Down Under Tours | Kuranda Scenic Railway & Rainforest Skyrail
Departure Times
Pricing Options
Embark on a 9-hour scenic adventure through Barron Gorge’s ancient and World Heritage-listed rainforest via a century-old railway and spend the day exploring the charming and historic township of Kuranda.
- Careen through Kuranda Railway’s tunnels, curves, and bridges
- Immerse yourself in the ancient wonder of Barron Gorge’s dense and lively rainforest
- Ride the Skyrail to the top of Barron Falls’ Edge Lookout
- Spend the day exploring the quaint and charming township of Kuranda
- Return to Cairns via scenic Skyrail
All aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway! Travel two hours from Cairns to Kuranda via century-old tracks over sky-high bridges, through plunging tunnels and countless curves — all while enjoying ever-changing views of Barron Gorge’s majestic rainforest and waterfall. Learn about Cairns, the history of the railway, the rainforest, and all of its cuddly and creepy inhabitants from the expert commentary.
Arrive at your destination of the rural township of Kuranda and spend the day leisurely exploring its small-town charm. Search for treasures at the Heritage Markets, and then take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to the tip-top of Barron Gorge’s Edge Lookout for a hair-raising bird’s eye view of the national park before descending into the dense, earthy depths of the Rainforest Discovery Zone on your way home!
Take your railway adventure to the next level by upgrading to Gold Class! Travel in historically decorated first-class carriages with luxurious lounge-style seating. The Gold Class package includes attentive service, where you’ll be waited on hand and foot and provided a delightful morning or afternoon tea with several rounds of complimentary beverages.
Highlights
- Transportation from hotel to Freshwater Station
- Ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Informative and educational commentary
- Learn about the history of the railway and Barron Gorge
- Explore the charming township of Kuranda
- See Barron Falls from soaring heights on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Stroll through the Rainforest Discovery Zone
- Shop til you drop at the Kuranda Heritage Markets
- Travel in Victorian-era luxury carriages! (Gold Class package only)
- Enjoy morning or afternoon tea on board
- Choose from a variety of beverages throughout the day (Gold Class package only)
Sample Itinerary
Show Less
Ride the Railway
Take part in a very special piece of Cairns’ history and climb aboard the antique rainforest railway service! Opened to the public in 1881, the railway travels between the sandy shores of Cairns to the quaint township of Kuranda, a historical village perched on the edge of Barron Gorge. Burrow through 15 tunnels, glide over dozens of bridges and around 93 curves as you climb hi...
Read More
Ride the Railway
Take part in a very special piece of Cairns’ history and climb aboard the antique rainforest railway service! Opened to the public in 1881, the railway travels between the sandy shores of Cairns to the quaint township of Kuranda, a historical village perched on the edge of Barron Gorge. Burrow through 15 tunnels, glide over dozens of bridges and around 93 curves as you climb higher and higher toward Kuranda.
Kuranda Heritage Markets
From jewellery and gemstones to wallabies and wombats, the Heritage Markets will put a smile on every member of the family’s face. Stock up on souvenirs and holiday mementos, and stop by Frogs Restaurant for a bite to eat before saying hello to the furry and feathered friends at Koala Gardens and Birdworld. At Koala Gardens you’ll meet gliders, koalas, saltwater crocs, quokkas, wallabies and wombats, and at Birdworld you witness over 60 native and exotic species perch and glide through a manmade rainforest!
Lose Yourself in the Ancient Rainforest
Barron Gorge National Park is located on the traditional lands of the Djabugandji Bama people, who — prior to the European invasion — formed the very tracks visitors still walk today. Its 900,000 hectares of vegetation is made up of rocky outcrops, tropical rainforests, eucalypt rainforests, wetlands and mangroves.
Catch the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway home
The Skyrail cablecars will take you sky-high to the Barron Falls Edge Lookout and to the dense, earthy depths of the rainforest. Score breathtaking bird’s eye views of the jungle of treetops that cover the gorge and masses of water cascading down the mammoth rocks of Barron Falls. Get a closer look at the rainforest’s ecosystem at the bottom of the Skyrail as you walk through the Rainforest Discovery Zone. Listen to the chorus of birds, bugs and frogs as the wind whistles through the trees and Barron Falls crashes in the distance.
More Information
Show Less
What To Bring
Please restrict yourself to a small day pack:
- Sun safety (sunscreen, hat, water bottle, sunglasses)
- Camera
- Motion sickness medication for those affected
- Cash and/or card for lunch and shopping in Kuranda
- Small folding stroller (no higher than 25cm when folded) can be accommodated onboard train
What's Included
- Accommodation pick up and drop off
- Electronic boarding pass for Kuranda Scenic Railway
- 37 km scenic railway ri...
Read More
What To Bring
Please restrict yourself to a small day pack:
- Sun safety (sunscreen, hat, water bottle, sunglasses)
- Camera
- Motion sickness medication for those affected
- Cash and/or card for lunch and shopping in Kuranda
- Small folding stroller (no higher than 25cm when folded) can be accommodated onboard train
What's Included
- Accommodation pick up and drop off
- Electronic boarding pass for Kuranda Scenic Railway
- 37 km scenic railway ride through the Barron Gorge National Park
- Audio commentary onboard train
- Water and water coolers available in each carriage
- Onboard Guests Services Attendants available for questions and assistance
- Scenic cablecar journey above Barron Falls National Park
- 10-minute stop for photos at Barron Falls lookout
- A leisurely day at Kuranda Village
Gold Class Package Extras:
- Dedicated personal hostess/host
- Morning or afternoon tea provided onboard
- Several complimentary beverages offered throughout day
- Souvenir gift pack
- Antique carriages with Victorian-inspired decor
What's Extra
- Lunch and additional personal purchases at Kuranda Village
- Gold Class upgrade
Terms and Conditions
Important Information:
- Gold Class tickets are only available for the 9:50 am train.
- Carriages on the Kuranda Scenic Railway are more than 100 years old, with no air-conditioning. During warmer months, please plan ahead for tropical heat and warmer travel conditions.
- Not all Kuranda Scenic Railway seats have a window, however, all seats have access to view the scenery.
- Child Policy: 0-3 years inclusive free of charge; 4-14 years inclusive child price applies.
- We do not have facilities for luggage storage at our stations or on Kuranda Scenic Railway.
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1.5% surcharge for VISA, MASTERCARD and AMEX card purchases.
Your Responsibilities:
Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip.
You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Cairns Tours / Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.
It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.
It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.
You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time.
Prices/Extra Costs:
All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply.
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.
We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.
Travel Risk/Insurance:
It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances.
Merchant Fees:
Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.
Other:
Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages.
All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.
Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:
Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value.
E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.
You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.
Cancellations
Client Cancellations:
All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 14 days of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.
Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee.
It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.
Supplier Cancellations:
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.
In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.
Refunds:
All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.
Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.
You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.
Accountability/Misconduct:
All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators.
Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.
Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.
Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel / Cairns-Tours.com. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Kuranda?
Kuranda is a charming jungle village full of attractions! Walk through the markets, visit a local wildlife sanctuary such as Rainforestation, Koala Gardens, or Birdworld, or walk to Barron Gorge Lookout. There is much more to do, but those are the highlights.
What is the weather like in Kuranda?
Kuranda has a tropical climate like Cairns, so it will be hot and humid in summer or warm in winter. Pack sun protection!
Why book the Gold Class Package?
Gold Class just gives you a bit of luxury on your journey. You'll have a Dedicated personal hostess/host to serve you fresh beverages on your train journey. You'll also get a souvenir gift pack and ride in premium antique carriages with Victorian-inspired decor.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch and any other Kuranda attractions or activities are at your own expense.
How long is the scenic railway ride?
It's a 37 km scenic railway ride through the rainforest!