Day Trips

From Cairns: Scenic Train with Gold Class & Skyrail Kuranda Tour with Transfers

Experience Kuranda in Gold Class style with a luxury Scenic Railway ride, a Skyrail journey over the rainforest, and convenient hotel transfers from Cairns.

4.3/5(253)

Gavin T

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Stunning ride up in the train and the bus transfers were great with great commentary by the drivers. Only concern was the time to be at various locations. Our skyrail was at 1:45pm with a bus transfer at 2:45pm which didn't leave a lot of time between the finish of skyrail. We didn't do the falls tour so got back with only 5 minutes to spare. That was even with getting in the skyrail 10 minutes early. Would have been better if skyrail was earlier and closer to train ride finish.

Roxane H

Solo

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The scenery was amazing. Everyone working with the train and sky rail were so helpful and friendly. I have some mobility challenges and felt supported and looked after.

Paul H

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

Our transfer was late to collect us from the skyrail to the Freshwater train station; so when we got to Freshwater we had very limited time to enjoy our complimentary drink before train arrived. Was disappointed with the Gold class train ride but did enjoy the Skyrail back to the Carpark base. Thank you for a pleasant day

Jane W

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

This is a wonderful trip to take while in the Cairns area. The Gold Class Service was great so we didn't need to waste time in Kuranda finding food. The Sky Rail back was spectacular! This is a must do!!

Dinah W

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

We had an absolutely amazing day, the Scenic Kuranda Rail was fabulous Diamond Class is well worth it, I was a bit worried about return trip on Skyrail Cable Car but it was unbelievable, what a fabulous way to see the rain forest, my hisband & I had a fabulous day. Xx

Your Kuranda day is sorted with a scenic train journey linking Cairns and the rainforest village, so you ride instead of planning logistics.

Sit back for the two-hour Kuranda Scenic Railway ride, your ticket arranged in advance so you focus on rainforest views rather than logistics.

Watch the landscape shift from coastal city to lush highlands as the Kuranda Scenic Railway climbs through rainforest valleys toward the village.

Step into Kuranda Village, a mountain rainforest town surrounded by wildlife attractions and lush scenery that make the rail journey feel complete.

If you select these options, add Skyrail or Gold Class rail, Cairns hotel transfers, a guide, Kuranda village free time, plus wildlife discounts.

Kuranda Scenic Railway journey

One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket [as per option selected]

One-way Gold Class Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket [as per option selected]

Round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns [as per option selected]

Expert guide [as per option selected]

Free time in Kuranda Village [as per option selected]

Discount coupons and bonus entry for Kuranda wildlife attractions [as per option selected]

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

253 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Gavin T
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Stunning ride up in the train and the bus transfers were great with great commentary by the drivers. Only concern was the time to be at various locations. Our skyrail was at 1:45pm with a bus transfer at 2:45pm which didn't leave a lot of time between the finish of skyrail. We didn't do the falls tour so got back with only 5 minutes to spare. That was even with getting in the skyrail 10 minutes early. Would have been better if skyrail was earlier and closer to train ride finish.
Roxane H
Solo
Verified booking
Jul 2026
The scenery was amazing. Everyone working with the train and sky rail were so helpful and friendly. I have some mobility challenges and felt supported and looked after.
Brian N
Couple
Verified booking
Jun 2026
Gold class train journey was just brilliant and the rest of the day was a standout as well. One of the best day trips I've ever done.
Paul H
Couple
Verified booking
Jun 2026
Our transfer was late to collect us from the skyrail to the Freshwater train station; so when we got to Freshwater we had very limited time to enjoy our complimentary drink before train arrived. Was disappointed with the Gold class train ride but did enjoy the Skyrail back to the Carpark base. Thank you for a pleasant day
Jane W
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
This is a wonderful trip to take while in the Cairns area. The Gold Class Service was great so we didn't need to waste time in Kuranda finding food. The Sky Rail back was spectacular! This is a must do!!

Start your journey in Gold Class luxury

Board the Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class carriage for a premium rail experience. Relax in lounge-style seating, enjoy refreshments like sparkling wine, beer, tea, and snacks, and soak in the stunning views of waterfalls, tunnels, and rainforest canopies as you descend towards Kuranda.

Explore Kuranda Village

Once in Kuranda Village, you can take your time and explore local markets, wildlife sanctuaries like Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, or relax in a café overlooking the rainforest. Your Kuranda Boarding Pass gives you discounts on select attractions.

Travel back on Skyrail

Glide above the World Heritage-listed rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Explore scenic boardwalks, enjoy lookouts over Barron Gorge, and learn about the rainforest from ranger-guided talks.

What to bring

Clothing and gear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat.

Comfort items: Bring a light jacket for the train and a refillable water bottle.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access: The experience is wheelchair accessible.

Assistance animals: Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.

What’s not allowed

Food and drinks: Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the Scenic Railway or Skyrail.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all transport vehicles and station areas.

Additional information

Departure points: The Skyrail departs from Smithfield Terminal and the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.

Child policy: Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.

Journey times: The Scenic Train takes about 2 hours and the Skyrail journey takes about 1.5 hours including station stops.

Hotel transfers: Round-trip transfers are included from select hotels in Cairns if you select this option.

Kuranda attractions: Entry to the Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld, and Kuranda Koala Gardens is not included and can be purchased on arrival.

Gold Class upgrade: Gold Class on the Scenic Railway includes premium seating, drinks, snacks, and a dedicated service, with more food options in Kuranda Village.

Skyrail operation: On Mondays and Tuesdays until 25 October, Skyrail is not operational and the Gold Class rail and coach tours do not include Skyrail.