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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is an iconic, must-do experience that takes guests over and through the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, home to the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on Earth. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tranquility of one of the world's most botanically fascinating areas that has remained relatively unchanged for 130 million years. The cableway stretches 7.5 kilometres or 4.7 miles between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda. There are 32 towers in total and the highest tower stands 40.5 metres (133 feet) high.

Enjoy a truly unique perspective of this ancient landscape with unsurpassed panoramic views of Barron Gorge and Australia's Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, enroute descend to explore the rainforest close up at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Red Peak is Skyrail's highest point at 545 metres above sea level (1,788 feet). The Kuranda Terminal sits at 336 metres (1,100 feet) and Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal is just 5 metres above sea level (16 feet).

Traversing the ancient rainforest between Smithfield and Kuranda, a one-way Skyrail Experience with Diamond View will take approximately 120 minutes to complete including time spent exploring Red Peak and Barron Falls.

• Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal

  Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is located just 15 minutes north of Cairns city and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas. Traverse the spectacular landscape between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, on your 120 minute experience. A glimpse into an ancient world nestled in the fascinating Barron Gorge.

   

• Discover Red Peak – it's a jungle down there!

  Descend through the canopy to explore one of the most ancient pockets of rainforest on Earth, where unique plants and animals have survived the forces of nature and time. This is the home of lush fern gardens, climbing palms, rare butterflies, birds and imposing rainforest giants, all of which are in constant competition for life-giving light. Exploring the rainforest at Red Peak is an experience not to be missed, so allow yourself approximately 20 minutes to encounter, discover and immerse yourself in this fascinating living museum.

  
  

  Explore Red Peak

  • Ranger Guided Tours
  • Rainforest Discovery Zone
  • Rainforest Boardwalk Loop
  • Scenic Lookout

   

• Discover Barron Falls – a prehistoric landscape

  Known as Din Din to the Djabuganydji people – Barron Falls is a sacred place that has been an important part of their storytelling for thousands of years. While it is a spectacular sight at any time of the year, it really comes into its own during the wet season (December to March), when tropical rains bring the waterfall to life. Exploring the spectacular, rugged beauty and pioneering history is an experience not to be missed. Plan to spend around 20 minutes discovering the rainforest stories of Barron Falls.

  
  

  Explore Barron Falls

  • The Edge Lookout
  • Historical Precinct
  • CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre
  • Panoramic gorge & waterfall views

   

• Kuranda - Village in the rainforest

  Kuranda offers an amazing rainforest experience with spectacular scenic walks and some amazing wildlife attractions and activities. The famous Kuranda markets and village shopping has something for everyone and a wide range of restaurants and cafes offers relaxed outdoor dining and a taste sensation to suit most discerning taste buds.
  Depending on your itinerary and interests, allowing 2-3 hours exploring the world famous Kuranda Village.

Skyrail Interpretive App & Audio Guide

Ensure you get the most out of your experience by downloading Skyrail's multi-lingual Interpretive App & Audio Guide that places the story of Australia's ancient tropical rainforest directly in your hands. 

• Enhance your experience with in gondola commentary
• See augmented reality rainforest animals appear right before your eyes
• Track your journey
• Learn more about your experience
• Capture and share photos to your social networks

One Way Skyrail Experience

Allow 20 minutes for each station, to enjoy Ranger guided boardwalk tours and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts and historical precinct. Enhance your experience and unlock the secrets of the ancient rainforest at the new Rainforest Discovery Zone at Red Peak, put the story of the rainforest in your hands with the Skyrail Interpretive App & Audio Guide and experience the beautiful Barron Falls and Gorge like never before from The Edge Lookout.

Upgrade to Diamond View Gondola

Enjoy a unique and unimpeded perspective straight down to the tropical rainforest canopy with Skyrail's glass floor Diamond View gondola. Diamond View guests enjoy dedicated Diamond View only boarding queues, and Diamond View gondolas depart the platforms every 7 minutes (approximately). Diamond View gondolas seat a maximum of 5 people (including infants) and is available on a one-way, per-person basis only. Return and family rates do not apply.

Trip Timings*

Stations: Smithfield Terminal - Red Peak Station - Barron Falls Station - Kuranda Terminal

• Smithfield Terminal - Red Peak Station
  • Gondola Travelling Time: approximately 10 minutes
  • Distance: 2.7 kms
  • At Red Peak Station: Rainforest boardwalk including complimentary Ranger Guided Tour. Plan to spend approximately 20-30 minutes
• Red Peak Station - Barron Falls Station
  • Gondola Travelling Time: approximately 12-14 minutes
  • Distance: 3.1 kms
  • At Barron Falls Station: Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts, historical display. Plan to spend approximately 20-30 minutes.
• Barron Falls Station - Kuranda Terminal
  • Gondola Travelling Time: approximately 7-8 minutes
  • Distance: 1.7 kms

* If commencing journey from Kuranda Terminal, the stops will be in reverse.

Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class

The original Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage carriages offer the old world charm of travelling in authentic timber carriages some of which are over 100 years old. Experience your scenic journey in the refurbished original red-wooden heritage carriages. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and numerous photographic opportunities as you wind through World Heritage-listed rainforest.

Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class inclusions:

• Souvenir trip guide available in 9 languages
• Seated in refurbished Heritage carriages
• Ambient, historical carriage décor
• Audio commentary
• Stop and disembark at Barron Falls station, with stunning views of Barron Falls
• Chilled refresher towel, in summer months
• Filtered water available in each carriage

Planning Your Trip

• Bus transfers are available from selected Cairns and Northern Beaches locations.
• You can start with either Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway
• A one-way Skyrail Cableway (with Diamond View) journey takes approximately 2 hours including time spent exploring Red Peak and Barron Falls.
• First Skyrail experience departure is at 09:30 from Smithfield and the last experience departure is at 15:15 from Kuranda.
• Skyrail Gondolas depart continuously throughout the day and bookings are made in 15 minute intervals.
• Skyrail Gondolas carry a maximum of 5 people in Diamond View (including infants).
• A one-way Kuranda Scenic Railway journey takes approximately 1 ½ hours.
• Morning trains* depart from Freshwater Railway Station to Kuranda at 08:55 and 09:55.
• Afternoon trains depart from Kuranda to Freshwater Railway Station (continuing to Cairns Central Railway Station) at 14:00 and 15:30.
• *Morning departures are from Freshwater Railway Station only and are not available from Cairns Central Railway Station.

Timetable & Itineraries* 

*Reference only and subjuct to change without notice.

Skyrail Start

Sample Itinerary*

*Reference only and subjuct to change without notice.

• Bus pick-up from selected hotels
• Depart Skyrail Smithfield Terminal at 10:30 (with Diamond View)
• Visit Red Peak and Barron Falls on your journey
• Arrive Skyrail Kuranda Terminal at approximately 12:30
• Free time in Kuranda Village
• Train departs Kuranda Railway Station at 15:30
• Arrive Freshwater Railway Station at 17:02
• Arrive Cairns Central Railway Station at 17:30
• Bus drop-offs to selected hotels

Kuranda Scenic Railway Start

 Sample Itinerary* 

*Reference only and subjuct to change without notice.

• Bus pick-up from selected hotels
• Train departs Freshwater Railway Station at 09:55
• Arrive Kuranda Railway Station at 11:25
• Free time in Kuranda Village
• Depart Skyrail Kuranda Terminal at 14:00 (with Diamond View)
• Visit Red Peak and Barron Falls on your journey
• Arrive Skyrail Smithfield Terminal approximately 16:00
• Bus drop-offs to selected hotels

How to choose the right experience?

Skyrail (upgrade to Diamond view) + Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR, upgrade to Glod Class)