Day Trip to Kuranda: Scenic Rail and Skyrail

Imagine soaring above the Queensland rainforest in a cable car and traversing it aboard a scenic train. Join us on this captivating journey to Kuranda from Cairns!

Queensland Rainforest & Kuranda Trip from Cairns

We'll begin our trip from your hotel in Cairns at the designated time. Firstly, we'll head to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. It's time to embark on this renowned panoramic cableway, offering breathtaking views as you soar over the expansive forest.

The Skyrail adventure concludes at Smithfield Terminal station, where you can have lunch at your own expense. In the afternoon, we'll travel to Freshwater Station, where you'll then embark on the Kuranda Scenic Rail—a historic train journey through the renowned Queensland rainforest, acclaimed as one of Australia's most iconic train routes.

Upon reaching Kuranda, relish three hours of leisure to explore this quaint town on your own. Discover a myriad of markets showcasing local products and diverse restaurants.

Finally, we'll return by road to your Cairns hotel, arriving approximately 7.5 hours after the initial pickup.

Crocodile Sanctuary

If you choose this option, you'll be picked up from your hotel in Cairns at the indicated time and taken to Freshwater Station to take the Kuranda Scenic Rail. This train will take you to Kuranda, where you'll have an hour of free time.

Then, we'll take you to the famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which will take you to Smithfield Terminal Station. From there, you'll travel to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures crocodile sanctuary, where you'll get to see these fierce reptiles up close.

Finally, from the sanctuary, you'll return to your hotel in Cairns, where you'll arrive about 9 hours after pickup.

Partial Closures

Due to construction work, the cable car will be closed on the following dates:

July 20 to August 18, 2026: the cable car will be completely closed, so we'll travel this route by bus.August 19 to October 25, 2026: the cable car will only operate between Kuranda and Barron Falls. The rest of the journey will be by bus.

In both cases, as compensation, you can choose between a ticket to Birdworld or Kuranda Koala Gardens.

How does it work?

You will start your journey from your accommodation in Cairns. The first leg involves a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you'll enjoy panoramic views above the rainforest. After reaching Smithfield Terminal, you will have the opportunity to purchase lunch before heading to Freshwater Station for the Kuranda Scenic Rail, a historical train ride offering scenic views.

In Kuranda, you have approximately three hours of free time to explore the local markets and restaurants. Your return trip will be by road, with an estimated duration bringing you back to Cairns about 7.5 hours after the initial pickup.

If you opt for the Crocodile Sanctuary option, after your ride on the scenic train to Kuranda, you will have one hour of free time before taking the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back to Smithfield Terminal. Then, a visit to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures will allow you to see crocodiles up close, before heading back to your hotel in Cairns—arriving approximately 9 hours after your pickup.

Be aware of the partial closures of the cableway mentioned earlier, which may require adjustments to your itinerary, including bus travel and alternatives for entry to attractions.