Train up - Skyrail down | Self Drive

    • Places: Cairns, Kuranda
    • Departs from: Cairns
    • Region: Tropical North Queensland, Queensland
    • Duration: 6 hours
    • Price: From $132 per person (AUD)
    • Operator: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
    • Accessibility: Accessible with assistance
    • 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 $330, saving $66 on separate tickets. Prices are confirmed live when you book.
    • Rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 48 reviews

    The Train up, Skyrail down tour offers a unique way to explore Kuranda Village. Visitors start at Skyrail Smithfield, where they can park their car for free. A shuttle takes them to Freshwater Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway. After enjoying free time in Kuranda, they return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, experiencing panoramic views and stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls.

    Activities

    • Scenic Walks
    • Waterfalls
    • Gondola
    • Train Journey
    • Sightseeing

    Features

    • Free parking at Skyrail Smithfield
    • Shuttle bus to Freshwater Station
    • Kuranda Scenic Railway journey
    • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway return

    The Tour

    Skyrail Smithfield

    Begin your day by parking your car at Skyrail Smithfield, where free parking is available. From here, a shuttle bus will transport you to Freshwater Station.

    Kuranda Scenic Railway

    Board the train at Freshwater Station for a 90-minute journey to Kuranda. This scenic ride takes you through dense rainforest, steep ravines, and past picturesque waterfalls, with informative commentary and a companion guide provided.

    Kuranda Village

    Once in Kuranda Village, located on the Atherton Tablelands, enjoy free time to explore. Visit local markets, see the Barron Falls, and soak in the village's relaxed atmosphere.

    Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

    Your return journey is on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, offering a 7.5 km gondola ride over the rainforest canopy. Stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations allow for closer exploration of the rainforest. The tour concludes back at Skyrail Smithfield, where your car is parked.

    Tour options

    • 8:50am Train - 12:30pm Skyrail from $132 Ideal for early risers, this option includes a morning train journey to Kuranda and a return via Skyrail by early afternoon. Check-in at Skyrail Smithfield Terminal at 8:15am.
    • 9:50am Train - 2:00pm Skyrail from $132 A later start with a mid-morning train ride to Kuranda and an afternoon return via Skyrail. Check-in at Skyrail Smithfield Terminal at 9:15am.

    What to bring

    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Sunscreen
    • Hat
    • Water bottle
    • Camera

    Meeting point

    8:50am Train - 12:30pm Skyrail

    Make your own way to Skyrail Smithfield Terminal, located at 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield QLD. Check in at reception by 8:15am.

    9:50am Train - 2:00pm Skyrail

    Make your own way to Skyrail Smithfield Terminal, located at 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield QLD. Check in at reception by 9:15am.

    Useful information

    What to bring

    Visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and a camera for the tour.

    Tour duration

    The train journey to Kuranda takes approximately 90 minutes, and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway covers a 7.5 km route.

    Free parking

    Free parking is available at the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal for those who choose to drive themselves.

    Stops on the Skyrail

    The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway includes stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls, where visitors can explore boardwalks and scenic lookouts.

    Accessibility

    This tour involves a shuttle bus ride and requires boarding both a train and a cableway, which may require some assistance. Please contact us before booking to discuss your needs.

    Customer reviews

    • Vikki Finlay (5.0/5), 20-07-2026: Everything from booking to the experience itself was so easy and smooth.
    • 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.

    Check live availability and book online on this page.