Skip the Line: Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Nestled high up the tropical mountains at 1076 feet (328 meters) above sea level, the rain forest village of Kuranda is a must-see destination on any trip to Cairns. Travel to the historic outpost in style, beginning with pickup at your Cairns or port Douglas hotel. Choose the order of your transit options at booking to customize the day. 

On one leg of the journey, skip the line for a ride aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Enjoy Gold Class service in a well-appointed cedar train car featuring comfortable lounge chairs, timber flooring and historic memorabilia. Sip on sparkling Australian wine, tea and coffee and nibble snacks while enjoying magnificent views of mountains and valleys and waterfall-studded Barron Gorge. Receive a complimentary gift pack including a pen, postcard, badge and souvenir guide as a memento of your ride.

On the opposite leg, get an aerial perspective of Tropical North Queensland as you soar over the treetops on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Settle into an enclosed 6-passenger gondola and take in panoramic views of the highlands, forest and Coral Sea on the 4.5-mile (7.5-km) ride. Stop at two lookout stations along the way, where you can chat with rangers, stroll along forest boardwalks and snap photos.

In Kuranda, enjoy several hours of leisure time to explore the historic village and surrounds. Browse heritage markets, have lunch at a local café (own expense), learn about indigenous history at the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park or encounter native wildlife like kangaroos, butterflies and koalas at the Rainforestation Nature Park (not included).  

Your full-day rain forest adventure concludes with drop-off back at your Cairns or Port Douglas hotel.