Down Under Tours Kuranda, Scenic Rail (09:50am), Rainforestation and Skyrail (3:45pm) incl. Return Cairns Transfers

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Go up to Kuranda on the historic Scenic Railway in the morning, spend the afternoon at Rainforestation Nature Park riding the amphibious Army Duck and meeting koalas, then float back down over the rainforest on Skyrail at 3:45pm. Cairns pick-up and drop-off are included.

Days

Full day

Group size

Self-guided with coach transfers

Start / finish

Cairns / Freshwater / Kuranda / Rainforestation / Skyrail Smithfield / Cairns
Cairns, about 5:30pm

Return

Cairns, about 5:30pm

Transport

Coach, Kuranda Scenic Railway, shuttle bus and Skyrail cableway

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Down Under Tours Kuranda, Scenic Rail (09:50am), Rainforestation and Skyrail (3:45pm) incl. Return Cairns Transfers

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Included experiences

Kuranda Scenic Railway — up through the Barron Gorge to Kuranda
Kuranda village — Heritage Markets, cafes and free time
Rainforestation — Army Duck ride on land and water
Koala and Wildlife Park — koalas, cassowaries and crocodiles
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — down over the rainforest canopy to Smithfield

Down Under Tours Kuranda, Scenic Rail (09:50am), Rainforestation and Skyrail (3:45pm) incl. Return Cairns Transfers

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO FRESHWATER STATION

Your driver picks you up in Cairns at about 8:15am, takes your voucher and gives you your Kuranda Boarding Pass. It holds your train and Skyrail tickets with pre-allocated seats, a written itinerary with your times, a village map and discounts at selected attractions. Cairns sits on Trinity Bay, named by Captain Cook on Trinity Sunday in June 1770. The coach takes you to Freshwater Station, about 10 km from the city centre, for the 9:50am train.

MID-MORNING: THE KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

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. From the window the view runs back over the cane fields around Cairns before the line plunges into the gorge and its waterfalls, among them Stoney Creek Falls, which the train crosses on a curved bridge right in front of the water. The climb takes about an hour and a half, and you reach Kuranda in the late morning.

LATE MORNING: FREE TIME IN KURANDA

Kuranda sits on Djabugay Country at the top of the range. Wander the Kuranda Heritage Markets, open every day, for local art, jewellery and craft, use your pass for discounts at the village's attractions, and buy lunch at one of the cafés or restaurants (at your own cost). Rain showers come and go quickly up here, so keep an umbrella in your bag.

EARLY AFTERNOON: RAINFORESTATION NATURE PARK

At the time on your pass a shuttle bus takes you a few minutes along the Kennedy Highway to Rainforestation Nature Park, set in 100 acres of World Heritage rainforest. Climb aboard the Army Duck, an amphibious vehicle of the kind first built for the Second World War, which drives along the forest tracks and then straight into the water while the driver points out plants and wildlife. Afterwards the Koala and Wildlife Park has koalas, saltwater crocodiles and southern cassowaries, flightless birds that can stand close to two metres tall. At about 3pm the shuttle takes you back to Kuranda.

LATE AFTERNOON: SKYRAIL DOWN THE RANGE

At 3:45pm you board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which opened in 1995 and runs 7.5 km down over the rainforest canopy. Step off at Barron Falls station for the lookouts over the falls, Din Din to the Djabugay people, then at Red Peak, at 545 metres the highest point of the line, for its boardwalk. At Skyrail's Smithfield terminal a host sees you onto your coach, and you're back in Cairns at about 5:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from hotels in central Cairns at about 8:15am; your time is confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Back in Cairns at about 5:30pm, by coach from the Skyrail terminal at Smithfield.
Duration: Full day.
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.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
Water bottle
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Umbrella

What is included

Cairns pick-up and transfer to Freshwater Station
Kuranda Scenic Railway one way, Freshwater to Kuranda, at 9:50am
Free time in Kuranda village
Shuttle to and from Rainforestation Nature Park
Rainforestation entry with the Army Duck Rainforest Tour and the Koala and Wildlife Park
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway one way, Kuranda to Smithfield, at 3:45pm
Coach from Smithfield back to Cairns
Kuranda Boarding Pass with tickets, itinerary, village map and attraction discounts

Not included

Food and drinks (buy lunch in Kuranda)
The Pamagirri Aboriginal show, Dreamtime Walk and BBQ lunch at Rainforestation (sold as a separate tour)
Entry to other Kuranda attractions such as Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

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.