Down Under Tours Kuranda, Artillery Museum, Skyrail and Scenic Rail incl. Return Cairns Transfers

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Start the day among the tanks and field guns of the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, the largest collection of armoured vehicles in the southern hemisphere, then walk next door to ride Skyrail up to Kuranda and come home on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Return Cairns transfers are included.

Days

About 9 hours

Group size

Self-guided with coach transfers

Start / finish

Cairns / Armour and Artillery Museum, Smithfield / Kuranda / Freshwater / Cairns
Cairns hotels, from about 5:30pm

Return

Cairns hotels, from about 5:30pm

Transport

Coach, Skyrail cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Down Under Tours Kuranda, Artillery Museum, Skyrail and Scenic Rail incl. Return Cairns Transfers

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Included experiences

Australian Armour and Artillery Museum — tanks, field guns and howitzers from the World Wars
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — over the rainforest canopy to Kuranda
Barron Falls station — The Edge Lookout over the falls
Kuranda village — about 2 hours for the markets and lunch
Kuranda Scenic Railway — down through the Barron Gorge to Freshwater

Down Under Tours Kuranda, Artillery Museum, Skyrail and Scenic Rail incl. Return Cairns Transfers

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO THE ARMOUR AND ARTILLERY MUSEUM

Pick-ups from Cairns hotels start at about 8:45am, and by about 9:30am you're at the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum at Smithfield, on the northern edge of the city. It holds the largest collection of armoured vehicles in the southern hemisphere, more than 220 displays from 15 countries: tanks, armoured personnel carriers, field guns, howitzers and mortars, many captured in the two World Wars. The headline pieces sit side by side, so you can compare Germany's Tiger 1 and Panther, the Soviet T-34/85 and the American Sherman, the tanks that fought each other across Europe. The morning is yours to wander at your own pace.

MIDDAY: SKYRAIL FROM NEXT DOOR

At about midday you walk next door to the Skyrail terminal and board with the ticket on your Kuranda Boarding Pass, skipping the ticket line. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway opened in 1995 and glides 7.5 km over the Wet Tropics rainforest, World Heritage-listed in 1988. Step off at Red Peak, at 545 metres the highest point of the line, for the rainforest boardwalk and Discovery Centre, then at Barron Falls station, where The Edge Lookout hangs over the gorge. The falls are Din Din to the Djabugay people, and in the wet season they roar across the whole rock face.

EARLY AFTERNOON: KURANDA VILLAGE

You reach Kuranda, on Djabugay Country at the top of the range, in the early afternoon with about two hours to spare. Wander the Kuranda Heritage Markets, open every day, for local art, jewellery and craft, and buy lunch at one of the cafés (at your own cost). Your boarding pass gives discounts at selected attractions in the village, and a village map so you don't lose time finding your way. Keep an eye on the clock: the train leaves at 3:30pm.

LATE AFTERNOON: THE SCENIC RAILWAY HOME

At 3:30pm the Kuranda Scenic Railway starts back down the range. Work on the line began in 1886 and the first trains ran in 1891; in 37 km it drops 327 metres through the Barron Gorge, through hand-cut tunnels, over bridges and past waterfalls, with views out to the Coral Sea as you near the coast. The train reaches Freshwater Station at about 5pm, and the coach drops you back at your Cairns hotel from about 5:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from hotels in central Cairns from about 8:45am; your time is confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Drop-offs back at Cairns hotels from about 5:30pm.
Duration: About 9 hours.
Please note: Commentary is in English. The written trip guide comes in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Chinese; say which you need when you book. Wheelchair places are limited, so tell us when you book if you travel in one.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
Water bottle
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Umbrella

What is included

Cairns hotel pick-up and coach to the museum
Entry to the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway one way, Smithfield to Kuranda
About 2 hours of free time in Kuranda village
Kuranda Scenic Railway one way, Kuranda to Freshwater
Coach from Freshwater Station back to your hotel
Kuranda Boarding Pass with tickets, itinerary, village map and attraction discounts

Not included

Food and drinks
Entry to Kuranda attractions

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.