Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the rainforest beauty of Tropical North Queensland on a scenic day trip from Cairns. Enjoy a journey on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You’ll have free time in the village of Kuranda to browse its markets, have lunch or visit wildlife attractions like Birdworld or Kuranda Koala Gardens or choose the option including Rainforestation Nature Park. (Food, drinks and activities in Kuranda are at your own expense)
Available options
Rail-Sky
Travel to Kuranda on the Scenic Railway and return on Skyrail; approx. 8 hours; departs at 8am and 7:45am<br/>Pickup included
Sky-Rainforestation-Rail
Rail-Rainforestation-Sky: Travel to Kuranda on Skyrail, visit Rainforestation Nature Park and return from Kuranda on Kuranda Scenic Rail.<br/>Pickup included
Sky-Rail
Travel to Kuranda on Skyrail and return on the Scenic Railway; approx. 10 hours; departs at 8am and 8:45am<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Written itinerary available in German, Italian, French, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin
One-way trip on Kuranda Scenic Railway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Rainforestation Nature Park (if option selected)
Cairns pickup and drop-off
Kuranda Boarding Pass
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
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.
2
Stop 2
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.
3
Stop 3
Choose the Rainforestation Package if you would like to visit this wonderful nature park. See Australian wildlife in their wildlife park, and take an amphibious Army Duck tour through the rainforest. PLEASE NOTE: NO free time in Kuranda if this option is selected
4
Stop 4
Take a historic journey on the Kuranda Scenic Rail, travelling through the rainforest and along the mountainside of Barron Gorge.
5
Stop 5
Visit this wonderful Wildlife park to see iconic Australia wildlife. Feed and pat the tame wallabies and kangaroos. Discover wombats, freshwater crocodiles, lizards, snakes and much more! Koala photos are also available.
6
Stop 6
See the might Barron Falls from both the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Edge Lookout, and at a stop on your journey on the Kuranda Scenic Rail.
7
Stop 7
See the might Barron Falls from both the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Edge Lookout, and at a stop on your journey on the Kuranda Scenic Rail.
8
Stop 8
Immerse yourself in this wonderful free flying bird exhibit. See and enjoy the company of hundreds of rare and beautiful exotic and Australia native species in the lush tropically landscaped setting.
9
Down Under Tours is Tropical North Queensland’s leading day tour operator with an extensive range of tour options to suit any taste. We love to share the beauty of Tropical North Queensland and the ancient rainforest with our passengers.
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens & Butterfly Sanctuary (own expense)
Any other optional activities not mentioned
Available languages
Written guide
DE
CMN
JA
EN
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FR
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Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
751 reviews
5★
453
4★
172
3★
75
2★
30
1★
21
Tripadvisor
4.4
304 reviews
5★
191
4★
77
3★
20
2★
7
1★
9
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Meeting point
6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield, Bus Zone at the front of Skyrail Terminal
Important notes
Please contact the operator at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm your pickup location and time.
The driver-guide will provide your Kuranda Boarding Pass tickets for the day upon pickup.
About Cairns & the Tropical North
Cairns & the Tropical North is a vibrant region in Queensland, Australia, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and adventurous activities. It serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, and the ancient Daintree Rainforest, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Top Attractions
Great Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 km (1,430 miles). It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to thousands of marine species.
Nature
Half-day to full-day tours
Varies by tour and activity, typically $100-$300 AUD
Daintree Rainforest
One of the oldest rainforests in the world, with diverse wildlife, ancient trees, and scenic walking trails.
Nature
Full-day trip
Varies by tour and activity, typically $100-$200 AUD
Cairns Esplanade
A scenic waterfront area with a lagoon, walking paths, and picnic spots. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the tropical atmosphere.
Beach
A few hours
Free
Kuranda Scenic Railway
A historic railway line that offers stunning views of the Barron Gorge and surrounding rainforest. It's a popular day trip from Cairns.
Historical
Half-day to full-day trip
Railway ticket: $65-$130 AUD (depending on class and direction)
Fitzroy Island
A small island located about 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns. It offers beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and hiking opportunities.
Island
Full-day trip
Ferry ticket: $80-$120 AUD (including return), activities extra
Must-Try Local Dishes
Barramundi
A popular Australian fish, often grilled or fried, with a delicate and mild flavor.
Main dish
Gluten-free, high in protein
Mangoes
Sweet and juicy tropical fruit, often enjoyed fresh or in smoothies and desserts.
Dessert/Fruit
Vegan, gluten-free
Moreton Bay Bugs
A type of lobster found in the region, often served grilled or in seafood platters.
Seafood
Gluten-free, high in protein
Iced VoVo
A classic Australian biscuit with a jam and coconut filling, often enjoyed with tea or coffee.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Skydiving
White-water rafting
Bungee jumping
Zip-lining
Parasailing
Beach relaxation
Spa and wellness treatments
Yoga and meditation
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season)
This is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North, with pleasant weather, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for outdoor activities, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, and visiting the rainforest.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Time Zone
AEST (GMT+10:00) or AEDT (GMT+11:00) during daylight saving time (October to April)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Cairns & the Tropical North is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of fake tour operators and always book through reputable companies
- • Use metered taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid overcharging
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
Getting there
By air
- Cairns Airport • 4 km (2.5 miles) from city center
By train
Cairns Central Station
By bus
Cairns Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Sunbus network is the primary public transport system in Cairns, offering frequent and affordable services.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Cairns City
Cairns Beaches
Cairns Hinterland
Day trips
Port Douglas
70 km (43 miles) north of Cairns • Full-day trip
A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Mission Beach
100 km (62 miles) north of Cairns • Full-day trip
A beautiful beach town known for its long sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and adventure activities like skydiving and white-water rafting.
Atherton Tablelands
100 km (62 miles) west of Cairns • Full-day trip
A lush and green region known for its waterfalls, lakes, and diverse wildlife. It's a great destination for nature lovers and those looking to escape the tropical heat.
Festivals
Cairns Festival • August to September
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair • August
Cairns Festival of Arts • Various dates throughout the year
Pro tips
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef during the dry season (May to October) for the best visibility and weather conditions
- Book tours and accommodations in advance during peak season (May to October) to avoid disappointment
- Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the tropical sun and insects
- Hire a guide for rainforest walks and cultural experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the region's natural and cultural heritage
- Try local specialties such as barramundi, mangoes, and Moreton Bay bugs for an authentic taste of the region
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
