Kuranda Scenic Railway Kuranda Rainforest Experience (departure from Cairns Station)

Map View Full Details

Train up the range from Cairns or Freshwater to Kuranda, then spend the middle of the day at Rainforestation Nature Park riding the amphibious Army Duck, meeting koalas and crocodiles and watching the Pamagirri Aboriginal dancers. You come back down over the canopy on Skyrail, with a coach to your station.

Days

Full day

Age

All ages; under 15s with an adult

Group size

Scheduled train and cableway

Start / finish

Cairns or Freshwater station / Kuranda / Rainforestation / Skyrail / your station

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Scenic train up, coach to Rainforestation, Skyrail down, coach back to the station

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Kuranda Scenic Railway Kuranda Rainforest Experience (departure from Cairns Station)

View map

Included experiences

Kuranda Scenic Railway — ride up the Barron Gorge with a stop at Barron Falls
Rainforestation — ride the Army Duck through the rainforest and onto the water
Koala and Wildlife Park — see koalas, cassowaries and saltwater crocodiles
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience — watch a cultural dance performance
Skyrail — glide over the canopy with stops at Barron Falls and Red Peak

Kuranda Scenic Railway Kuranda Rainforest Experience (departure from Cairns Station)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: THE TRAIN UP THE RANGE

Your day starts on the platform at Cairns station or, a little later, at Freshwater station, rebuilt in 1984 as the Freshwater Connection. The Kuranda Scenic Railway was cut by hand from 1886 by around 1,500 workers, and today it is a National Engineering Landmark. Over 37 km the heritage carriages climb 327 metres through 15 tunnels. Watch for the hairpin at Jungara, the curved bridge right in front of Stoney Creek Falls, and Robbs Monument, a pillar of rock the builders left standing. The train pauses above Barron Falls, in Barron Gorge National Park, so you can step out for photos.

LATE MORNING: KURANDA VILLAGE

You pull into Kuranda station mid-morning. Built from 1913 and heritage-listed, it is famous for the tropical gardens spilling over its platforms. The village sits in the Wet Tropics, World Heritage-listed since 1988, and there's time to wander its markets and cafés and grab an early lunch, since no meal is included. Also in the village is the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Its bus stop is where the coach collects you at 12:15pm for the short run out to the park.

MIDDAY: RAINFORESTATION NATURE PARK

Rainforestation Nature Park covers 100 acres of rainforest on the edge of Kuranda. First comes the Army Duck, an amphibious vehicle that rolls through the forest and straight into the water while the driver points out plants and animals. In the Koala and Wildlife Park you meet koalas, saltwater crocodiles and the southern cassowary, a flightless bird that can stand as tall as an adult, and you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. Then the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience shares the culture of the rainforest people through dance. Want a photo cuddling a koala? That's an extra cost on the day.

AFTERNOON: SKYRAIL OVER THE CANOPY

Rainforestation runs its own shuttle into the village, and at 3:30pm you board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at its Kuranda terminal. The enclosed gondolas carry you 7.5 km over the treetops. Step off at Barron Falls for the boardwalk and The Edge Lookout over the gorge, then at Red Peak, Skyrail's Rainforest Discovery Zone, for a boardwalk loop and ranger-guided walks. Skyrail runs in the rain and lends umbrellas at both stops. At the Smithfield terminal a coach meets the 5:25pm arrival and returns you to the station you started from, Cairns or Freshwater.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Cairns railway station, inside Cairns Central shopping centre, with free parking next door, or Freshwater railway station, with free parking in the station car park.
Departure time: The train leaves Cairns around 8:45am or 9:30am, or Freshwater around 9:10am or 9:55am, set when you book. Be on the platform 30 minutes before.
Finishes: Back at your boarding station by the 5:25pm coach from Skyrail's Smithfield terminal.
Minimum age: All ages. Children 14 and under must be with an adult; infants up to 3 travel free.
Please note: Be at the Butterfly Sanctuary bus stop in Kuranda for the 12:15pm coach. Skyrail runs in the rain and lends umbrellas at its stops.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Headphones and the free Kuranda Scenic Railway app for the train commentary
A day pack only; no suitcases on the train, Skyrail or coach

What is included

Kuranda Scenic Railway journey from Cairns or Freshwater station to Kuranda
Coach transfer from the Butterfly Sanctuary bus stop to Rainforestation Nature Park
Rainforestation entry with the Army Duck tour, Koala and Wildlife Park and Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway from Kuranda to Smithfield, with stops at Barron Falls and Red Peak
Coach from Skyrail's Smithfield terminal back to Cairns or Freshwater station

Not included

Lunch, food and drink (sold at Rainforestation and in Kuranda)
Holding a koala (extra fee)

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.