Take a day trip from Cairns to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Alternatively, make the 1-way journey by railway and return by skyrail. Enjoy a tranquil ride as you soar above the rainforest canopy, with views from Cairns all the way to the Great Barrier Reef, and spend free time in Kuranda Village. If you wish, upgrade your transport with admission to the Rainforestation Nature Park or Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park — the latter option with or without lunch.

Day trip to Kuranda aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway from Cairns
Variety of options available including Kuranda Scenic Railway, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or Rainforestation Nature Park
Pickup and drop off at Cairns and northern beaches hotels by luxury coach
Exclusive Kuranda Market Discount and guide assistance

What's Included

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Rainforestation Nature Park (if option selected)
Cairns Hotel pickup and drop off

Food and drinks, unless specified
Birdworld, Koala Gardens & Butterfly Sanctuary (own expense)
NO pickup from Machans Beach, Holloways Beach and Yorkeys Knob.

Departure & Return

Departure Point

Possible departure locations

View departure locations

Please Note

Pickup is available from selected Cairns hotels - please contact the operator after booking to confirm your pickup location and time.

What To Expect

After pickup from your hotel in Cairns, board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for Kuranda. It's a spectacular aerial ride above the treetop canopy, with two optional stops to enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre.

On arrival at your destination you'll have free time to do as much or as little as you like; perhaps shop in Kuranda's Heritage Markets, or grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants or cafes (own expense). Upgrade your experience to include a visit to Rainforestation Nature Park, or gain entry to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (included buffet lunch here is optional).

If you'd like, enjoy a wildlife encounter at Birdworld, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens (additional cost; payable direct).

Finish your day trip with a scenic rainforest journey aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel. Alternatively, you can travel 1-way to Kuranda by railway and return to Cairns by skyrail.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

The largest butterfly flight aviary & exhibit in Australia. Situated next to the Kuranda Markets, it is home to over 1500 tropical butterflies. Wander through the aviary's lush tropical gardens and breeding laboratory to learn more about a butterfly's life cycle & behaviour.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Glide over and through the canopy of the ancient rainforest and marvel at the spectacular views from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. There are two stops along this gondola journey where you can alight and explore the rainforest from within.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Infants must sit on laps
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 80 travelers

Operated by Down Under Tours

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

about cancellations

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Q:What is the policy on sanitization during Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Cairns?

A:The policies on sanitization are:

Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Q:What is the social distancing policy during Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Cairns?

A:The policy on social distancing is:

Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Q:What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Cairns?

A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

131 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 131 reviews

Great day l will be back

Donna_M, May 2022

From being picked up from our accommodation right to the end staff were fantastic. We took the train up, great scenery and the stops along the way were spectacular. We took the gondola down and enjoyed it, again great views. We were able to stop at two places on the way down, so took advantage of that and the waterfalls and scenery again did not disappoint. I would recommend it anyone.

Response from Host, May 2022

The journey to and from Kuranda and spending time in the little village is a great day trip , isn't it. Thank you for taking the time to review. We are thrilled you had a wonderful day and have great memories to bring home from your holiday.

Fantastic views

MichaelNorma_M, Feb 2022

Wonderful experience riding in the skyrail feel free and a great views. Both my husband and I we loved it. We will come back again.

Response from Host, Feb 2022

We are so pleased you had an amazing day. Thank you so much for the 5 star review. We look forward to welcoming you back next time.

Beautiful Scenery

sla27214, Jan 2022

The scenery on the way up Via Train and than on the way back Via Sky rail is spectuclar,But did find once up the top everything was a bit rushed,and didnt really get to experience everything.

Response from Host, Feb 2022

Thank you for your review. Your comment will help others when they are deciding how much time is needed in Kuranda Village. Some people only want a short amount of time but others can spend hours there and still not have enough time. There is so much to do in the village in the rainforest if you enjoy shops, markets, wildlife experiences, a river boat tour, dining at a café, restaurant or the local village pub. I hope you can come back again one day and get to experience the village more thoroughly.

Skyrail yes but no to the train

Tandin_Y, Dec 2021

Skyrail is amazing but the train is extremely boring and waste of time and money. We understand that it’s to experience the olden days but it’s really pathetic for there isn’t any AC. We were sweating and there weren’t any great scenic to look at. It was too much time consuming, waste of time in my opinion. Moreover, 4 people at a seat wasn’t comfortable enough. Would recommend 3 people seating for comfort.

Response from Host, Jan 2022

We are sorry that you didn't enjoy the train trip portion of your day, but really happy that the rest of your day was amazing.

Unique experience! Picked...

Dragana_P, Nov 2021

Unique experience! Picked up and dropped at the hotel by excellent guides who ran amusing commentary. The train journey was scenic and very informative, with many photo opportunities. Staff on the train are friendly and efficient. Kuranda is a small pleasant place with many restaurants and shops for every taste and pocket. We loved the chocolate shop and the honey shop. Trip back to Cairns is stunning, high over trees and waterfall. We were little apprehensive at first but it really feels safe and smooth. Both ways we stopped at lookouts. I highly recommend this tour!

Response from Host, Nov 2021

Thank you for your 5 star review, your day sounds amazing and it is lovely that you took the time to share it with others. It's a great trip that spoils you from the moment you get picked up to the moment your day finishes. So happy that you have lots of memories of your special day.

Kuranda rainforest experience

Bronwyn_G, Jun 2021

Loved the views from the train on the way to Kuranda, magnificent views of the rainforest coming back down to Cairns on the Skyrail.

Response from Host, Jun 2021

Thanks Bron, glad you enjoyed the day....

A definite must do

Sara_d, May 2021

The view was excellent and you felt quite safe in the ‘ski lift capsule! The staff were so helpful especially as I had a broken leg at the time !

Response from Host, Jun 2021

Hi Sara_d, I like you description of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway:) It's a very safe and exhilarating experience...

Stunning scenery. A great experience.

Mark_W, May 2021

Beautiful scenery and it was great getting out at the lookout spots to see the waterfall and beautiful walkways through the rainforest.

Response from Host, Jun 2021

Hi Mark_W, Thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed the day.

Disappointing trip

Wendy_B, Apr 2021

Disappointing. Train from Freshwater Station delayed - had to wait at hot station for over 2 hours - packed into train - very uncomfortable.

1 traveler found this review helpful

Sky rail trip.

Keith_M, Jan 2021

Looking down at the trees and over the canopy of trees we were passing over plus the great view of city and ocean before the last stop.

Response from Host, Mar 2021

Hi Kieth, glad you enjoyed the Skyrail...the views are fantastic. On a really clear day you can sometimes see Green Island too.

...

Questions?

Product code: 2570KQS

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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Cairns

From US$125.78

Select Date and Travelers

Overview

What's Included

Departure & Return

Departure Point

Please Note

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Traveler Photos

Questions?

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Attractions in Cairns, Australia