Plan Your Visit

Skyrail is situated in the World Heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park. Our Smithfield terminal is approximately 15 minutes north of Cairns City and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas in North Queensland, Australia.

At 7.5km in length and traversing the rainforest canopy between Smithfield and Kuranda, allow 1 ½ hours for a one-way Skyrail experience and 2 ½ hours for a return (round-trip) experience. This includes 20 minutes exploring each of the two stops (Red Peak and Barron Falls) along the way, plus time to spend in Kuranda Village.

Skyrail can be enjoyed as a one-way or return (round trip) experience or can be combined with the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Planning points:

• Skyrail is open from 8:45am to 5:15pm every day of the year except for Christmas Day and pre-planned maintenance closure days.
• Skyrail gondolas carry a maximum of 6 people (including infants). Diamond View gondolas carry a maximum of 5 people (including infants).
• Gondolas depart continuously throughout the day; however, bookings are taken in 15 minute intervals.
• See below ‘Getting Here’ for location, bus transfers and self-drive information.

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

Enjoy historical commentary combined with views of the rugged terrain, glistening waterfalls and tropical rainforest as you journey deep into the mountains between Cairns and Kuranda.

You can start your rainforest adventure with either Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway. Regardless of how you start your day this makes for the perfect half or full day experience.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway morning services depart from Freshwater Railway Station to Kuranda at 8:55am and 9:55am and return services depart from Kuranda at 2:00pm and 3:30pm.

Planning points:

• Bookings for Kuranda Scenic Railway can be made via Skyrail; however, must be booked in conjunction with a Skyrail experience.
• For guests booking via Skyrail, morning Kuranda Scenic Railway departures are from Freshwater Railway Station (not Cairns Central Railway Station).
• A one-way Kuranda Scenic Railway journey takes approximately 1 ½ hours.
• See below ‘Getting Here’ for location, bus transfer and self-drive information.

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

Skyrail operates a regular bus transfer service from most accommodation in the Cairns, Beaches (excluding Yorkeys Knob, Machans and Holloways Beach) and Port Douglas areas, which can be added during your booking process. Bus transfers to/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. If driving, free parking is available, including dedicated parking for oversized vehicles including RV’s and caravans along with two Electric Vehicle charging stations.

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

If self-driving and combining Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a one-way bus transfer will automatically be included in your package as follows:

• If you are starting your day with Kuranda Scenic Railway, drive to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal. Check in and after collecting your tickets, the Skyrail bus will transfer you to Freshwater Railway Station to begin your experience.
• If you are finishing your day with Kuranda Scenic Railway, the Skyrail bus will collect you from Freshwater Railway Station and return you to your vehicle at Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal.

To secure your preferred date and time, advance bookings are highly recommended.

You are welcome to amend your booking (date of travel, direction, tour type etc.) at any time prior to the commencement of your day without penalty*.

Please note that any changes are subject to availability and any additional experiences/upgrades added to your itinerary will require additional payment.

Once checked in, guests must begin at their pre-allocated time as indicated and changes (including refunds for any unused portions) are not possible.

*Cancellation fees apply to Canopy Glider. Bookings cancelled within 24 hours of travel are subject to 100% cancellation at Skyrail’s discretion.

Skyrail bookings are refundable prior to receipt of the boarding ticket.