Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

Overview

Available languages

German

Chinese

Japanese

English

Italian

French

Spanish

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‘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

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.

30 minutes•Admission Not Included

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.

1 hour 30 minutes•Admission Included

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

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-Rail

Travel to Kuranda on Skyrail and return on the Scenic Railway; approx. 10 hours; departs at 8am and 8:45am
Pickup included

Reviews

4.38

1,002 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

615

240

Great experience but...
Petra M,
Jul 24, 2025
- Viator
3.00
Great experience but lacked information beforehand when to board skyrail timing of return trip with railway. Also wasn’t very clear about bus transfer
Great excursion out of...
Wendy R,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great excursion out of Cairns. The train takes you to a very small and interesting village. Lots of shopping opportunities and food as well.
A relaxing journey
Matthew S,
Jul 17, 2025
- Viator
4.00
A nice relaxing experience with great views and interesting history. Kuranda is a little tired, but interesting. Had pretty bad service over lunch, but I think that was just bad luck. The staff on the various parts of the tour were all very friendly and helpful.
Just had an amazing day
Alifa K,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
4.00
The experience was nice. Skyrail and scenic railway was marvellous. The village was spectacular. We went to butterfly sanctuary. Only problem was we had confusion with timing and direction / schedule with Down under tour . Otherwise everything else was good . Pleasant time with family and friends
Something for everyone!
Sameer V,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This isn't much of a tour per se, but a prearranged and easy to follow itinerary with full transport and ideas. We really loved the day from not having to worry about transport, the views, the education in the rainforest and on the train, the village and charming train ride. There is something for everyone.