Landmarks

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

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

4.8/5(69)

Carol W

Solo

Verified booking

Last week

Smooth running throughout, from scenic rail trip to time in Kuranda to sky rail & transfer back to Cairns with a very helpful driver.... weather was not perfect, but didn't detract....

Stephen E

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

Our day started slightly late for the bus transfer, however, Ricky, our coach captain made us feel very welcome as we boarded. His reassuring smile and calmness sharing the things we needed to know had a relaxing effect. His informing and "selling the sizzle" of the train journey, the butterfly and wildlife options were so enjoyable, and so began it mental picture of what to expect. (The train journey provided an insight into the difficulties of its construction over 100 years ago!!!) Our day provided perfect weather, some memorable moments with nature, a tasty chicken curry port from one of the many market-strip vendors, and finished with an Birds Eye View of the absolute spectacle of the area visited. Justifies using Headout Tours 😊 Thank you so much. 🥰

Abrham M

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

It was fun packed an me and my family enjoyed it thoroughly.the lookouts was amazing .the rail was fantastic and the cable car was a bit scary but enjoyed it

Christine B

Group

Verified booking

Jun 2026

The train ride was so much fun and nostalgic. We couldn't believe we were riding in carriages that were old and original. Loved the pressed tin roof. The scenery was amazing! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Kuranda was so quirky and cute. Loved the village atmosphere. Plenty of shops for everyone and lots of food options! The Skyrail trip was amazing. It was fantastic to see the forest from the different perspective. All in all a great day out!

Ruth T

Group

Verified booking

Jun 2026

This was the highlight of our trip loved the Skyrail although the train wasn't going the views were amazing everyone was helpful and friendly. Would recommend and definitely do again

Victoria M

Family

Verified booking

Jun 2026

Enjoyed the day, first the rain then a look around Karunda village and then the cable can back down. The shop owners in the village don't like you to take photos which is funny because we where in one shop who where selling Kmart hair clips that are $5 for $35!! So be aware of some of the shops ripping off customers.

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.

69 reviews
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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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Guests from United States, New Zealand, United Kingdom and over 8 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Carol W
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
Smooth running throughout, from scenic rail trip to time in Kuranda to sky rail & transfer back to Cairns with a very helpful driver.... weather was not perfect, but didn't detract....
Abrham M
Couple
Verified booking
Jul 2026
It was fun packed an me and my family enjoyed it thoroughly.the lookouts was amazing .the rail was fantastic and the cable car was a bit scary but enjoyed it
Katherine B
Couple
Verified booking
Jul 2026
Easy, seamless booking. Great communication. Excellent experience!
Bryan I
Family
Verified booking
Jul 2026
Fantastic day out with the family
Stephen E
Couple
Verified booking
Jul 2026
Our day started slightly late for the bus transfer, however, Ricky, our coach captain made us feel very welcome as we boarded. His reassuring smile and calmness sharing the things we needed to know had a relaxing effect. His informing and "selling the sizzle" of the train journey, the butterfly and wildlife options were so enjoyable, and so began it mental picture of what to expect. (The train journey provided an insight into the difficulties of its construction over 100 years ago!!!) Our day provided perfect weather, some memorable moments with nature, a tasty chicken curry port from one of the many market-strip vendors, and finished with an Birds Eye View of the absolute spectacle of the area visited. Justifies using Headout Tours 😊 Thank you so much. 🥰

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 shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.