Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
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)
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
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.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
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.
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
Food and drinks, unless specified
Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens & Butterfly Sanctuary (own expense)
Any other optional activities not mentioned
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Sky-Rainforestation-Rail
Rail-Rainforestation-Sky: Travel to Kuranda on Skyrail, visit Rainforestation Nature Park and return from Kuranda on Kuranda Scenic Rail.
Pickup included
Sky-Rail
Travel to Kuranda on Skyrail and return on the Scenic Railway; approx. 10 hours; departs at 8am and 8:45am
Pickup included
Rail-Sky
Travel to Kuranda on the Scenic Railway and return on Skyrail; approx. 8 hours; departs at 8am and 7:45am
Pickup included
Kuranda Scenic Rail and Coach
Scenic Rail + Coach Tour: Operates on dates Skyrail is closed for planned works from 20 Jul to 25 Oct 2026.
FREE Kuranda Wildlife Park : Includes BONUS entry voucher to either Birdworld OR Koala Gardens!
Pickup included
Coach & Kuranda Scenic Rail
Coach Tour + Scenic Rail: Operates on dates Skyrail is closed for planned works from 20 Jul to 25 Oct 2026.
FREE Kuranda Wildlife Park : Includes BONUS entry voucher to either Birdworld OR Koala Gardens!
Pickup included
Reviews
1,086 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Horrible experience
abhishek j,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Making bookings from Viator is one of the biggest mistake by me Spoil all my holidays by cancelling last minute Never going to repeat this mistake again in future Please be careful they just take money and then keep on waitlist
Spectacular views
John T,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The train ride is a leisurely affair with an opportunity to get off and take photos on the way up. We spent our time in Kuranda away from the busiest tourist traps and found some small markets and quiet cafe. It’s most busy when there’s a cruise ship in Cairns but still enjoyable. The cable car back down was spectacular and we were collected on time at the end of the trip.
A Great Trip
William F,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour operator picked us up on time and gave us a hardy welcome and overview of our day. We first rode the sky lift which wss very relaxing and nice to see the top of the rain forest. We had two stops where we could view the surrounding beauty, water falls, that was not rushed. We stopped at the village and plenty of time to relax,dine, and visit optional sites. From there we rode the train which was great. We arrived at freshwater station where our transportation returned us to our hotel. A very pleasant day.
Tour shuffled resulting in 1hour less to explore Kuranda
B4731VBmariac,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The original schedule (Skyrail first, train later) was changed. Because of train delays, this resulted in losing about an hour of time in Kuranda, which reduced the time available to explore the village. As a solo traveler, I often felt like my booking was being adjusted to fit the company’s logistics rather than the experience I had originally booked. At the time of writing this review, the price difference for the Gold Class downgrade has also not yet been refunded.
Very nice way to see the...
VERONICA T,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice way to see the rainforest. We took the train to the top. There are stops to take beautiful photos of the falls. Then a sky rail down after a nice walk around the town of Kuranda. Picturesque all around!
Both activities...
Francine L,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Both activities were very good. On the other hand, the organization of transportation was greatly defective. Very difficult to have a confirmation for the exact time of the pickup, delay, then finally had to come back in uber to be in time to take back the cruise ship.
Cool experience. Nice views
Nat S,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a nice experience. Recommend to take drinks with you and/or snacks. During summer time it can get really hoy inside the train and it is 2h journey...usually.
Spectacular Tour
Weluv2travel00,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Riding the Kuranda Railway was exciting with beautiful views. The butterfly house was very interesting & informative. The Aborigines dance & boomerang/spear demonstration were exciting. The cable car ride down had breath taking views.
Historic & Stunning
Janeway11,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pretty cool experience ! Historic old train. Felt like I was stepping back in time. Amazing rainforest, waterfalls. Can't believe it was built just with pick axes and dynamite in the 1880s. My tip is to sit in the end carriages if possible, as they are quiet and the air is fresh. Up close to the engine might not suit everyone as it might be a bit noisy and smelly for some when going through the mountain tunnels.
Stranded at the train station!
Shirley710,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We thoroughly enjoyed the skyline up to Kuranda and the opportunity to shop, visit the birds and the koalas on our own pace and not mess with a group or lunch break but after the spectacular train ride and rolling into Cairns, there was no one to pick us up and bring us back to our hotel! After watching all the other passengers roll up and get into their commercial buses, we had to walk close to a mile, in the rain, back to our hotel where they originally pick us up that morning. My husband even noticed the Down Under Tour bus wiz down Spence St. When I reached out to Down Under Tours, no one responded! What the what! Hey, we paid a pretty penny to go this tour and I feel they should have lived up to their aspect of transportation. We are in our 70’s and fortunately we could locate and walk to our hotel but buyer be ware!
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