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Book Kuranda Scenic Railway Tickets
Rainforest by rail and sky—experience Kuranda with a self-guided journey.
- Great for: A flexible rainforest escape—drive yourself, soar above the treetops, ride the scenic railway, and explore Kuranda at your own leisure.
- You’ll get: Kuranda Scenic Train ticket, Skyrail Cableway ticket, round-trip coach transfer from Skyrail Terminal, free time in Kuranda Village.
- You’ll see: 15 hand-carved tunnels, 37 bridges, Barron Falls, Stoney Creek, Red Peak, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Barron Gorge.
- Upgrades: You can choose to purchase a one-way Skyrail or scenic train ticket or enhance your visit with entry to Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary(at your own expense) for an up-close wildlife experience.
Rainforest by rail and sky—experience Kuranda with a self-guided journey.
- Great for: A flexible rainforest escape—drive yourself, soar above the treetops, ride the scenic railway, and explore Kuranda at your own leisure.
- You’ll get: Kuranda Scenic Train ticket, Skyrail Cableway ticket, round-trip coach transfer from Skyrail Terminal, free time in Kuranda Village.
- You’ll see: 15 hand-carved tunnels, 37 bridges, Barron Falls, Stoney Creek, Red Peak, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Barron Gorge.
- Upgrades: You can choose to purchase a one-way Skyrail or scenic train ticket or enhance your visit with entry to Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary(at your own expense) for an up-close wildlife experience.
Inclusions
- Kuranda Scenic Train ticket
- Skyrail Cableway ticket
- Round-trip coach transfer from Skyrail Terminal
- Free time in Kuranda Village
- One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket (as per option selected)
- One-way Scenic Railway ticket (as per option selected)
- Tip: Shop for Aboriginal artefacts, handmade leather goods, woodwork and jewellery at the Kuranda Heritage Markets.
- This tour does not include hotel transfers and is for self-drive travelers. Guests must drive to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal, where free parking is provided.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
- The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
- Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 10 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combining Kuranda’s scenic train and Skyrail with stress-free transfers.
- Great for: Experiencing the rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife of Kuranda from both the ground and above in a relaxed way.
- You’ll get: One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, one-way Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket, round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns, free time in Kuranda Village.
- You’ll see: Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Falls, Baron Gorge, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld & Kuranda Koala Gardens.
- Upgrades: Go up the Scenic Railway and return via the Skyrail, or vice versa, or opt for a guided tour with discounted entry at Kuranda’s top spots.
Combining Kuranda’s scenic train and Skyrail with stress-free transfers.
- Great for: Experiencing the rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife of Kuranda from both the ground and above in a relaxed way.
- You’ll get: One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, one-way Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket, round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns, free time in Kuranda Village.
- You’ll see: Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Falls, Baron Gorge, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld & Kuranda Koala Gardens.
- Upgrades: Go up the Scenic Railway and return via the Skyrail, or vice versa, or opt for a guided tour with discounted entry at Kuranda’s top spots.
Inclusions
- One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket
- One-way Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns
- Free time in Kuranda Village
- Coupons for discounted entry to Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld, & Kuranda Koala Gardens (as per option selected)
- Expert local guide (as per option selected)
- Tip: When you're on the Kuranda Scenic Rail, try and get a window seat for the best rainforest and waterfall views.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
- The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
- Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.
- This tour includes round-trip transfers from select hotels in Cairns.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Travel to Kuranda in style with Gold Class rail, scenic Skyrail views & seamless transfers.
- Great for: A relaxed experience that combines breathtaking rainforest views, a touch of luxury, and a flexible self-guided itinerary in Kuranda Village.
- You’ll get: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, expert local guide, Gold Class ticket on the Kuranda Scenic Railway with premium service, complimentary drinks and snacks, and round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns.
- You’ll see: Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Gorge, Red Peak, Barron Falls, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Robb’s Monument, Jungara.
Travel to Kuranda in style with Gold Class rail, scenic Skyrail views & seamless transfers.
- Great for: A relaxed experience that combines breathtaking rainforest views, a touch of luxury, and a flexible self-guided itinerary in Kuranda Village.
- You’ll get: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, expert local guide, Gold Class ticket on the Kuranda Scenic Railway with premium service, complimentary drinks and snacks, and round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns.
- You’ll see: Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Gorge, Red Peak, Barron Falls, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Robb’s Monument, Jungara.
Inclusions
- One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket
- One-way Gold Class Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns
- Expert local guide
- Refreshments
- Dedicated service
- Kuranda Boarding Pass with attraction discounts
- Tip: Sit on the left side of the train for the best views of waterfalls and Barron Gorge on the way down to Cairns.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
- The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
- Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Cairns
Start your adventure stress-free with a hotel pickup from Cairns, taking you straight to Freshwater Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for an unforgettable journey through the rainforest.
Passes by
Kuranda Scenic Rail
1
Kuranda Village
4 attractions
Spend 1.5 hours exploring the vibrant Kuranda Village packed with markets, wildlife experiences, and cultural charm before catching your shuttle transfer to Rainforestation Nature Park.
Highlights
1. Kuranda Heritage Markets
Explore this open-air market and shop for locally made crafts, artwork, and handmade jewelry to Aboriginal artifacts. Spend some time watching street performers and local food stalls to experience Kuranda's unique charm.
2. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Walk among 1,500 free-flying butterflies in the largest butterfly aviary in the Southern Hemisphere. Get up close with the dazzling Ulysses and Cairns Birdwing species, and learn about their fascinating life cycle.
3. Kuranda Koala Gardens
Check out this small but well-kept wildlife park in Kuranda Village where you can hold a cute koala and see some of Australia's native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, and freshwater crocodiles.
4. Birdworld Kuranda
Walk through an open aviary filled with over 350 colorful birds, including macaws, lorikeets, and cassowaries. The free-flying birds might land on your shoulder—so be ready for a surprise!
2
Rainforestation Nature Park
1 attractions
3 activities
Ready yourself for the triple-experience Rainforestation Nature Park featuring wildlife encounters, indigenous cultural performances, a rainforest Army Duck tour, and a delicious BBQ lunch (if option selected). Take your time exploring the park before taking the return shuttle back to Kuranda Village.
Highlights
1. Army Duck Tour
Included in price
Board this quirky Army Duck and spot wildlife, learn about exotic plants, and enjoy a totally different perspective of the rainforest.
2. Dreamtime Walk
Included in price
Get a hands-on cultural experience where you’ll learn traditional Aboriginal skills like boomerang throwing, spear techniques, and bush survival knowledge—all in a stunning rainforest setting.
3. Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show
Included in price
Experience the energy of traditional Aboriginal dances performed in a rainforest amphitheatre with each dance telling a story—offering a glimpse into one of the world’s oldest cultures.
4. Koala & Wildlife Park
Spot Australia’s iconic wildlife up close, hand-feed kangaroos, and meet the park’s giant saltwater crocodile, Jack the Ripper.
Passes by
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
5
END POINT
Cairns
Train, Skyrail & Rainforest—experience Kuranda from every angle.
- Great for: A scenic and immersive rainforest adventure combining historic rail travel, aerial views, Aboriginal culture, and wildlife encounters.
- You’ll get: A Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, Kuranda guidebook with discount coupons, entry to Rainforestation Nature Park, army duck tour, Koala & Wildlife Park, Dreamtime Walk & Pamagirri dance performance, and round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns.
- You’ll see: Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Falls, Baron Gorge, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Koala & Wildlife Park, army duck tour, Pamagirri dance performance.
- Upgrades: Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch at Rainforestation Nature Park while watching the Pamagiri dance performance at the park’s amphitheater.
Train, Skyrail & Rainforest—experience Kuranda from every angle.
- Great for: A scenic and immersive rainforest adventure combining historic rail travel, aerial views, Aboriginal culture, and wildlife encounters.
- You’ll get: A Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, Kuranda guidebook with discount coupons, entry to Rainforestation Nature Park, army duck tour, Koala & Wildlife Park, Dreamtime Walk & Pamagirri dance performance, and round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns.
- You’ll see: Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Falls, Baron Gorge, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Koala & Wildlife Park, army duck tour, Pamagirri dance performance.
- Upgrades: Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch at Rainforestation Nature Park while watching the Pamagiri dance performance at the park’s amphitheater.
Inclusions
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket
- Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns
- Expert driver
- Free time in Kuranda Village
- Entry to Rainforestation Nature Park
- Army Duck tour
- Koala & Wildlife Park
- Dreamtime Walk & Pamagirri dance performance
- BBQ Lunch (as per option selected)
- Kuranda guidebook with discount coupons
- Tip: Get your photo taken with a cute koala (at your own expense) at Koala and Wildlife Park.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
- This tour includes round-trip transfers from select hotels in Cairns.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION11 hours 25 minutes
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Port Douglas
Begin your day with an easy hotel pickup from Port Douglas, heading straight to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Smithfield.
Passes by
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
1
Kuranda Village
4 attractions
Enjoy your free time in Kuranda Village by shopping for local crafts, visiting wildlife parks, and experiencing the town’s relaxed rainforest vibe before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Rail.
Highlights
1. Kuranda Heritage Markets
Explore the open-air Kuranda Heritage Markets, where you’ll find handmade jewelry, Aboriginal art, and unique souvenirs, with local performers and food vendors adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
2. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Enter the largest butterfly aviary in Australia, where you can watch 1,500 butterflies, including the brilliant blue Ulysses and striking Cairns Birdwing, flutter freely around you.
3. Kuranda Koala Gardens
Get up close with Australia’s iconic wildlife at Kuranda Koala Gardens—hold a cuddly koala, hand-feed kangaroos, and spot freshwater crocodiles in this wildlife park.
4. Birdworld Kuranda
Wander through Birdworld Kuranda, a lush rainforest-inspired aviary where cheeky lorikeets, towering cassowaries, and brilliant parrots fly freely around you.
Passes by
Kuranda Scenic Rail
4
END POINT
Port Douglas
Scenic rail, Skyrail, & hassle-free transfers for a perfect Kuranda day trip.
- Great for: A seamless, all-in-one rainforest adventure combining historic rail travel, aerial views, and free time to explore Kuranda’s top attractions.
- You’ll get: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, Scenic Railway ticket, round-trip hotel transfers from Port Douglas, expert driver, free time in Kuranda Village.
- You’ll see: Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Falls, Baron Gorge, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld & Kuranda Koala Gardens.
Scenic rail, Skyrail, & hassle-free transfers for a perfect Kuranda day trip.
- Great for: A seamless, all-in-one rainforest adventure combining historic rail travel, aerial views, and free time to explore Kuranda’s top attractions.
- You’ll get: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, Scenic Railway ticket, round-trip hotel transfers from Port Douglas, expert driver, free time in Kuranda Village.
- You’ll see: Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Falls, Baron Gorge, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld & Kuranda Koala Gardens.
Inclusions
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket
- Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Port Douglas
- Expert driver
- Free time in Kuranda Village
- Tip: The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda is home to Australia’s largest butterfly, the Cairns Birdwing.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
- The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
- This tour includes round-trip transfers from select hotels in Port Douglas.
- Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION11 hours 25 minutes
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Cairns
Start your day with a convenient hotel pickup from Cairns and head to Freshwater Station to step aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, where stunning rainforest views and cascading waterfalls await.
Passes by
Kuranda Scenic Rail
1
Kuranda Village
4 attractions
Discover the charm of Kuranda Village by browsing markets, meeting local wildlife, and soaking in the town’s artistic and cultural atmosphere before boarding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Highlights
1. Kuranda Heritage Markets
Stroll through the Kuranda Heritage Markets, where you’ll find locally made crafts, artwork, and Aboriginal artifacts alongside talented street performers and mouthwatering food stalls.
2. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Wander through the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, home to over 1,500 free-flying butterflies, and learn about the delicate life cycle of these rainforest beauties.
3. Kuranda Koala Gardens
Visit Kuranda Koala Gardens to cuddle a koala, hand-feed wallabies, and get a close look at Australia’s unique wildlife, from sleepy marsupials to curious reptiles.
4. Birdworld Kuranda
Step into a free-flight aviary where over 350 colorful birds, from playful lorikeets to majestic macaws, soar around you—some might even land on your shoulder!
Passes by
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
2
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Explore Australia's wild side at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Cruise through the Melaleuca wetlands on a 25-minute wetlands boat tour, where crocodiles lurk beneath the surface. Witness the raw power of a saltwater crocodile’s head shake and death roll at the Crocodile Attack Show and come face-to-face with the world’s most venomous snakes at the Snake Show.
5
END POINT
Cairns
Soar on Skyrail, cruise the Scenic Rail, and see crocs at Hartley’s Adventures.
- Great for: A self-paced, all-in-one experience to explore Kuranda, ride the Skyrail and Scenic Railway, and visit Hartley’s with stress-free hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- You’ll get: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket, round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns, entry to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, driver, free time in Kuranda Village, written trip guide with Kuranda discounts.
- You’ll see: Pioneer Cemetery, Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Falls, Rainforest Discovery Zone, Edge Lookout, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Melaleuca wetlands.
Soar on Skyrail, cruise the Scenic Rail, and see crocs at Hartley’s Adventures.
- Great for: A self-paced, all-in-one experience to explore Kuranda, ride the Skyrail and Scenic Railway, and visit Hartley’s with stress-free hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- You’ll get: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket, Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket, round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns, entry to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, driver, free time in Kuranda Village, written trip guide with Kuranda discounts.
- You’ll see: Pioneer Cemetery, Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Falls, Rainforest Discovery Zone, Edge Lookout, Kuranda Heritage Markets, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Melaleuca wetlands.
Inclusions
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket
- Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns
- Driver host
- Free time in Kuranda Village
- Written trip guide with Kuranda discounts
- Entry to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
- Tip: Check out the cassowary feeding at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see the endangered birds eat tropical fruits.
- The experience is wheelchair-accessible.
- Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
- The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
- This tour includes round-trip transfers from select hotels in Cairns.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Cairns
Your Kuranda Scenic Railway Tickets Explained
With a Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket, get on board for a memorable journey and breathtaking views of the Australian rainforests. While any KSR ticket can get you aboard the train, you can also choose to enhance your experience with special inclusions or combo tickets. Choose to get an authentic feel with a Heritage-class ticket, take the beautiful Skyrail down to the forest, or even hike a scenic trail through the Kuranda rainforest.
Kuranda Scenic Railway Highlights
Magnificent Scenery
The Kuranda Scenic Railway runs for about 2 hours from Cairns to Kuranda and winds its way through awe-inspiring mountains, rainforests and waterfalls. The train passes over 37 bridges and through 15 hand-carved tunnels, allowing you to experience views you may never find elsewhere.
Historic Train Carriages
Kuranda Scenic Railway allows you to experience class and luxury as you travel with its beautiful carriages. With red-wood interiors, these refurbished heritage carriages let you travel back to the times when people first boarded the train.
Barron Falls
This steep cascading Barron waterfall makes for a brilliant backdrop for beautiful pictures. The weir on the Barron River allows a thin trickle of water down the rocks, which is usually how the falls are throughout the year, except for the rainy season, when the waterfalls are lush with gushing water.
Stoney Creek Falls
Protected within the Barron Gorge National Park along with Barron Falls, Stoney Creek Falls is one of the smaller waterfalls present on the Kuranda Scenic Railway’s route. The train passes right in front of the falls, allowing you to admire them up close.
Rainforest Hikes
The ancient rainforests of Kuranda have relatively cooler weather compared to the rest of the country, allowing you to explore Australia’s lush greenery on a rainforest hike. Discover native species of plants and animals in this forest by picking a ticket that includes a hiking trail as well.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Extend your experience with a combo ticket including a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you can glide over the treetops and view Cairns from a whole new perspective. Stop at Red Peak to discover one of the most ancient pockets of rainforests in the world.
Plan Your Visit To Kuranda Scenic Railway
Timings
Getting There
Accessibility
Nearby
The railway operates daily, departing Cairns at 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, and returning from Kuranda at 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM.
The journey takes about 2 hours to complete, which also includes a 10-minute stop at the Barron Falls Station.
The starting point of the Kuranda Scenic Railway is the Queensland Rail Travel Centre in Cairns.
Address: 126 Bunda St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia. Find on Maps
This railway station is easily accessible by public transport, and you can also easily reach this destination by putting the location of the station on your navigation system.
Wheelchair Accessibility: There is a wheelchair-accessible carriage along with varying platform heights and ramps to help get into the train. Suitable seats are available in Gold and Heritage class coaches.
Carer Eligibility: With a valid companion card, the carer can get free tickets along with the disabled person.
Assistance Animal: If you want to travel with a service animal, you will have to inform the railways during booking to ensure they can arrange suitable seating for your animal.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Descend down into the beautiful Kuranda Rainforest with the Kuranda Skyrail cableway.
Great Barrier Reef: Discover Australia’s famous coral reef system by going on a glass-bottom boat ride, snorkelling, or simply just resting on the beachside.
Skydive Cairns: Have an adventure of a lifetime as you plunge from 15,000 ft and discover the beautiful Cairns cityscape from above.
Barron River Rafting: Take a thrilling ride on the Barron river with white water rafting through the Kuranda rainforest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kuranda Scenic Railway Tickets
How can I buy Kuranda Scenic Railway tickets?
You can easily buy Kuranda Scenic Railway tickets online and avail yourself of great deals and offers.
What do my Kuranda Scenic Railway tickets include?
With a general admission ticket, you can take a one-way or round-trip from Cairns to Kuranda. Some Kuranda Scenic Railway tickets come with other inclusions to extend your trip to make the most of your visit.
How long should I spend at Kuranda Scenic Railway?
Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the railway and the surrounding area.
Is it worth visiting Kuranda Scenic Railway?
Absolutely! The Kuranda Scenic Railway offers a unique and unforgettable experience through awe-inspiring mountains and rainforests.
What are the ticket options for Kuranda Scenic Railway?
You can choose from one-way or return tickets, standard or Heritage Class tickets for Kuranda Scenic Railway. You can also purchase combo tickets with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or a hike through the Kuranda Rainforest.
Are there nearby attractions worth exploring while visiting Kuranda Scenic Railway?
Yes, Barron Falls, Kuranda Rainforest, Skyrail, and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary are just a few of the nearby attractions to explore while on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Is the Kuranda Scenic Railway wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there is a wheelchair-accessible coach available for disabled people.