When was the Kuranda Skyrail Built?
Initially planned in 1987, the Kuranda Skyrail was built from 1994 to 1995, opening to the public on the 31st of August 1995. At the time of completion, it was the longest cableway in the world, measuring at 7.5 kilometres, however, it still holds the title of the most environmentally sensitive cable car in the world. Its 114 gondolas can transport up to 700 visitors per hour through the glory and splendour of the rainforest, for as little as $84 per person! The Skyrail is without a doubt the best way to get sweeping panoramic views of endless canopies of the ancient rainforest's luscious greenery.
Given that the Wet Tropics Rainforest is the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest, extensive environmental studies (including an Environmental Impact Study) were undertaken over its seven years of planning in order to understand how to move forward with construction in the least disruptive way possible. Actually, Kuranda Skyrail ticks all of the boxes when it comes to ecotourism, which is as great for visitors as it is for our glorious rainforest!
What is Ecotourism?
‘What exactly makes a cable car environmentally conscious?’ you may ask. Well, first, we have to talk about ecotourism — what it is and what its value is to both the environment and the tourism industry. Ecotourism is categorised as a nature-based experience for visitors and vacationers, activities and experiences that both promote environmental education and engagement and don’t harm or disrupt the environment in the process. In fact, ecotourism strives to minimise environmental impact and preserve the well-being of said environment. And since the tourism industry can pack a pretty big punch to local ecosystems, it's important for all operators to consider incorporating sustainable means into their practices.
Kuranda Skyrail and Ecotourism
As we mentioned above, the Wet Tropics Rainforest is the oldest surviving tropical rainforest in the world — 130 million years old, to be exact. Imagine the sights its ancient trees have seen, from 65,000 years of pre-colonial Indigenous life to all the way back when dinosaurs still roamed the earth! Today it is home to a myriad of thousands of plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. In the depths of the rainforest, you’ll bear witness to over 650 species of cuddly and creepy animals, 230 species of butterflies, and over 2,800 plant species. No wonder such great lengths were taken during the construction of the Kuranda Skyrail!
Before construction on the project even commenced, fallen foliage, topsoil, and a catalogue of plants and seeds were collected and recorded, and then temporarily removed. This way, the heavy machinery required to erect the 900-tonne steel structure could get to work without trampling and destroying the delicate ecosystem. Upon completion, the stored fallen foliage, topsoil, seeds, and plant propagations were returned to their original locations. So, whilst the construction process surely disrupted the rainforest and its inhabitants to some degree, extreme lengths and measures were taken to ensure the environment surrounding the Skyrail could return to business as usual in its aftermath! And now you too can enjoy the wonders of the ancient rainforest without disturbing the forest floor or any of the creepy crawlies that call it home. Now that’s what we call a win-win.
Embark on Your Own Rainforest Adventure
Come see the spectacle of the Kuranda Skyrail for yourself and fall in love with the enchanting ecosystems of this World Heritage-listed rainforest. The drive from Cairns to Kuranda is a swift and scenic 35 minutes, but fret not if you don’t have access to your own set of wheels! Several Skyrail packages include transport by bus from Cairns and Port Douglas, or if you’re seeking the ultimate rainforest experience, there’s always the Kuranda Scenic Railway — an antique train that plunges into the depths of the rainforest, through countless tunnels, and to soaring heights. You’ll arrive in the quaint little township of Kuranda with plenty of time to rummage through the Heritage Markets, meet some cuddly friends, and sample the local selection of gastronomic goodies before making your way to the Skyrail.
