Rainforest by rail and sky—experience Kuranda with a self-guided journey.
Rainforest by rail and sky—experience Kuranda with a self-guided journey.
Inclusions
Combining Kuranda’s scenic train and Skyrail with stress-free transfers.
Combining Kuranda’s scenic train and Skyrail with stress-free transfers.
Inclusions
Travel to Kuranda in style with Gold Class rail, scenic Skyrail views & seamless transfers.
Travel to Kuranda in style with Gold Class rail, scenic Skyrail views & seamless transfers.
Inclusions
Cairns
Start your adventure stress-free with a hotel pickup from Cairns, taking you straight to Freshwater Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for an unforgettable journey through the rainforest.
Kuranda Scenic Rail
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Kuranda Village
4 attractions
Spend 1.5 hours exploring the vibrant Kuranda Village packed with markets, wildlife experiences, and cultural charm before catching your shuttle transfer to Rainforestation Nature Park.
1. Kuranda Heritage Markets
Explore this open-air market and shop for locally made crafts, artwork, and handmade jewelry to Aboriginal artifacts. Spend some time watching street performers and local food stalls to experience Kuranda's unique charm.
2. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Walk among 1,500 free-flying butterflies in the largest butterfly aviary in the Southern Hemisphere. Get up close with the dazzling Ulysses and Cairns Birdwing species, and learn about their fascinating life cycle.
3. Kuranda Koala Gardens
Check out this small but well-kept wildlife park in Kuranda Village where you can hold a cute koala and see some of Australia's native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, and freshwater crocodiles.
4. Birdworld Kuranda
Walk through an open aviary filled with over 350 colorful birds, including macaws, lorikeets, and cassowaries. The free-flying birds might land on your shoulder—so be ready for a surprise!
2
Rainforestation Nature Park
1 attractions
3 activities
Ready yourself for the triple-experience Rainforestation Nature Park featuring wildlife encounters, indigenous cultural performances, a rainforest Army Duck tour, and a delicious BBQ lunch (if option selected). Take your time exploring the park before taking the return shuttle back to Kuranda Village.
1. Army Duck Tour
Included in price
Board this quirky Army Duck and spot wildlife, learn about exotic plants, and enjoy a totally different perspective of the rainforest.
2. Dreamtime Walk
Included in price
Get a hands-on cultural experience where you’ll learn traditional Aboriginal skills like boomerang throwing, spear techniques, and bush survival knowledge—all in a stunning rainforest setting.
3. Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show
Included in price
Experience the energy of traditional Aboriginal dances performed in a rainforest amphitheatre with each dance telling a story—offering a glimpse into one of the world’s oldest cultures.
4. Koala & Wildlife Park
Spot Australia’s iconic wildlife up close, hand-feed kangaroos, and meet the park’s giant saltwater crocodile, Jack the Ripper.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
5
Cairns
Train, Skyrail & Rainforest—experience Kuranda from every angle.
Train, Skyrail & Rainforest—experience Kuranda from every angle.
Inclusions
Port Douglas
Begin your day with an easy hotel pickup from Port Douglas, heading straight to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Smithfield.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
1
Kuranda Village
4 attractions
Enjoy your free time in Kuranda Village by shopping for local crafts, visiting wildlife parks, and experiencing the town’s relaxed rainforest vibe before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Rail.
1. Kuranda Heritage Markets
Explore the open-air Kuranda Heritage Markets, where you’ll find handmade jewelry, Aboriginal art, and unique souvenirs, with local performers and food vendors adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
2. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Enter the largest butterfly aviary in Australia, where you can watch 1,500 butterflies, including the brilliant blue Ulysses and striking Cairns Birdwing, flutter freely around you.
3. Kuranda Koala Gardens
Get up close with Australia’s iconic wildlife at Kuranda Koala Gardens—hold a cuddly koala, hand-feed kangaroos, and spot freshwater crocodiles in this wildlife park.
4. Birdworld Kuranda
Wander through Birdworld Kuranda, a lush rainforest-inspired aviary where cheeky lorikeets, towering cassowaries, and brilliant parrots fly freely around you.
Kuranda Scenic Rail
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Port Douglas
Scenic rail, Skyrail, & hassle-free transfers for a perfect Kuranda day trip.
Scenic rail, Skyrail, & hassle-free transfers for a perfect Kuranda day trip.
Inclusions
Cairns
Start your day with a convenient hotel pickup from Cairns and head to Freshwater Station to step aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, where stunning rainforest views and cascading waterfalls await.
Kuranda Scenic Rail
1
Kuranda Village
4 attractions
Discover the charm of Kuranda Village by browsing markets, meeting local wildlife, and soaking in the town’s artistic and cultural atmosphere before boarding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
1. Kuranda Heritage Markets
Stroll through the Kuranda Heritage Markets, where you’ll find locally made crafts, artwork, and Aboriginal artifacts alongside talented street performers and mouthwatering food stalls.
2. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Wander through the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, home to over 1,500 free-flying butterflies, and learn about the delicate life cycle of these rainforest beauties.
3. Kuranda Koala Gardens
Visit Kuranda Koala Gardens to cuddle a koala, hand-feed wallabies, and get a close look at Australia’s unique wildlife, from sleepy marsupials to curious reptiles.
4. Birdworld Kuranda
Step into a free-flight aviary where over 350 colorful birds, from playful lorikeets to majestic macaws, soar around you—some might even land on your shoulder!
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
2
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Explore Australia's wild side at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Cruise through the Melaleuca wetlands on a 25-minute wetlands boat tour, where crocodiles lurk beneath the surface. Witness the raw power of a saltwater crocodile’s head shake and death roll at the Crocodile Attack Show and come face-to-face with the world’s most venomous snakes at the Snake Show.
5
Cairns
Soar on Skyrail, cruise the Scenic Rail, and see crocs at Hartley’s Adventures.
Soar on Skyrail, cruise the Scenic Rail, and see crocs at Hartley’s Adventures.
Inclusions
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins - 5 hour 55 mins
Price: Starting from AU$55
Explore Kuranda by train and Skyrail, and take some time to explore the village. Get round-trip hotel transfers from Port Douglas or one-way ticket upgrades.
Recommended experiences:
Duration: 5 hours 45 mins - 8 hours 40 mins
Price: Starting from AU$199
Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class, enjoying premium service, drinks, and snacks. Explore with an expert guide, take in stunning views from the Skyrail, and get round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns.
Recommended experience:
Duration: 11 hours - 11.24 hours
Price: Starting from AU$123
Experience a full-day Kuranda adventure with hotel transfers from Cairns and an expert driver host. Journey on the Scenic Railway and Skyrail, explore the charming village, and choose between an Army Duck tour or a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
Recommended experiences:
Cairns Railway Station
Freshwater Railway Station
The train runs between Cairns Railway Station to Kuranda Railway Station, with a 5 to 10-minute stop at Freshwater Railway Station.
Prices vary by tour. The From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Self-Guided Kuranda Tour is priced at AU$55 with an option of upgrading to one-way scenic rail or skyrail ticket. On the other hand, the From Port Douglas: Scenic Train & Skyrail Kuranda Tour with Transfersr tour is priced at AU$251 and includes round-trip hotel transfers from Port Douglas along with an expert driver.
Children between 4 to 14 years and families often get discounted rates and Australian seniors may qualify for concessions.
You can book a return journey or combine the train with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a round-trip experience.
The Heritage class ticket is a standard ticket with snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard in classic wooden carriages with standard seating, whereas the Gold Class ticket is a premium experience with lounge seats, complimentary snacks and drinks, and personalized table service.
Yes, the train is wheelchair accessible with dedicated wheelchair spaces available on board, and ramps are provided to assist with boarding. However, it’s highly recommended to notify staff when booking to ensure proper arrangements are made.
Yes, the train has multilingual audio commentary that shares fascinating history and insights about the railway, making it an informative journey as you wind through the rainforest.
The dry season (May to October) is ideal for a comfortable journey, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and better visibility of the rainforest and mountain views, while the wet season (November to April) enhances waterfalls and rainforest scenery but with higher humidity, occasional rain, and fewer crowds.
Yes, the Kuranda Scenic Railway operates daily, except for Christmas Day and during maintenance closures.
Only small bags and backpacks are allowed. Large suitcases or heavy luggage are not permitted due to space limitations.
Yes, certified assistance animals are permitted on board. You must provide official certification proving that your animal is a registered assistance animal and make sure to inform the staff when booking your ticket.