The short version
Almost everyone who visits Cairns ends up doing Kuranda, and this combo takes you up the range one way and down the other, so you never repeat the view. The Scenic Railway is a heritage line built in the 1890s, and the Skyrail glides 7.5 kilometres just above the rainforest canopy. It is the one I recommend over any single-mode ticket.
Photos
What's included in your ticket
- Kuranda Scenic Railway, one way (Heritage Class), from Cairns Central or Freshwater
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, one way
- Rainforest stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls on Skyrail
- Photo stop at Barron Falls on the train
- English commentary on the train
- Free time in Kuranda village (2 to 3 hours recommended)
- Bus between Skyrail's Smithfield terminal and your railway station
- Choice of direction (train up / Skyrail down, or reverse)
Best for these travellers
How the day runs
Kuranda Scenic Railway departure times
The train runs twice a day in each direction, every day of the year except Christmas Day. You choose your train in the booking form.
| Train | Departs | Freshwater | Arrives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning: Cairns Central to Kuranda | |||
| 1st | 8:45 AM | 9:10 AM | 10:40 AM |
| 2nd ✦ | 9:30 AM | 9:55 AM | 11:25 AM |
| Afternoon: Kuranda to Cairns Central | |||
| 1st | 2:45 PM | 4:20 PM | 4:40 PM |
| 2nd ✦ | 3:30 PM | 5:05 PM | 5:25 PM |
✦ Gold Class runs on the second train only. Be at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
Skyrail down from Kuranda: 12:30, 2:30 or 3:30 PM to Cairns Central, or 12:30, 1:30 or 3:30 PM to Freshwater.
Planned closures: no trains 2 to 6 November 2026, Skyrail closed 8 and 9 December 2026, both closed on Christmas Day.
Rail one way, cableway the other
Optional extras
Before you go
The full review
Almost everyone who visits Cairns ends up doing Kuranda, and the reason this particular combo endures is simple: you travel up the range one way and down the other, by the two most scenic routes, so you never repeat the view. It's the one I recommend over any single-mode ticket.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is the heritage option, a 37-kilometre line built in the 1890s that climbs through 15 hand-cut tunnels and pauses above Barron Falls. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is the quiet counterpart, gliding 7.5 kilometres just metres above the rainforest canopy with two stops, Red Peak and Barron Falls, where boardwalks let you step into the World-Heritage rainforest. In between, you get a few hours in Kuranda village: heritage markets, riverside walks and wildlife parks if you want them.
At $145.50 it's the cleanest, best-value way to do Kuranda properly. Pick the train up and Skyrail down, or the reverse, the price is the same. My tip on timing: the 8:45 train gives you the longest stretch in the village, while the 9:30 is the one to choose if you want Gold Class. Our pick for the best Kuranda day from Cairns.