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
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.
Options
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
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
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,109 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
kuranda long journey
413niras,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Kuranda scenic railway day trip a bit too long. too noisy people in our train cabin. stopped for 15 minutes as there was a sound came up help. no one in the carriages were among that. delayed over half hour. felt tired. no announcements were made, and even at the railway station. we had to fend for our selves finding the carriage.
Polish and Australian Families united for Holiday 2026
Longina P,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience, Kuranda train has taken us back in time and SkyRail allowed us to see the breathtaking beauty of Atherton Tablelands, thank you for making all possible to see and experience, Absolutely Great Job and Keep It Up, Best Regards and Wishes Longina and Family
Stunning views, great gondola.
sigrunr421,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Beautiful views of a rain forest that seems empty of the usual sounds associated this rain forests. Though still visually stunning. Just be aware that anything associated with Queensland rail is cashless and no sympathy is given those that do not have a visa or MC with them. Stupid policy in my opinion. The gondola ride was the best part. The train ride was slow and brought out the incredible job that was done to forge the rail through the land. Worth going to the small town that lives on visitors.
Overpriced for a coach transfer and ticket entry.
James H,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Overpriced for what is provided. Train was Out of Action for maintenance, so a return SkyRail trip was offered with coach transfer. Priced at $218, which you can receive the same service with coach transfer from SkyRail direct at $145. Unsure what additional services are being charged $73 for. Karunda is an ok day trip to look around the small town, the best element is the views of the rainforest on the transit there, apart from that, fairly underwhelming day out.
Fantastic day
Sharon A,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing full day, very well organised. Memories for life. Would totally recommend taking the train on the way there and skyrail on the way back. Birdland, butterflies and the koala were great activities. Staff at all places were excellent. If travelling with a person who is less able there is a bit of a walk between train station and the village. We got an Uber which was really easy.
Good but got to know what you want to do when you get to Kuranda
Amy M,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was very hot on the train and in Kuranda. There isn't much in the town but shops and bars etc unless you do the experiences with the Koalas etc. However, was very worthwhile trip on the train. The Skyrail was excellent- views were amazing. Fab day overall.
Train and cable car to Kuranda from Cairns
Peta H,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was very good. From pick up to drop off, everything went smoothly. Well worth having a look. Lots of well planned stops along the way. Very informative.
Very Scenic Railway
Paul v,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely stunning views from both sides of the Barron Falls. The railway is something else. How did they build this marvel?
Beautiful view of the rainforest and surroundings
Yvonne S,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Train ride was amazing going through and around the rain forest. Waterfalls from the gondola were the best.
Fun day trip!
Brittney G,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Amazing views of the rainforest! The gondola ride up and train ride back down were amazing. Kuranda left a little to be desired but overall we had a great day.
Related Experiences
Operated by Down Under Tours