Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Self Drive

You can visit the picturesque Kuranda, “village in the rainforest“, on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Self Drive tour. Discover an eclectic mix of village shops and world-famous markets. Bush-tucker and international cuisines in addition to wildlife and local Aboriginal culture. The Kuranda Train and Skyrail Self Drive tour are excellent for those who have their own car.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

In the 1880s the construction of the Kuranda Railway began. Miners from the west needed transport to ‘civilisation’. During construction, 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges built with many lives lost. Meanwhile, three million cubic metres of earth excavated. Quite a feat for those times. Tourists began using the railway to visit Kuranda in the 1930s.

You will learn all this and more on your journey through the majestic mountain range surrounded by the oldest rainforest on the planet. Stop off at the Barron Falls lookout for the perfect photo opportunity. To see the falls thundering after some rain is very impressive.

Kuranda Skyrail

Not only beautiful but sustainable too! Cairns Skyrail is an excellent example of ecotourism. Specifically engineered for breathtaking views, there’s no better way to see the rainforest! As the Skyrail takes you high above the canopy, your view of the rainforest will be, therefore completely unrestricted.

Stop off at not one but two different stations to explore the rainforest from the ground. Red Peak Station provides a beautiful walk along a boardwalk through the trees. After that, the Barron Falls Station provides a spectacular view of the famous Barron River Waterfalls.

Tailor the tour to suit you

The choice is yours. Travel up to Kuranda by train and return by Skyrail. On the other hand, you can travel up by Skyrail and return by train. Whichever you decide, you will drive to the Skyrail station in Smithfield.

If you opt for the train first, a bus will meet you at the Skyrail station bus stop. There will be a short trip to the Freshwater train station. A charming old-style station. Upon your return on Skyrail from Kuranda, you can jump straight into your car and head back to your accommodation.

However, If you prefer taking the Skyrail first, you still make your way to Skyrail station. After your return on the Scenic Train, a shuttle bus will bring you back to your vehicle.

In conclusion, there are heaps of things to see and do in Kuranda. Therefore, make sure you allow yourself enough time to experience it all.

Tour Features

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Location

Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Self Drive Tours

12.00pm Skyrail and 3:30pm train HALF DAY PM KSD

Check-in at 11:45am at Skyrail for 12pm start, then board the 3.30pm train back to Freshwater. Next, Shuttle (included)back from Freshwater Train Station to Skyrail to collect your car. Return to Skyrail around 5:00pm

Departs

8.50am Train and 12.45pm Skyrail HALF DAY AM KSD

Check-in at 8:00am at Skyrail, then take a Shuttle (included) from Skyrail to Freshwater Train Station for the 8.50am train. Come back on the 12.45pm Skyrail from Kuranda. Return to your car around 2:15pm

Departs

8.50am Train and 3:45pm Skyrail FULL DAY KSD

Check-in at 8:00am at Skyrail, then take a Shuttle (included) from Skyrail to Freshwater Train Station for the 8.50am train. Come back on the 3.45pm Skyrail from Kuranda. Return to your car around 5:15pm

Departs