Down Under Tours Kuranda, Scenic Rail Gold Class (09:50am), Skyrail (3:45pm) incl. return Northern Beaches Transfers

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Climb to Kuranda on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway in the Gold Class carriage, with drinks and appetisers served at your seat, spend the middle of the day in the village, then glide back down over the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Coach transfers from Palm Cove and Trinity Beach or Port Douglas, and all your tickets, are arranged for you.

Days

Full day

Age

All ages; 3 and under travel free

Group size

Coach transfers, self-guided in Kuranda

Start / finish

Palm Cove, Trinity Beach or Port Douglas / Kuranda / your start
The Northern Beaches around 6pm, Port Douglas around 6:45pm

Return

The Northern Beaches around 6pm, Port Douglas around 6:45pm

Transport

Coach, Gold Class train up, Skyrail cableway down

Meals

Gold Class drinks and appetisers on the train

Route

Map of Down Under Tours Kuranda, Scenic Rail Gold Class (09:50am), Skyrail (3:45pm) incl. return Northern Beaches Transfers

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Included experiences

Kuranda Scenic Railway — through Barron Gorge with a photo stop at Barron Falls
Gold Class carriage — lounge chairs, host service, drinks and appetisers
Kuranda village — free time for the Heritage Markets, cafes and wildlife parks
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — 7.5 km over the rainforest canopy with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls
Barron Falls station — The Edge Lookout over the gorge and falls

Down Under Tours Kuranda, Scenic Rail Gold Class (09:50am), Skyrail (3:45pm) incl. return Northern Beaches Transfers

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: THE NORTHERN BEACHES OR PORT DOUGLAS TO FRESHWATER

Your coach collects you from your accommodation at Palm Cove or Trinity Beach, where old paperbark trees line the esplanade, or earlier from Port Douglas, about an hour further north. Your driver hands you a Kuranda Boarding Pass with your train and Skyrail tickets, a timed plan for the day, a village map and discount coupons. On the drive your driver-guide tells the story of Kuranda and the railway. The coach drops you at Freshwater Station, about 10 km from central Cairns, where Gold Class guests are welcomed with refreshments before the 9:50am train. Your seat is already allocated, so there's no queue to join.

MID-MORNING: GOLD CLASS UP THE RANGE

The Kuranda Scenic Railway took about 1,500 workers five years to build: work began in 1886 and the first trains carried people up it in 1891. In 37 km it climbs 327 metres through Barron Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, threading 15 tunnels and crossing 55 bridges. In the Gold Class carriage you sink into a lounge chair in a cedar-lined car while your host brings sparkling Australian wine, beer, juice, tea or coffee with appetisers. Watch for the bridge that curves across the face of Stoney Creek Falls. The train then pauses at Barron Falls, Din Din to the Djabugay people, for photos. In the wet season the falls roar across the whole rock face; late in the dry they can thin to a few silver threads.

MIDDAY: KURANDA, THE VILLAGE IN THE RAINFOREST

Kuranda sits on Djabugay Country at the top of the range, and the next few hours are yours. Wander the Kuranda Heritage Markets, open every day, for local art, jewellery and craft, then pick a café for lunch (at your own cost). Your boarding pass carries discounts for three wildlife parks in the village. At Birdworld the birds fly free around you, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is home to the Cairns birdwing, Australia's largest butterfly, and Kuranda Koala Gardens is the place to meet koalas. Rain is common up here, so keep that umbrella handy.

AFTERNOON: SKYRAIL DOWN OVER THE CANOPY

Walk to the Skyrail terminal in the village for the 3:45pm ride down. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway opened in 1995 and runs 7.5 km over the treetops; its towers were lowered in by helicopter so no road had to be cut through the forest. Step off at Barron Falls station for The Edge Lookout over the gorge, then at Red Peak, at 545 metres the highest point of the line, where a boardwalk loops among towering kauri pines and free ranger-guided walks run through the day. Your guide meets you at Skyrail's Smithfield terminal for the coach home: the Northern Beaches by about 6pm, Port Douglas a little later.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Palm Cove, Trinity Beach or Port Douglas accommodation.
Departure time: Pick-ups start at about 9am from the Northern Beaches and about 7:45am from Port Douglas. This tour usually runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; exact times and days are confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Back in the Northern Beaches at about 6pm, or in Port Douglas at about 6:45pm.
Minimum age: No minimum. Children 3 and under travel free but still need a seat, so include them when you book; 4 to 14 year olds pay the child rate. On Skyrail, children 14 and under must stay with an adult.
Fitness: Mostly sitting. How much you walk on the boardwalks at the Skyrail stops and around Kuranda village is up to you.
Suits: Wheelchair users: the tour is accessible, but places are limited, so tell us when you book. Skyrail gondolas take most standard wheelchairs up to 63 cm wide and 95 cm long that can tilt back to lift the front wheels.
Please note: No suitcases on Skyrail, the train or the coach; small bags and day packs only. Say which language you want the trip guide in when you book.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
Water bottle
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Umbrella
A small bag or day pack only (no luggage on Skyrail or the train)

What is included

Return coach transfers from Palm Cove and Trinity Beach accommodation, or from Port Douglas accommodation
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway one way (down to Smithfield)
Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class one way (up to Kuranda), with drinks, appetisers and a souvenir gift pack
Free time in Kuranda village
Kuranda Boarding Pass with tickets, timed itinerary, map and discount coupons
Written trip guide in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese or Chinese

Not included

Lunch, and food and drinks other than the Gold Class refreshments
Entry to Kuranda attractions such as Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Kuranda Koala Gardens (discount coupons supplied)

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

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.

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.

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.