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
Rail-Sky
Travel to Kuranda on the Scenic Railway and return on Skyrail; approx. 8 hours; departs at 8am and 7:45am
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.
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
Reviews
1,083 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!
Dodgy Scammers - DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS
amandajV5336IA,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We visited this store in January and the candy was lovely. We arrived back to Brisbane and I placed an online order on 3rd February for $65. Nearly a month later, the order hasn't arrived. I have tried numerous times to contact the store to no avail. The phone number listed goes to a message bank where you can't leave a message. I have sent numerous emails to be ignored. I just want the order sent to me or a refund. Do not support this business, DODGY AS, SCAMMERS!!!
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!
Kuranda rail and cable car ride
Gayle D,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The excursion is self paced. The tickets for pick up and drop off as well as tickets for the cable car and rail ride was provided. You have to experience on your own. No guided tour. The stay in the village was a little too long especially when it was hot and humid. Would have liked the tickets to have adjustable times. Felt stuck waiting to catch the rail to get to the bus. The rail ride and cable car ride were worth it.
The scenic of railway is...
gang s,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The scenic of railway is very nice and good experience, only a problem is the temperature, the train really need air-conditioning for the customers. Too hot in the carriages.
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