 4-14 yrs $142
Departs Mon to Sat 9am – 6pm
Green Island and Cairns City Sights Tour is an exciting day tour that takes you on a journey to explore the natural beauty and cultural highlights of two unique destinations. Morning begins with a visit to the beautiful Green Island, where you have the opportunity to snorkel or do a glass-bottom boat tour to discover the Great Barrier Reef. Return to Cairns where you’ll explore the sights and sounds of this vibrant tropical city.

More Info

Adult $240.00 | Child 4-14 yrs $142.00

9:00 am
6:00 pm

Adult from $239 Child (7-14yrs) $215 not suitable for under 7yrs
Depart daily from Port Douglas only at 7.30am –  4.30pm

Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest in style. Enjoy guided interpretive walks, a gourmet lunch and a wildlife cruise on Cooper Creek to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Friendly local guides who will share the stories, culture and ecology that make this World Heritage-listed rainforest so extraordinary.

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Adult from $239.00 | Child $215.00 Child 7yrs-14

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This unique Daintree Rainforest experience will have you discovering Mossman Gorge in depth. Start the day with a secret location to commence your ‘River drift’ tour,. Enjoy lunch and a traditional smoking ceremony ending the day with a 1.5 hour guided rainforest walk in the Gorge…..

 

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Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C

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Cairns Aquarium marine life experience banner

Adult $179| Child $79
Available Tues to Sat 3pm – 6:15pm

Experience available up until 28th June 2026

Aquarium by twilight gives you an insight into the unique changes of the region’s nocturnal sea creatures as they move about in the shadows. Witness the predators in the Oceanarium with appetiser and drink in hand, before completing your evening at Dundee’s Restaurant with a perfectly matched 3 course dining experience while enjoying a stunning marine life backdrop.

Adult $179.00 | Child $79.00

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Silversonic diver exploring outer reef coral formations

Adult $315|Child $228
Fuel Levy Adult $10 Child $5 payable on the day of travel
Departs Port Douglas 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Silversonic from Port Douglas takes you to explore three stunning and exclusive outer edge locations at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs in superb style and comfort. Spend 5 hours at the reef enjoying unlimited snorkelling and some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes Port Douglas hotel transfers, hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & all snorkelling and dive equipment included.

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Adult $328.00 | Child $238.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel levy payable on the day of travel

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Cairns river cruise sightseeing tour tropical waters

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Adult $70.00 | Child 2-11yrs $50.00 | Family 2A+2C $190.00

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Aerial shot of Nautilus Helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef

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Short on time or want to experience the Great Barrier Reef on a return scenic flight. Takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife – sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).

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Here’s why thousands of customers loveCairns Discovery Tours.

🗓️ Flexible Cancellations

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

💳 Book Now, Pay Later

Secure your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option. Lock in your adventure today and pay in easy installments — perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.

🌴 Local Since 1995

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.

Janice Welsh
Janice Welsh
8 months ago
We arranged 3 day tours from Cairns with Cairns Discovery tours, one to Fitzroy Island, one to Green Island and one to Kuranda . From the initial telephone contact to the conclusion of the tours, Maryanne was so helpful and professional. Booking and payment was easy, follow up information meant we knew exactly where to meet and what we would expect to see and do, when and where to check in on the day . I can thoroughly recommend booking with Cairns Discovery Tours.
Meredith Graham
Meredith Graham
10 months ago
Cairns Discovery Tours were amazing. I had very specific requirements for booking tours, due to the group we were travelling with. They made the process so easy. Their recommendations were spot on and then they took care of all our bookings, including updating me on any "deals" that companies had. If you are travelling to Cairns, I would highly recommend contacting Cairns Discovery Tours to sort your holiday!
I had the pleasure of booking my recent trip through Cairns Discovery Tours in Cairns and I must say it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From the very beginning, Maryanne and team were extremely easy to work with. Their communication was clear, prompt, and effective, which gave me confidence that everything was being handled smoothly. No matter how many questions we had, they responded with patience and helpful details. Since we were completely new to Cairns, their recommendations were invaluable. Another highlight was the deal they worked out for us. They managed to customize the itinerary in a way that was both budget-friendly and full of experiences. Overall, I highly recommend Cairns Discovery Tours to anyone planning a trip to Cairns. They are professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about making your journey memorable. I would definitely choose them again for my future travels. Thanks once again Maryanne and Taam!
Kim Ryan
Kim Ryan
8 months ago
Easy to book online and and contact if need be. Well organised would recommend using this company to book tours through.
Adrian Olsen
Adrian Olsen
11 months ago
Like to thank Mary Ann for organising our two trips had to get a partial refund on one of the trips due to weather which was an easy process. Would definitely book through Cairns Discovery Tours again
G
Greg Scher
1 year ago
Marianne set up great tours and was very responsive with any questions. Highly recommended,