Down Under Tours Kuranda Self Drive: Skyrail and Scenic Rail S-0945 Q-1530

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The longest, most relaxed way to do Kuranda with your own car: park free at Smithfield, glide up on the 9:45am Skyrail, take the middle of the day in the village, and ride the 3:30pm Kuranda Scenic Railway down the Barron Gorge, with a coach back to your car.

Days

About 7.5 hours

Group size

Self-guided day

Start / finish

Skyrail Smithfield / Kuranda / Freshwater / Skyrail Smithfield

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Own car to Smithfield, Skyrail, train and shuttle bus

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Down Under Tours Kuranda Self Drive: Skyrail and Scenic Rail S-0945 Q-1530

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Included experiences

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — 7.5 km over the canopy at 9:45am
Red Peak — boardwalk loop and free ranger-guided walk
Barron Falls station — The Edge Lookout over the gorge
Kuranda village — Heritage Markets, cafes and wildlife parks
Kuranda Scenic Railway — the 3:30pm train down the Barron Gorge through 15 tunnels

Down Under Tours Kuranda Self Drive: Skyrail and Scenic Rail S-0945 Q-1530

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: SKYRAIL FROM SMITHFIELD

Drive to the Skyrail terminal at Smithfield, about 15 minutes north of Cairns at the foot of the range, and park for free. You're checked in and handed your Kuranda boarding pass, with your Skyrail and train tickets printed on it, then you walk straight to the gondolas for the 9:45am or the noon departure, depending on your option. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway opened in 1995 and runs 7.5 km over the World Heritage rainforest of the Wet Tropics, the gondolas skimming just above the canopy before the forest drops away below you.

ON THE WAY UP: RED PEAK AND BARRON FALLS

There are two stations where you can step off and carry on in a later gondola. Red Peak, 545 metres up, is the highest point of the line, with a boardwalk loop among giant kauri pines and free ranger-guided walks. At Barron Falls station a boardwalk leads to The Edge Lookout, hanging over the gorge, and the Rainforest Interpretation Centre explains what you're flying over. In the wet season the Barron Falls roar; in the dry, a weir upstream for the hydro scheme takes much of the flow. With stops, the ride takes about an hour and a half.

MIDDAY: KURANDA VILLAGE

Kuranda is the village in the rainforest, and depending on your times you have between two and four hours here. Walk the Heritage Markets, which run daily, take a long lunch at one of the cafes, or use your coupons at Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens (entry is extra). Leave time to walk down to Kuranda Station, finished in 1915 and famous for the ferns along its platform, and be there about ten minutes before your train.

AFTERNOON: THE SCENIC RAILWAY DOWN THE GORGE

Your train leaves at 2pm or 3:30pm. The Kuranda Scenic Railway opened in 1891 after five years of work by hand, and it still drops about 327 metres in 37 km, through 15 tunnels and over 55 bridges. The timber heritage carriages wind down past waterfalls and through the Barron Gorge, over the curved trestle bridge beside Stoney Creek Falls, and out into the cane fields. At Freshwater Station a shuttle bus meets the train and takes you back to the Skyrail car park, where your car is waiting.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway terminal, Smithfield, where parking is free (spaces for larger vehicles and two electric-car charging bays). The tour starts and finishes here.
Departure time: Meet at about 9:30am for the 9:45am Skyrail; exact times are confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Skyrail Smithfield terminal, after the train reaches Freshwater at about 5pm.
Suits: Travellers with their own car who want plenty of time in Kuranda. Children 3 and under travel free.
Please note: There is no guide: you ride Skyrail and the train and walk Kuranda on your own with the boarding pass, which also comes in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese or Chinese. Skyrail is being rebuilt in stages until late 2027; while a section is closed, part of the trip may run by shuttle bus, and you are told when you book.

What to bring

Sunscreen
Hat
Water bottle
Comfortable clothes and shoes
Insect repellent
Money for lunch and any attractions

What is included

Free parking at the Skyrail Smithfield terminal
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Smithfield to Kuranda (9:45am), with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls
Free time in Kuranda village
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Kuranda to Freshwater (3:30pm)
One-way coach transfer from Freshwater Station to the Skyrail Smithfield terminal
Kuranda boarding pass with itinerary, tickets and discount coupons

Not included

Food and drinks
Souvenirs
Entry to Kuranda attractions
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

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

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.

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 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.