Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Tours and Activities
261 Reviews
Soaring through the treetops of Barron Gorge National Park, the 4.7-mile-long (7.5-kilometer) Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Glide over North Queensland’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed tropical rain forest and enjoy unbeatable aerial views over its forests, gorges, and waterfalls.
The Basics
A one-way ride on the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes around 90 minutes, including the ranger-guided boardwalk tours available at Red Peak Station. Two ticket types are available: Standard (in regular panoramic gondolas that seat six people) or Diamond View (in special glass-floor gondolas that seat five).
Tours that include the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway typically run from Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Northern Beaches. A popular choice for a day tour is to ride the Skyrail to Kuranda, then return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Myriad packages also include Kuranda attractions such as Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Birdworld aviary, or Koala Gardens. You can also combine a Skyrail ride with a thrilling helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef, tickets to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, or an Army Duck Rainforest Tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Gondolas leave every 15 minutes but advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak times.
- Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, especially if you plan on enjoying the boardwalk tours, but pack light—large bags and luggage are prohibited on the gondolas.
- Restrooms, snack bars, and gift shops are available at each station.
- The Skyrail is accessible to wheelchair users, and complimentary wheelchair rental is available upon request.
How to Get There
The main starting point for the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is the Smithfield Terminal, about a 15-minute drive northwest of Cairns or a 50-minute drive south of Port Douglas. Shuttle buses run from Cairns, the Northern Beaches (excluding Holloways Beach, Machans Beach, and Yorkeys Knob), and Port Douglas, but most guided tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel. You can also board the Skyrail at Kuranda station and follow the same route in reverse.
When to Get There
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway runs year-round. The busiest time is during the peak summer season (December and January), when opting for an early-morning time slot will help you avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day. The gondolas are fully enclosed and umbrellas are available at the stations during rainy days, so don’t be put off by the weather—in fact, the rain forest is often even more impressive on a rainy or misty day.
The Skyrail Experience
After setting out from Smithfield Station, enjoy views that stretch as far as Cairns, the Coral Sea, and the start of the Great Barrier Reef. After around 10 minutes in the air, arrive at the Red Peak Rainforest Station, where you can explore the rain forest on an optional ranger-guided walking tour (included in the ticket price). Continue on the Skyrail to Barron Falls Station, where lookout points afford dramatic views over Barron Falls and Barron Gorge National Park, and the Rainforest Interpretation Centre offers insight into the region’s unique geology. Finally, arrive at Kuranda Terminal, where you can spend time discovering Kuranda Village, perhaps enjoying lunch at a restaurant looking out over the rain forest, browsing the traditional markets, or visiting one of the wildlife reserves.
Address: Captain Cook Highway & Cairns Western Arterial Road, Smithfield, Queensland 4878, Australia
Admission: Varies
9 Tours and Activities to Experience Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
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Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
206
Journey to the rain forest village of Kuranda via two unique transit options on this memorable full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Skip the line and enjoy Gold Class service aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through lush mountain passes and waterfall gorges along the way. In the opposite direction, glide above the treetops in a gondola and soak up spectacular views of the mountains and coastline on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In Kuranda, enjoy leisure time to explore the heritage markets, learn about aboriginal culture or interact with native wildlife.
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From
$180.01
From
$180.01
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Cairns
114
Take a day trip from Cairns to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Alternatively, make the 1-way journey by railway and return by skyrail. Enjoy a tranquil ride as you soar above the rainforest canopy, with views from Cairns all the way to the Great Barrier Reef, and spend free time in Kuranda Village. If you wish, upgrade your transport with admission to the Rainforestation Nature Park or Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park — the latter option with or without lunch.
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From
$136.81
From
$136.81
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns
582
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.
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From
$136.81
From
$136.81
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Best of Kuranda Including Skyrail, Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforestation
66
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda where you first visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest flight aviary in Australia. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle, then see koalas, dingoes and more at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Take a dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide for the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, then feast on an Australian barbecue buffet lunch. Finally, return to Cairns on the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
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From
$207.44
From
$207.44

Classic Kuranda by Skyrail and Scenic Railway Including Rainforestation, Koala and Wildlife Park and Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
27
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest and observe native Australian wildlife on a full-day tour from Cairns. View the rain forest as you ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in a gondola. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle that offers another vantage point on the forest, visit the koalas, kangaroos and other critters at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Learn about Aboriginal culture at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. After a classic Aussie barbecue lunch, take the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns.
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From
$194.22
From
$194.22

Kuranda Day Trip from Cairns by Scenic Railway and Skyrail Including Army Duck Rainforest Tour
25
Explore the Kuranda Rainforest — a UNESCO World Heritage site — on a full-day tour from Cairns. Travel on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda, getting views of the rainforest and Barron Gorge along the way. Visit the Rainforestation Nature Park and see the wildlife during a tour in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle. Then step on board the 6-person gondola at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for the return journey to Cairns, with time to stop at Barron Falls and Red Peak Station en route.
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From
$150.98
From
$150.98

Historic Village Herberton, Kuranda Village and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
This tour allows you to combine visits to the Heberton Historic Village, Kuranda Village, and a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in a single day trip from Cairns. Learn about the history, culture, and environment of the region through guided tours and exploring each site independently. Round-trip transportation from Cairns hotels and a light lunch are provided.
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From
$191.15
From
$191.15
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Cairns 2-Day Combo: Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Kuranda
8
Experience two of Cairns’ spectacular natural attractions on with on a 2-day combo tour of the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda, ideal for first-time visitors. On the first day, you’ll take a cruise on the Great Barrier Reef and have the chance to snorkel with the world’s most biodiverse marine life. Then, on day two, you’ll take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the mountain town of Kuranda, where you’ll explore the Rainforestation Nature Park. A buffet lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off are included on both days. Accommodation is not included.
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From
$380.46
From
$380.46

2-Day Green Island Cruise and Kuranda Day Trip
1
Combine snorkeling on Australia's Great Barrier Reef with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountain village of Kuranda. This 2-day combination trip allows you to do both, and includes pickup and drop-off in Cairns. Please note: Overnight accommodation not included.
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From
$315.20
From
$315.20
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