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Important: Hours or services may differ. To get the most accurate information please refer to the supplier's official website. This destination you intend to travel to may have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place. Please check any national, local and health advisories for this destination before you book.
We recommend booking a tour with free cancellation* in case your plans change. *There is always a timeline associated with the free cancellation policy. Please check the terms and conditions of the cancellation policy before you book.

  •  Activities
  •  Cairns
  •  Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway One Way Experience with Diamond View Gondola and One Way Kuranda Scenic Railway with Heritage Class

Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway One Way Experience with Diamond View Gondola and One Way Kuranda Scenic Railway with Heritage Class

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

  • Cairns
  • English, iPod Multi-language
  • Skyrail-approx. 2 hours; Scenic Railway-approx. 1.5 hours
  • Free Cancellation prior to 7 days of travel date
  • 48 Working Hours Confirmation

Standard Inclusions

  • 1. Complimentary parking
  • 2. Upgrade to Diamond View Gondola
  • 3. One Way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience including the Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations
  • 4. Red Peak: Rainforest Discovery Zone, Ranger Guided Boardwalk Tours, rainforest boardwalk loop, scenic lookout
  • 5. Barron Falls: The Edge Lookout, CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre, rainforest boardwalk loop, Historical Precinct, panoramic gorge and waterfall views
  • 6. Free Wi-Fi at all Skyrail stations
  • 7. One Way Kuranda Scenic Railway journey with Heritage Class
  • 8. Multi-lingual Interpretive App and Audio Guide
  • • Vaccination documentation required upon check-in
From AUD
$154.00

1 Key Facts

Included

  • 1. Complimentary parking
  • 2. Upgrade to Diamond View Gondola
  • 3. One Way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience including the Red Peak and Barron Falls Stations
  • 4. Red Peak: Rainforest Discovery Zone, Ranger Guided Boardwalk Tours, rainforest boardwalk loop, scenic lookout
  • 5. Barron Falls: The Edge Lookout, CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre, rainforest boardwalk loop, Historical Precinct, panoramic gorge and waterfall views
  • 6. Free Wi-Fi at all Skyrail stations
  • 7. One Way Kuranda Scenic Railway journey with Heritage Class
  • 8. Multi-lingual Interpretive App and Audio Guide
  • • Vaccination documentation required upon check-in

Not included

  • 1. Transport from/to hotels
  • 2. Food & beverages not listed as Inclusions
  • 3. Souvenirs
  • 4. Travel Insurance
Destination Cairns
Depature point ● Departs: daily, all year round
   Tour does not run on Christmas Day (25 December), and Maintenance Closures Days  

【Skyrail Rainforest Cableway】
● Departure Time:
 - First departure from Smithfield is at 08:30 and the last one way or round trip experience from Smithfield departs at 13:00.
 - The last one way experience from Kuranda departs at 15:15 and the latest departure from Kuranda for a round trip experience is at 12:00.
   Departure times are reference only and subject to availability.

【Kuranda Scenic Railway】
● Departs from Freshwater to Kuranda
 - Departure Point: Freshwater Railway Station
 - Departure Time : 09:55
 - Arrives Kuranda at approximately 11:25
   Departure times are reference only and subject to availability.

● Departs from Kuranda to Freshwater or Cairns
 - Departure Point: Kuranda Railway Station
 - Departure Time : 15:30
 - Arrives Freshwater at approximately 17:02; Arrives Cairns at approximately 17:25
   Departure times are reference only and subject to availability.
Address 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield QLD 4878
How to get there 【Skyrail - Smithfield Termial (Address: 6 Skyrail Dr, Smithfield QLD 4878)】
● By Car
Located approximately 14km north of Cairns, takes about 20 minutes; approximately 15km south of Palm Cove, takes about 20 minutes; approximately 55km south of Port Douglas, takes about 50 minutes.

- [Free] Onsite parking available

● By Public Transport
Unfortunately there is no direct public transport available. Most visitors drive or arrive on a coach tour. If you do not drive, please book "Railway Start".


【Kuranda Scenic Railway Freshwater Station (Address: Kamerunga Rd, Freshwater QLD 4870)】
● By Car
Located approximately 10.5km northwest of Cairns, takes about 15 minutes; approximately 21km south of Palm Cove, takes about 25 minutes; approximately 62km south of Port Douglas, takes about 1 hour.

- [Free] Onsite parking available

● By Public Transport
The closest Train Station is Freshwater Station
The closest Bus Stop is Kamerunga Road at Freshwater Railway Station
Please check the Transport QLD timetables (https://translink.com.au/) for more details to plan your trip.
Operating hours
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Daily 08:30 - 16:45 Last departure from Kuranda at 15:15
Christmas Day (25 December) Closed
Pre-planned Maintenance Closed Please check with Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway website for detailed dates
Check-in requirements Please ensure you arrive at the ticket office 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow enough time to check in. Regrettably, failure to arrive before this time will most likely be classified as no-show and result in forfeiting the booking and it cannot be refunded or transferred.

If you are not familiar with the area or travelling on a weekend or local public holidays / school holidays, please make sure you've checked your timetable or driving route beforehand, and allow extra travelling time for unexpected delays to ensure you do not miss your check in
What to bring/wear ● Appropriate clothing for all weather conditions, eg. jacket for cooler months.
● Comfortable enclosed walking shoes
● Protective clothing, hat, sunscreen lotion, and sunglasses
● Water bottle, Snacks
● Umbrella / raincoat if rains
● Insect repellent
● Camera
● Money / credit card for optional purchases
Other info 【Important Post-Covid Service Information】
- Guests aged 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 from 17 December 2021. Upon entry all guests must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination or medical exemption documentation. Guests aged 16 years and older, unable to provide the vaccination or medical exemption documentation will be refused entry and no refund will be offered as the consequence.
- Please wear face masks.
- Not to attend Skyrail if you feel unwell in particular if you have any of the common COVID-19 symptoms.
- To provide personal contact details as requested for contact tracing if required.
- Complete pre-screening questions and declaration.
- Use hand sanitisation products provided upon entry and during your visit.
- Practice good hygiene at all times during your visit.
- Advise Skyrail staff immediately if you feel unwell during your visit.
- Maintain minimum social distancing requirements.
- Adhere to any requirements as prescribed by package partners and bus transfer service provider.
- Arrive at Skyrail no earlier than 15 minutes prior to allocated boarding time.
- In off peak periods, exclusive gondola use may be offered.
- Skyrail and Scenic Railway package availability is limited & sold out on certain days. Round trip (return) Skyrail experiences are recommended.
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● Days of Travel
Travel on Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway must be completed on the same day. Kuranda Scenic Railway cannot be split for travel on separate days.
● Operating hours may change due to maintenance, improvements or safety reasons. Please always check with the Service Provider visit their official website for updated information regarding scheduled maintenance and closures before purchasing, and when closer to travel date to plan your visit.
● Freshwater Railway Station (Kuranda Scenic Railway) is approximately 7km from Skyrail Smithfield Terminal, please make your own way back to the parking where you parked.

[Skyrail Rainforest Cableway]
● Children (14 years and younger) must be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of the Skyrail experience.
● The Diamond View gondola upgrade seats a maximum of 5 people (including infants) or a maximum of 400kg (880 lbs) whichever is first. Non-shared use of gondolas is subject to availability.
● Please note that timings are dependent on cableway operational constraints and may be longer than these recommended times.
● You can spend as much time as you like at Skyrail's rainforest mid-stations enjoying the facilities and rainforest atmosphere.
● For the protection of the environment, smoking and the consumption of food and drink is prohibited in all gondolas. Eating and drinking is allowed at all of Skyrail's Terminals and Stations.
● Day packs and fold up strollers can be taken on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Luggage is not permitted on the cableway or bus transfers. Small coin operated lockers are available at Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal (subject to availability and at own risk).

2 Overview

[Skyrail Rainforest Cableway]
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you on an amazing experience over Australia's World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. A one way Skyrail experience should take approximately 2 hours, this includes spending time at the two rainforest stations Red Peak and Barron Falls.

[Kuranda Scenic Railway]
Board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway as it meanders its way between Cairns and Kuranda. Opened in 1891, this famous railway ascends from the coastal plains of Cairns through Freshwater Railway Station and on to Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest, some 328 metres (1,076 feet) above sea level. Your historic journey in fully refurbished vintage carriages includes English commentary and a short photo opportunity stop at Barron Falls.

Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway One Way Experience with Diamond View Gondola and One Way Kuranda Scenic Railway with Heritage Class

 

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is an iconic, must-do experience that takes guests over and through the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, home to the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on Earth. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tranquility of one of the world's most botanically fascinating areas that has remained relatively unchanged for 130 million years. The cableway stretches 7.5 kilometres or 4.7 miles between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda. There are 32 towers in total and the highest tower stands 40.5 metres (133 feet) high.

Enjoy a truly unique perspective of this ancient landscape with unsurpassed panoramic views of Barron Gorge and Australia's Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, enroute descend to explore the rainforest close up at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Red Peak is Skyrail's highest point at 545 metres above sea level (1,788 feet). The Kuranda Terminal sits at 336 metres (1,100 feet) and Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal is just 5 metres above sea level (16 feet).

Traversing the ancient rainforest between Smithfield and Kuranda, a one-way Skyrail Experience with Diamond View will take approximately 120 minutes to complete including time spent exploring Red Peak and Barron Falls.

 

  • Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal

    Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is located just 15 minutes north of Cairns city and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas. Traverse the spectacular landscape between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, on your 120 minute experience. A glimpse into an ancient world nestled in the fascinating Barron Gorge.

     

  • Discover Red Peak – it's a jungle down there!

    Descend through the canopy to explore one of the most ancient pockets of rainforest on Earth, where unique plants and animals have survived the forces of nature and time. This is the home of lush fern gardens, climbing palms, rare butterflies, birds and imposing rainforest giants, all of which are in constant competition for life-giving light. Exploring the rainforest at Red Peak is an experience not to be missed, so allow yourself approximately 20 minutes to encounter, discover and immerse yourself in this fascinating living museum.


    Explore Red Peak

    • Ranger Guided Tours
    • Rainforest Discovery Zone
    • Rainforest Boardwalk Loop
    • Scenic Lookout

     

  • Discover Barron Falls – a prehistoric landscape

    Known as Din Din to the Djabuganydji people – Barron Falls is a sacred place that has been an important part of their storytelling for thousands of years. While it is a spectacular sight at any time of the year, it really comes into its own during the wet season (December to March), when tropical rains bring the waterfall to life. Exploring the spectacular, rugged beauty and pioneering history is an experience not to be missed. Plan to spend around 20 minutes discovering the rainforest stories of Barron Falls.


    Explore Barron Falls

    • The Edge Lookout
    • Historical Precinct
    • CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre
    • Panoramic gorge & waterfall views

     

  • Kuranda - Village in the rainforest

    Kuranda offers an amazing rainforest experience with spectacular scenic walks and some amazing wildlife attractions and activities. The famous Kuranda markets and village shopping has something for everyone and a wide range of restaurants and cafes offers relaxed outdoor dining and a taste sensation to suit most discerning taste buds.
    Depending on your itinerary and interests, allowing 2-3 hours exploring the world famous Kuranda Village.

 

Skyrail Interpretive App & Audio Guide

Ensure you get the most out of your experience by downloading Skyrail's multi-lingual Interpretive App & Audio Guide that places the story of Australia's ancient tropical rainforest directly in your hands. 

  • Enhance your experience with in gondola commentary
  • See augmented reality rainforest animals appear right before your eyes
  • Track your journey
  • Learn more about your experience
  • Capture and share photos to your social networks

 

One Way Skyrail Experience

Allow 20 minutes for each station, to enjoy Ranger guided boardwalk tours and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts and historical precinct. Enhance your experience and unlock the secrets of the ancient rainforest at the new Rainforest Discovery Zone at Red Peak, put the story of the rainforest in your hands with the Skyrail Interpretive App & Audio Guide and experience the beautiful Barron Falls and Gorge like never before from The Edge Lookout.

 

Upgrade to Diamond View Gondola

Enjoy a unique and unimpeded perspective straight down to the tropical rainforest canopy with Skyrail's glass floor Diamond View gondola. Diamond View guests enjoy dedicated Diamond View only boarding queues, and Diamond View gondolas depart the platforms every 7 minutes (approximately). Diamond View gondolas seat a maximum of 5 people (including infants) and is available on a one-way, per-person basis only. Return and family rates do not apply.

 

Trip Timings

Stations: Smithfield Terminal - Red Peak Station - Barron Falls Station - Kuranda Terminal

  • Smithfield Terminal - Red Peak Station
    • Gondola Travelling Time: approximately 10 minutes
    • Distance: 2.7 kms
    • At Red Peak Station: Rainforest boardwalk including complimentary Ranger Guided Tour. Plan to spend approximately 20-30 minutes
  • Red Peak Station - Barron Falls Station
    • Gondola Travelling Time: approximately 12-14 minutes
    • Distance: 3.1 kms
    • At Barron Falls Station: Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts, historical display. Plan to spend approximately 20-30 minutes.
  • Barron Falls Station - Kuranda Terminal
    • Gondola Travelling Time: approximately 7-8 minutes
    • Distance: 1.7 kms

If commencing journey from Kuranda Terminal, the stops will be in reverse.

 

 

Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class

The original Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage carriages offer the old world charm of travelling in authentic timber carriages some of which are over 100 years old. Experience your scenic journey in the refurbished original red-wooden heritage carriages. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and numerous photographic opportunities as you wind through World Heritage-listed rainforest.

 

Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class inclusions:

  • Souvenir trip guide available in 9 languages
  • Seated in refurbished Heritage carriages
  • Ambient, historical carriage décor
  • Audio commentary
  • Stop and disembark at Barron Falls station, with stunning views of Barron Falls
  • Chilled refresher towel, in summer months
  • Filtered water available in each carriage

 

 

Planning Your Trip

  • You can start with either Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway
  • A one-way Skyrail Cableway (with Diamond View) journey takes approximately 2 hours including time spent exploring Red Peak and Barron Falls.
  • First Skyrail experience departure is at 09:30 from Smithfield and the last experience departure is at 15:15 from Kuranda.
  • Skyrail Gondolas depart continuously throughout the day and bookings are made in 15 minute intervals.
  • Skyrail Gondolas carry a maximum of 5 people in Diamond View (including infants).
  • A one-way Kuranda Scenic Railway journey takes approximately 1 ½ hours.
  • Morning trains depart from Freshwater Railway Station to Kuranda at 08:55 and 09:55.
  • Afternoon trains depart from Kuranda to Freshwater Railway Station (continuing to Cairns Central Railway Station) at 14:00 and 15:30.
  • Morning departures are from Freshwater Railway Station only and are not available from Cairns Central Railway Station.

 

Timetable & Itineraries

Reference only and subjuct to change without notice.

 

Skyrail Start

Departure Time

Skyrail @ Smithfield Terminal

Return Time

Kuranda Scenic Railway @ Kuranda Terminal

 09:30 (Best time)  14:00 or 15:30
 09:45  14:00 or 15:30
 10:00  14:00 or 15:30
 10:15  14:00 or 15:30

Sample Itinerary

Reference only and subjuct to change without notice.

  • Depart Skyrail Smithfield Terminal at 09:30 (with Diamond View)
  • Visit Red Peak and Barron Falls on your journey
  • Arrive Skyrail Kuranda Terminal at approximately 11:30
  • Free time in Kuranda Village
  • Train departs Kuranda Railway Station at 14:00
  • Arrive Freshwater Railway Station at 15:30

 

Kuranda Scenic Railway Start

Departure Time

Kuranda Scenic Railway @ Freshwater Railway Station

Return Time

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway @ Kuranda Terminal

 08:55 or 09:55  13:00
 08:55 or 09:55  13:15
 08:55 or 09:55  14:00 
 08:55 or 09:55  14:15

 Sample Itinerary

Reference only and subjuct to change without notice.

  • Train departs Freshwater Railway Station at 08:55
  • Arrive Kuranda Railway Station at 10:20
  • Free time in Kuranda Village
  • Depart Skyrail Kuranda Terminal at 13:00 (with Diamond View)
  • Visit Red Peak and Barron Falls on your journey
  • Arrive Skyrail Smithfield Terminal approximately 15:00

 

 

How to choose the right experience?

Skyrail (upgrade to Diamond view) + Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR, upgrade to Glod Class)

Need hotel transfer?
Yes No
Upgrade to Skyrail Diamond View Gondola Upgrade to Skyrail Diamond View Gondola
Yes No Yes No
Upgrade to KSR Gold Class   Upgrade to KSR Gold Class  
Yes No   Yes No  

Diamond + Gold + Transfer from Cairns and Northern Beaches

 

Diamond + Gold + Transfer from Port Douglas

Diamond + KSR + Transfer from Cairns and Northern Beaches

 

Diamond + KSR + Transfer from Port Douglas

Skyrail + KSR + Transfer from Cairns and Northern Beaches

 

Skyrail + KSR + Transfer from Port Douglas

Diamond + Gold Diamond + KSR Skyrail + KSR

 

3 Policy

Cancellation Policy

● If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
● If you cancel between 0 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
● If no show, no refund.

4 Yotpo Reviews

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