Rainforest Discovery Zone

Ranger Guides are available to chat with
Rainforest Boardwalk Loop
Scenic Lookout

Panoramic Gorge and Waterfall Views
Rainforest Boardwalk Loop
The Edge Lookout

Planning Points

• Advance bookings and payment is required
• Skyrail’s Smithfield (Cairns) terminal is located 15 minutes north of Cairns and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas.
• Bus transfers are available from selected Cairns City locations.
• A one-way journey takes approximately 1 ½ hours including time spent exploring Red Peak and Barron Falls. Allow 2 ½ hours for a round trip experience. Skyrail can be combined with the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway for a half or full day experience.
• First departure is at 8:45am, the last round trip experience departs at 2:45pm from Smithfield or Kuranda and the last one-way experience departs at 3:45pm.
• Gondolas depart continuously throughout the day and bookings are made in 15 minute intervals.
• Gondolas carry a maximum of 6 people in a standard gondola and a maximum of 5 people in Diamond View (including infants).
• See Visitor Information for scheduled open dates.

Experience one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway, in operation since 1891, immerses you in the rich history of the Tropical North Queensland area and its pioneering past.

The original Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage carriages offer the old world charm of travelling in authentic timber carriages, some of which are up to 90 years old.

Upgrade to Gold Class (9:55am and 3:30pm services only) for a premium experience offering a little extra comfort and luxury, including a souvenir gift and local delicacies served by your dedicated host.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway experiences combined to offer the perfect half or full day tour. Bus transfers or self-drive options are available.

Note until March 31, 2021 Kuranda Scenic Railway is operating reduced services*. Visit our special notices for timetable information.

Planning Points

• Advance bookings and payment is required
• A one-way Kuranda Scenic Railway journey takes approximately 1 ½ hours.
• Bus transfers are available from selected Cairns City locations.
• You can start with either Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway.
• The morning train departs from Freshwater Railway Station to Kuranda at 9:55am*.
• The afternoon train departs from Kuranda to Freshwater Railway Station (continuing to Cairns Central Railway Station) at 3:30pm*.
• The morning departure is from Freshwater Railway Station only and is not available from Cairns Central Railway Station.

Skyrail’s Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal is located at 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield. Approximately 15 minutes north of Cairns City and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland, Australia.

Skyrail operates a regular bus transfer service from most accommodation properties in the Cairns, Beaches and Port Douglas areas. Bus transfers from Yorkeys Knob Marina are available for cruise ship guests on shore excursion days only.

You are welcome to make your own way to Skyrail. Complimentary parking is available, including dedicated parking for over-sized vehicles including RV’s and caravans. Two Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station bays are available.

Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal and the Freshwater Railway Station are located approximately 7km (4 miles) apart.

If you are driving and combining Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a one-way bus transfer will automatically be included in your booking.

Bus transfer details for self-drivers:

• Drive to Skyrail Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal and check-in.
• If you are starting your tour on Kuranda Scenic Railway and finishing with Skyrail, a bus will transfer you to Freshwater Railway Station to begin your journey.
• If you are starting your tour on Skyrail and finishing with Kuranda Scenic Railway, a bus will transfer you from Freshwater Railway Station back to your vehicle at Smithfield Terminal at the end of your day.