Landmarks

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

4.7/5(85)

Jennifer Q

Couple

Verified booking

4 days ago

Our bus driver Vincent was very knowledgeable of the area and provided up as with some local information on Cairns and the surrounding areas, including sites to see.

Annabelle S

Family

Verified booking

Last week

The day was good: loved the train ride. Worth nothing that the shops are often closed on Monday and Tuesday but we found there was still enough to do in the town

Suhaskumar P

Family

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Loved the train ride. It was a amazing exeperience. Sky rail was also a very good exeperience. View of mountains, waterfalls and beauty of nature itself felt like the best things in the world!!

Carol W

Solo

Verified booking

Sep 2026

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

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)

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

85 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 11 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Suhaskumar P
Family
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Loved the train ride. It was a amazing exeperience. Sky rail was also a very good exeperience. View of mountains, waterfalls and beauty of nature itself felt like the best things in the world!!
Jennifer Q
Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
Our bus driver Vincent was very knowledgeable of the area and provided up as with some local information on Cairns and the surrounding areas, including sites to see.
Annabelle S
Family
Verified booking
Last week
The day was good: loved the train ride. Worth nothing that the shops are often closed on Monday and Tuesday but we found there was still enough to do in the town
Schmutz P
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
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Amanda B
Family
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
We enjoyed the trip but was disappointed to learn on the day that the skyrail does not operate on a Monday or Tuesday. The ticket we booked said train and skyrail.

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.