Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Return | Self Drive

Activities

• Scenic Walks
• Waterfalls
• Wildlife
• Gondola
• Cultural
• Historical
• Sightseeing

Features

• Round trip Skyrail experience
• Free time in Kuranda Village

The Tour

Smithfield Terminal

Begin your journey at the Smithfield Terminal, a short drive from Cairns. Board the Skyrail gondola for a scenic ride up to Kuranda, gliding just meters above the rainforest canopy.

Red Peak Skyrail Station

Stop at Red Peak to explore the lush rainforest surroundings, including towering Kauri Pines. Participate in a complimentary ranger-guided boardwalk tour or explore the Rainforest Discovery Zone and boardwalk loop on your own.

Barron Falls Skyrail Station

At Barron Falls, enjoy views of the Barron Gorge and visit the CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre. The station offers lookouts and historical displays where you can learn more about the area's natural and cultural history.

Kuranda Village

Spend 2-3 hours in Kuranda Village, exploring local shops, cafes, and attractions. Kuranda is home to markets, the Rainforestation, Bird World, and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Discover art by local Aboriginal artists and enjoy the cooler, less humid climate.

Return to Smithfield

After exploring Kuranda, board the Skyrail for the return journey to Smithfield. The entire experience can take 3-5 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop. For a fuller experience, visit the Skyrail Stations on your way back.

Tour options

• 09:00am - 12:00pm from $111 Ideal for early risers, this option allows you to start your Skyrail journey at 9:00am, providing ample time to explore Kuranda Village before returning at noon. Make your own way to the Smithfield Terminal.
• 10:00am - 01:00pm from $111 Start your Skyrail tour at 10:00am, giving you a mid-morning start to enjoy the rainforest and Kuranda Village. Return by 1:00pm. Self-drive to the Smithfield Terminal.
• 11:00am - 02:00pm from $111 This option starts at 11:00am, perfect for those who prefer a late morning departure. Explore Kuranda Village leisurely before returning at 2:00pm. Self-drive to Smithfield Terminal.
• 12:00pm - 03:00pm from $111 Begin your tour at noon for a relaxed afternoon trip. Explore Kuranda Village before heading back at 3:00pm. Make your own way to Smithfield Terminal.

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Camera

Meeting point

For the 09:00am - 12:00pm option, make your own way to the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal. Check in at reception by 8:45am for a 9:00am departure.

For the 10:00am - 01:00pm option, arrive at the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal and check in by 9:45am for a 10:00am departure.

For the 11:00am - 02:00pm option, check in at the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal by 10:45am for an 11:00am departure.

For the 12:00pm - 03:00pm option, check in at the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal by 11:45am for a 12:00pm departure.

The terminal is located 15 minutes drive from Cairns, with free parking available. The Canopy Cafe and retail shop open from 8:00am.

Useful information

What to bring

Participants should bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a camera to capture the scenic views.

Tour duration

The Return Skyrail experience can take between 3 to 5 hours, depending on how long you spend at the Skyrail Stations. A one-way Skyrail experience takes approximately 45 minutes without stopping at the stations.

Kuranda Village

Visitors can spend 2-3 hours exploring Kuranda Village, which offers local shops, cafes, and attractions. The village is 300m above sea level and has a cooler, less humid climate than Cairns.

Red Peak Skyrail Station

At Red Peak Skyrail Station, visitors can enjoy the lush rainforest surroundings, including a 400-year-old Kauri Pine, and take an interpretive boardwalk tour with a Skyrail Ranger.

Barron Falls Skyrail Station

Barron Falls Skyrail Station offers spectacular views of the Barron Gorge, a Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts, and historical displays.

Accessibility

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway tour is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access to gondola cabins and facilities at both Smithfield and Kuranda Terminals. Enjoy the scenic views and explore Kuranda Village at your own pace. Please contact us before booking to discuss any specific needs.

Customer reviews

• Beverly T. (5.0/5), 10-07-2025: Thoroughly enjoyed the day and loved that it all ran on time with no delays. Well done. Staff were all very friendly.
• Emily L. (4.0/5), 09-07-2025: The train ride back was a bit sleepy. Everyone was falling asleep. On one hand, nice to do something a little different than the skyrail just to have another experience, but it also took so long, I regretted not just taking the skyrail home as well.
• Clelia P. (5.0/5), 30-04-2024: I bagan with the Skyway and returned on the Railway.The Skyway was one of the most wonderful experiences I have enjoyed. I also enjoyed the Railway but the Skyway was my pick. I am an older person and had the gondola to myself which allowed me to move around and take many, many photos.
• Laura J. (5.0/5), 02-09-2022: A wonderful experience and a great way to see the sites. Well worth it.
• Aaron B. (5.0/5), 12-08-2022: This was a great trip and fun day with the diamond gondola and the gold class was fantastic im glad i was able to organize it.