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Landmarks

From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Self-Guided Kuranda Tour

Driver using GPS navigation in car to reach Kuranda Village.
Kuranda Railway Gold Class passengers enjoying scenic view and refreshments, Cairns.
Skyrail gondola over Barron Falls rainforest, Kuranda, Queensland.
Couple enjoying the view from Kuranda Skyrail Cableway over lush rainforest and coastline.

Duration

5 hr 55 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Transfers available

Pickup available

Explore Kuranda on a self-guided journey with the Scenic Train and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Enjoy round-trip coach transfers from Skyrail Terminal.

    • Opt for this self-guided tour of Kuranda with scenic railway and skyrail tickets with round-trip coach transfers from Skyrail Terminal.
    • Pass through hand-carved tunnels on the historic Kuranda Science Railway and glide over the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail, with stops at Red Peak for complimentary ranger-guided tours.
    • Explore Kuranda Village at your own pace, browsing local markets, cafés, and wildlife sanctuaries like Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (entry at own expense).
    • Choose to upgrade your ticket to get a one-way Skyrail or one-way scenic train ticket for your convenience.
    • Did you know? The Scenic Railway is over 130 years old. It was originally built to connect Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands and support mining and agriculture.
    • Kuranda Scenic Train ticket
    • Skyrail Cableway ticket
    • Round-trip coach transfer from Skyrail Terminal
    • Free time in Kuranda Village
    • One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket (as per option selected)
    • One-way Scenic Railway ticket (as per option selected)
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 18 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

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    What our guests say

    Ayame Ochi

    Ayame

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    The Kuranda Scenic Railway was a great way to get to Kuranda with informative insights over the course of the journey. It was not too crowded and plenty of opportunity to take photos. The Skyrail had some delays due to weather but was managed extremely well by staff. The experience itself was wonderful particularly with the weather
    Ziah Toksy

    Ziah

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    A first time family holiday adventure.
    Faye Killoran

    Faye

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    It rained for our Skyrail journey but thus brought out the many sounds of a rainforest such as frogs and birds
    Mark James wills

    Mark

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    Very scenic excellrent. Very enjoyable day
    Rhonda Jones

    Rhonda

    Sep 2025
    Verified booking
    I stuffed up booking and the company were amazing and rearranging everything for no extra cost
  • Journey to Kuranda on the historic scenic railway

    Board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a heritage train that winds through World Heritage-listed rainforest, hand-carved tunnels, and towering bridges. As you pass Barron Falls and Stoney Creek, hear stories of the railway’s construction and its role in Queensland’s history.

    Explore Kuranda at your own pace

    Once in Kuranda Village, enjoy free time to explore. Wander through the local markets, grab a bite at a café, or visit wildlife attractions like Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (entry at own expense).

  • Glide above the treetops on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking in breathtaking views of the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns coastline. Stop at Red Peak and Barron Falls to explore scenic boardwalks, enjoy complimentary ranger-guided tours, and experience the rainforest up close.

    Upgrade to one-way ticket options

    Prefer a shorter journey? Choose a one-way ticket—travel by Scenic Railway or Skyrail, allowing you to experience the rainforest from a single perspective.

  • What to bring

    • Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle and a light jacket for the train journey.

    What’s not allowed

    • Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the Scenic Railway or Skyrail. Smoking is prohibited in all transport vehicles and station areas.

    Accessibility

    • The experience is wheelchair accessible.
    • Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.

    Additional information

    • The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
    • Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.
    • This tour does not include hotel transfers and is for self-drive travelers. Guests must drive to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal and park their car at Skyrail Smithfield Terminal before taking a bus transfer to Freshwater Station.
    • The Scenic Train takes approximately 2 hours, while the Skyrail journey takes around 1.5 hours, including stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls.
    • Kuranda attractions (wildlife parks, markets, and other experiences) are not included and can be purchased separately upon arrival.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly
    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
    • If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification

    Meeting point

    • Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

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