Kuranda & Outback Tours Kuranda Tour with Scenic Train & Bus

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A day trip from Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches of Cairns: ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Australia, through 15 tunnels, stroll the rainforest village of Kuranda and its markets, then unwind at Palm Cove.

Days

8 to 8.5 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Small group, 6 to 20

Start / finish

Port Douglas or Northern Beaches / same

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Tour bus with hotel pick-up, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Kuranda & Outback Tours Kuranda Tour with Scenic Train & Bus

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Included experiences

Kuranda Scenic Railway — 15 tunnels
Barron Falls Lookout — train stop
Kuranda — free time in the village
Kuranda markets — arts and crafts
Palm Cove — beach and jetty stop

Kuranda & Outback Tours Kuranda Tour with Scenic Train & Bus

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: PORT DOUGLAS AND THE COAST ROAD

Your guide collects you from your hotel in Port Douglas or on Cairns' Northern Beaches. Port Douglas was founded in 1877 as the port for the Hodgkinson River goldfield,. The bus heads south along the Captain Cook Highway, a coast road squeezed between rainforest ranges and the Coral Sea, picking up along Cairns' Northern Beaches as it goes. There's commentary from your guide on the way, and with a group of no more than 20 there's room for questions. The day links road and rail: one leg between the coast and Kuranda is on the historic train, the other is in the bus.

THE KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

The Kuranda Scenic Railway runs between Freshwater station, in Cairns' suburbs, and Kuranda. Work on the line began in 1886, with about 1,500 men cutting 15 tunnels and building 55 bridges largely by hand, and it is now a National Engineering Landmark. The line climbs through Barron Gorge National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics. Watch for the hairpin bend at Jungara, the bridge that curves right across the face of Stoney Creek Falls, and Robbs Monument, a rock pillar the builders left standing. The train pauses at the Barron Falls lookout so you can step out for photos. The ride takes about an hour and a half.

MIDDAY: FREE TIME IN KURANDA

Kuranda sits about 330 metres up, at the top of the range. Its Djabugay name, Ngunbay, means place of the platypus. In the 1970s the old railway town filled with artists and alternative settlers, and the markets they started still set its tone. You have about two hours. The Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets and the Kuranda Heritage Markets are full of local art, leather, jewellery and tropical fruit ice cream, and there are cafés for lunch (at your own cost). Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary are all close by for an extra cost. Don't miss Kuranda station itself, built from 1913 and smothered in tropical gardens.

AFTERNOON: PALM COVE AND BACK

On the way home there's a half-hour stop by the sea. Palm Cove is a short strip of sand with a row of old paperbark trees between the beach and Williams Esplanade. Look out to sea for Double Island, the rainforest-covered island just offshore. Have a cocktail or a coffee at The Surf Club Palm Cove, walk the jetty, or wander along the shore. Then the bus runs north along the coast road to your hotel in Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches, about eight hours after pick-up.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel in Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches (Ellis Beach, Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach and Trinity Beach). Pick-up times are reconfirmed the day before by text, WhatsApp and email. The driver has several pick-ups, so arrival may vary slightly.
Duration: 8 to 8.5 hours.
Fitness: Relaxed, with a moderate amount of walking. Guests must be able to board and leave the vehicle on their own or with minimal help. Wheelchair access is limited due to uneven ground and vehicle restrictions.
Suits: Families and all ages. Infants 0 to 3 travel free on a parent's lap. Guests must be 18 or over to buy alcohol at Palm Cove.
Dietary needs: Meals are not included; Kuranda's cafés cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
Please note: The tour runs rain or shine, and umbrellas are provided. The Kuranda markets are busiest from May to October; in the low season some stalls may close.
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund or rescheduling. No refund within 24 hours or for no-shows.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Hat
Camera
Sunscreen
Water

What is included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches
Scenic train tickets
Return bus transfers
Free time in Kuranda
Guide

Not included

Entry to Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Butterfly Sanctuary
Lunch in Kuranda
Drinks at Palm Cove
Snacks and tastings in the village

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Reviews

4.5

Based on 2 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

“Brett's Kuranda Tours with Scenic Train: Beautiful Day Trip”

We joined the Kuranda day tour from Port Douglas. The Skyrail was closed for maintenance, but the day was still very nice: we visited the koala garden on our own and enjoyed the train trip. Tip: book the Gold Class upgrade. Thanks to our guide Peter.

Gerard J Verified· Travelled 1st October 2025

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(4/5)

“Enjoy shops, a small zoo and a scenic train ride.”

Chris guided us around the Kuranda shops and markets and the small zoo with koalas, kangaroos and crocs. The gondola was closed for repair, but we enjoyed the scenic train. I'd suggest the upgraded tickets for the comfy chairs, snacks and drinks.

DKAP50 Verified· Travelled 1st October 2025

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