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Kuranda Scenic Railway

Kuranda Scenic Railway Tours

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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

Badge of ExcellenceSmithfield, Australia
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From $125.89

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  • 7 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rain forest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets and opt to include a delicious buffet lunch. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
  • Day trip to Kuranda from Cairns
  • Experience the wildlife, history and lush landscape of Tropical North Queensland
  • Enjoy spectacular views of Barron Falls on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
  • Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for aerial views of the verdant forest
  • Explore the markets and wildlife attractions of Kuranda during free time in the village
  • Choose from tour options that include Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Rainforestation Nature Park
  • Pickup and drop-off at Cairns and northern beaches hotels included

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Choose from multiple tour options, all including the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail.

What's Included

  • Cairns pickup and drop-off
  • One-way trip on Kuranda Scenic Railway
  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
  • Rainforestation Nature Park (if option selected)
  • Kuranda Boarding Pass
  • Written itinerary available in German, Italian, French, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens & Butterfly Sanctuary (own expense)
  • Any other optional activities not mentioned

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
    Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia

    6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield, Bus Zone at the front of Skyrail Terminal

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

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

What To Expect

Create your own perfect day in the beautiful rain forest of Tropical North Queensland with the choice of five different itineraries showcasing the best of Kuranda. Explore indigenous culture at the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park, including didgeridoo demonstrations and a heritage dance performance. At Rainforestation Nature Park, take an exciting Army Duck tour and observe animals such as birds, kangaroos, and koalas. See the Itinerary section below for a description of each option.

All itineraries include a one-way ride aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. During the 1.5-hour journey, learn about regional history as your train winds through Barron Gorge National Park and wraps around mountain curves for spectacular vistas. Cross Stoney Creek Bridge and chug by gorgeous waterfalls before arriving at the charming Kuranda train station. 

To return to Cairns, get an aerial view of the rain forest as you glide above the treetops on the 4.5-mile (7.5-km) Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Ride in a 6-passenger gondola and disembark at two different vista points to take in fantastic views and explore the forest via a boardwalk. 

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairns is included with all options.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Rainforestation Nature Park

2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Kuranda Scenic Railway

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Kuranda Koala Gardens

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Barron Gorge National Park

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Barron Falls

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Birdworld Kuranda

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Down Under Tours - Day Tours (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 80 travelers

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.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

about cancellations.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Leah_R
There is great commentary on the train along the way and beautiful sights to see too. It can be a little squished with four people to a row but the ride isn’t that long to be uncomfortable. We went with Down Under Tours for the Karunda Train and Skyrail combo. The company was very fast to answer my questions, convenient pick up and drop off location and the bus driver was very friendly. Going one way up and one way down on the train and Skyrail is the way to go. The Skyrail is beautiful with two stops along the way. Highly recommend this tour combo.

Reviews

4.5
795 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 795 reviews
Highly Recommended Experience, but DIY it instead of doing a packaged tour
Christopher_C, Jun 2023
I truly, truly, enjoyed this Day Trip. Having said that, joining this tour meant that there wasn't enough time to meander & explore the Kuranda Village itself -- not enough time to shop, eat at restaurants, or go to the Butterfly Sanctuary, Koala Gardens, or Birdworld. If I were to do it again, I would just book tickets to the Scenic Railway or Cable Car directly and get there via cab or Uber. That way, you can control your schedule and spend a little more time in each attraction.
Kuranda Day Trip
Lucas_H, Jun 2023
The train ride up the mountain was one of old time charm. Commentary was interesting and the scenery outstanding. How lush and green! The scary bit for me was the sky rail journey down, as having a fear of heights doesn’t help when you’re high up over the canopy! But fantastic nonetheless, wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
Outstanding tour!
leuschensa, Jun 2023
The Skyrail trip up to Kuranda was amazing. The view from above the rain forest was spectacular. The Rainforestation duck tour was so interesting and informative. The Kuranda train ride is something that shouldn't be missed on a trip to Cairns.
Boring train ride looking at rock walls
Louise_S, May 2023
Seeing nothing but backs and rock walls makes for a long, boring trip. The lucky window seats had a nice trip, but I was assigned an inboard seat. The four closest to the windows blocked the view of others.
Train and cable great
Rochelle_P, May 2023
I was staying in palm cove and was told to drive to double bay by Hilton in cairns. No where to park so phoned I was told I could park at sky rail. I did ask if I could park near sky rail and the girl said No. so very confusing and stressful start. Staff need to know where you can drive and park !!
Response from Host, May 2023
Hi Rochelle, We appreciate you sharing your feedback. We are very sorry to hear that you your tour didn't get off to the best start. We would welcome the opportunity to investigate this properly for you and improve our service. Please contact me on phone 07 4047 9051. Regards, Jane
Enjoyable experience
Megan_P, May 2023
The train journey and sky rail are a fun way to journey to Kuranda, the scenic route top to bottom makes it easy to relax and enjoy the world so it goes by.
We had the best day, from...
Sue_R, May 2023
We had the best day, from the moment the Ricky the bus driver picked us up till we were dropped off by Andrew. The Gondola ride was awesome, lunch and the walkabout at the Reinforestation was great and the train back just was wonderful. Couldn'thave asked for more. Everyone was helpful and fun and made the day most enjoyable. Highly recommend.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Great ride
Justine_R, Apr 2023
Well organised great getting pick up from our hotel The train was great,scenery amazing, the staff extremely plesent
Great trip
Ken_S, Apr 2023
Booking was easy and working out the way we wanted to travel was easy. The train part was very well done with slow down or stops on the way to get good views. The Skytrain was as good as ever and well worth it even if a bit of inclement weather blocked some views. Well wort it.
The trip was great! ...
Carin_Z, Apr 2023
The trip was great! However it was confusing where the pick up spot would be. Our confirmation listed a spot and when I confirmed with WhatsApp we were told something different. Just about missed the pick up bus
Excellent day out
Timothy_W, Apr 2023
The trip up on the sky rail produced some amazing scenery and was very smooth We saw so much from koala bears to kangaroo etc We saw traditional dancing and learned about aboriginal culture The train back also produced some amazing views of the gorge and rainforest Well organised although maybe a little rushed in places and we could not throw the boomerang as we had to get the coach for the train
Disappointing
Greg_B, Apr 2023
Had to call the company as the coach was late in the morning for pick up. The train journey is way too long and you can’t really see much. It is very hot too. Then we were asked to wait for about an hour for the cable car and were not able to do the two stops on the way down (as otherwise we would have missed the only coach back) which were what we were looking forward to doing the most. Basically we paid a lot of money for just transportation. Was just disappointing and not value for money.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Train was okay, but the sky tram is great.
Rodney_O, Apr 2023
Train trip was a little underwhelming and 2 hours in Kuranda is not nearly enough time. The return on the sky tram was outstanding. Get off at the stops and look around. Well worth it. If you want more time at Kuranda and have a car then just drive up.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Family fun
Josephine_Q, Apr 2023
The kids had a ball. Loved the new experience of the cable car and thought the train was beautiful. Loved seeing the butterflies
Interesting experience but wouldn’t do it again
Pedro_F, Apr 2023
Astonishing views and Great walk along the Barron river. Nice places around kuranda village, find yourself a nice lunch and cold beer
1 traveler found this review helpful
Perfect day
Heather_E, Mar 2023
A truly fabulous day great scenic views with an unforgettable hug from a Koala … the sky rail provides awesome views of the rainforest and waterfalls
Brilliant journey
Linley_B, Mar 2023
The sheer amazing story regarding the building of the railway is something to listen to! The train ride was fascinating and included 55 bridges and 15 tunnels and the views from the train were amazing. The village of Kuranda is sweet and has enough variation regarding shops to suit most people. The ride coming down on the Skyrail was brilliant and not to be missed (unless you don't like heights!)
Good day out - train ride...
stephen_s, Mar 2023
Good day out - train ride back seemed a bit long . However full package for the day is recommended .
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello, thank you for your review. The train, skyrail and return transfers is a great package, isn't it. We are pleased you enjoyed your day.
Excellent Trip but over-priced
Sue_T, Mar 2023
The overall experience was excellent and we would highly recommend Kuranda to anybody travelling to Cairns. However, the trip was expensive for what was included - which was transfers and the skytrain and train journeys. We thought it unreasonable to be as asked to pay additional entry fees for the butterfly sanctuary, bird sanctuary and the wildlife centre given the cost of trip.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank you for your review. The butterfly sanctuary, bird sanctuary and the wildlife centre are owned by independent companies and not included in the transfers, Skyrail and Train transport package to Kuranda.
Perfect day exceeding our expectations
John_S, Feb 2023
The bus operators were incredibly professional and informative. The train ride up was spectacular, and so was the Skyway ride down. Breathtaking views and waterfalls.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank you for the great review of our company, our driver / guide and the journey up to and back from Kuranda. We are pleased you enjoyed you experience.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Extremely scenic and charming.
Deepak_K, Feb 2023
Extremely scenic railway ride, thru many tunnels, bridges and lush rainforest. The Barron Falls are gorgeous.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
We appreciate our 5 star review, thank you.
Awesome Views
larry, Feb 2023
The train ride and sky rail were great. However, I thought we were given too much time in Kuranda. I also think it would be better if there was a tour guide instead of being on your own.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
We are pleased you enjoyed the transport both to and from Kuranda, the Skyrail and train are amazing for their history, nature and views, aren't they.
A great railway ride
Tom_S, Feb 2023
Fabulous views and amazing sights. This narrow guage railway is a real.delight. There is a recorded commentary which explains all the sights and the history of the construction if the line.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
We are thrilled that you had a 5 star experience. Thank you for your review and rating.
Convenient to Cairns, great introduction to the rainforest area.
Susan_W, Feb 2023
Kuranda Scenic Railway was a more relaxed trip because of the 1+ hour spent on the train, and later the cable car. There were announcements on the train along the way to explain the history of the railway and the interesting sites along the way. After the train we shopped in the town. We ended up not partaking of the butterfly, bird or wildlife options because we were enjoying the respite from the hustle/bustle of the last few days. Also, it was VERY warm and humid. The cable car ride was the best part of the trip with views of the rainforest below, rain clouds and fog which we passed through, and then emerging back into sunny skies.
Train and Skyrail full day Kurranda Adventure!
Bonnie_T, Jan 2023
We loved this trip. If you have a full day available it’s well worth the trip out to Kurranda. We booked the full day, Skyrail, town, aboriginal tour, Duck Ride through rainforest, lunch, wildlife park including photo with koala, and back on the train. 9-5 was a full day but we learned a lot and enjoyed the Aboriginal show and history. It’s nice having the day planned out for us, including an itinerary we had to follow ourselves. There was decent help from the bus driver to help us understand our daily plan. Beautiful area with astounding views from train and Skyrail.
1 traveler found this review helpful
The best part of the trip...
Kelli_K, Jan 2023
The best part of the trip was the Sky tram and the train ride. I was a bit disappointed in the village.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
The skyrail and the train are amazing, aren't they. I am sorry you were a bit disappointed in the quaint little village in the rainforest.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Awesome day trip! Loved it, highly recommend
Deanna_S, Jan 2023
The whole experience was all organized and planned, all I had to do was book the date and we were off, we had an awesome time learning about the Daintree and the cultures of the indigenous owners of the land, was such a great experience even in the rain!! Would highly recommend
Great train ride, nice village to explore and excellent sky rail
john_s, Jan 2023
The train ride was very good --- excellent photos, the village was good to explore and Skyrail was excellent on returning to reality. An incredible feat to all who built the railway (incredible) - the tablelands were astonishing.
1 traveler found this review helpful
A must do
Andrew_M, Jan 2023
Great day was had with family of 5 including 2 grandparents. We done the rainforestation package which is located outside Kuranda village. We arrived by sky rail which was great . Then had approx 45min in Kuranda and then a bus transfer to the rainforest nature park which was also great. Then a return to the railway back with amazing views again. Amazing day , well worth it. Only thing I would have liked is a bit more time in Kuranda village itself. Highly recommend.
Long day
Erin_S, Jan 2023
Loved the skyrail and the Truman except I would have preferred my husband sit across from me instead of next to me. Hard to sit across from a stranger with little leg room. Didn’t care for the reforestation center except taking a photo with a koala. Overall it was a good day.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
I am glad you enjoyed your day in Kuranda. The experience of being on the skyrail and the train can be amazing, thank you for pointing out to others why upgrading to Gold Class on the train can be such a wonderful idea.
3 travelers found this review helpful
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Product code: 2570KRPS

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