Kuranda Tour | Skyrail Gondola & Kuranda Train

Cairns Cheapest Best Value Kuranda Tour - Half or Full Day Tours from Cairns 

The original and most iconic Cairns rainforest tour at unbeatable prices.

These Kuranda tour packages offer the no-frills option while giving you the flexibility to travel how and when you want. 

Combine Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway for an experience to remember.

Your Journey Begins  

With a pick-up from your accommodation in Cairns or the Northern Beaches, you'll be taken to Freshwater Station if you've chosen to ride aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway for the first leg of your day. The exact time will be communicated upon booking and is dependent on where you're staying.  

Bonus 

Receive skip the queue tickets for Skyrail gondola cableway tour, pre-allocated Kuranda train carriage seating, Kuranda atrractions discount vouchers and a map of Kuranda 

The Kuranda Train - Scenic Railway 

Built more than 120 years ago, the historic Cairns to Kuranda train and Scenic Railway is lauded as one of the world's great train journeys. Its construction is considered an engineering feat even by today's standards and the 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges stand as a monument to the pioneers of Tropical North Queensland. Providing a spectacular, scenic route between Cairns and Kuranda, you'll wind your way past the mountainous walls of the Barron Gorge National Park. through hand-carved solid, granite rock tunnels, and past tumbling rainforest waterfalls. 

The journey will take approximately 1hr 30min between Freshwater Station in Cairns and Kuranda and includes English-language commentary. All passengers receive a souvenir Z-card portraying the history of the railway's construction and a map of Kuranda and the journey.

Time to Explore Kuranda

Once you've arrived at Kuranda you'll understand why it's referred to as the 'Village in the Rainforest'. Surrounded by lush greenery, the village attracted an influx of those seeking an alternative lifestyle in the 60s. This sentiment remains today and is reflected in its thriving arts culture. Enveloped by World Heritage rainforest, spend your time soaking up the surrounding nature. Wander by the river, go deeper into the rainforest, or meander your way around town, ending at the markets; a must-do when visiting.

Or explore one of the top tourist attractions, including Birdworld Kuranda, home to more than 60 species of tropical birds; Australia’s largest butterfly sanctuary, with over 1500 butterflies; and the Koala Gardens where you can cuddle a koala and hand feed wallabies.  Your Kuranda Boarding Pass will provide you with discounts to these attractions. However, the final price will be at your own expense. Or go on the river cruise keeping your eyes peeled for crocodiles, turtles, and water dragons. 

The village is also a haven for those who love a sweet treat. From homemade tropical ice-cream to fudge, scones, cakes, and shortbread, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Pair it with a coffee made from locally-grown and roasted beans. There are plenty of lunch, just pick one of the many cafes located throughout the village. 

Once your time is over head to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Terminal for your return leg back to Cairns. 

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Gondola 

The Skyrail takes you on an amazing gondola experience over World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest in comfortable, all weather cable cars. Enjoy birds-eye views as you glide just metres over the rainforest canopy.

Your experience should take approximately 90 minutes including two stops at the rainforest mid-stations of Red Peak Station and at Barron Falls Station. You'll have approximately 20 minutes at each stop to explore more of the abundant, natural beauty.

Complimentary Ranger-guided boardwalk tours are available at Red Peak Station whilst at Barron Falls Station, a visit to the Skyrail CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre is a must. Take in the spectacular views of the waterfall from three lookout platforms, each offering a different vantage point.

Skyrail's Smithfield Cableway Terminal is 15 minutes north of Cairns city. It's here that your coach will be waiting to transfer you to back to your accommodation.  

Kuranda Tours - Package Options

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience and Kuranda Scenic Railway can be enjoyed in combination with some of Cairns' other leading attractions including, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or Rainforestation Nature Park. All day packages are available with self-drive options, or with comfortable coach transfers from your holiday accommodation in Cairns.

Note you have the options of choosing to ride aboard either the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway first. 

Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway are open every day (except Christmas Day & planned, preventative maintenance).

Kuranda Train Railway Stations & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Terminal: