Skyrail Return + Cairns Transfers
- Places: Cairns, Kuranda
- Departs from: Cairns
- Region: Tropical North Queensland, Queensland
- Duration: 6 hours
- Price: From $111 per person (AUD)
- Operator: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Accessibility: Wheelchair friendly
- Payment: Book now, pay later available: no payment today, card charged 3 days before the tour. Departures within 5 days are pay now only.
- Good to know: Family pricing: Family fare available: 2 adults + 2 children from $277.50, saving $55.50 on separate tickets. Prices are confirmed live when you book.
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 47 reviews
The Skyrail Return + Cairns Transfers tour offers a 7.5 km gondola journey over the Wet Tropics rainforest, connecting Smithfield and Kuranda. Participants can enjoy panoramic views and explore the rainforest with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. The tour includes return transfers from Cairns accommodation, making it a convenient option for visitors. At each station, guests can explore boardwalks and learn about the rainforest through guided or self-paced experiences.
Activities
- Scenic Walks
- Gondola
- Transfers
- Sightseeing
Features
- Return transfers from Cairns accommodation
- 6-person gondola cabins
- Stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls
- Guided boardwalk tours
- Rainforest Interpretation Centre
The Tour
Smithfield Terminal
The journey starts at the Smithfield Terminal, located just 15 minutes from Cairns. Here, guests can explore the souvenir shop and enjoy refreshments at the Canopy Cafe before boarding the gondola.
Red Peak Station
At Red Peak Station, visitors can join a complimentary Ranger Guided Boardwalk Tour. The 175-metre boardwalk offers a chance to see diverse plant species, including a 400-year-old Kauri Pine, and learn about the unique rainforest ecosystem.
Barron Falls Station
Barron Falls Station provides access to three lookouts offering views of the Barron Falls. The CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre here features interactive displays that educate guests about the rainforest's biodiversity.
Kuranda Skyrail Terminal
Upon arrival at the Kuranda Terminal, located next to the Kuranda Railway Station, guests can explore Kuranda Village. The village offers markets, cafes, and attractions such as a butterfly sanctuary and bird aviary, providing a variety of activities to enjoy before the return journey.
Tour options
- 09:30am Up - 12:30pm Down from $138 Ideal for early risers, this option includes a morning departure and early afternoon return. It suits those who prefer to explore Kuranda Village in the morning.
- 11:15am Up - 03:30pm Down from $111 This midday departure option allows for a leisurely morning in Cairns before heading to the rainforest. It offers a longer stay in Kuranda for afternoon exploration.
- 11:30am Up - 02:30pm Down from $138 A late morning departure with an early afternoon return, this option is suitable for those who wish to enjoy a shorter visit to Kuranda Village.
- 01:30pm Up - 03:15pm Down from $138 Perfect for afternoon adventurers, this option provides a short visit to Kuranda with a return before evening, ideal for those with limited time.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
Meeting point
For the 09:30am Up - 12:30pm Down option, pickups occur from accommodation or central points across the Cairns area between 8:15am and 8:40am.
For the 11:15am Up - 03:30pm Down and 11:30am Up - 02:30pm Down options, pickups are from 10:30am to 10:55am.
For the 01:30pm Up - 03:15pm Down option, pickups are from 1:00pm to 1:15pm.
Exact pickup points and times are confirmed upon booking. Please be at your pickup point a few minutes before your scheduled time.
Useful information
Gondola capacity
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway uses 6-person gondola cabins for the journey above the rainforest canopy.
Stops and activities
The tour includes stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Visitors can join guided boardwalk tours and explore the CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre with interactive displays.
What to bring
Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and a camera for the tour.
Transfers included
Return transfers from Cairns accommodation are included in the tour, with multiple pickup points across the Cairns area.
Accessibility
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is fully wheelchair accessible with ramp access at all stations and gondola cabins that accommodate most standard wheelchairs. Enjoy the journey above the rainforest canopy with stops for exploration. 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.
Check live availability and book online on this page.