Kuranda Day Trip Guide: Skyrail, Scenic Railway & Markets

Kuranda is a village in the rainforest on the range above Cairns. It's famous for how you get there: a cableway over the rainforest canopy, a heritage train through the Barron Gorge, or both.

Skyrail vs Scenic Railway

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. A gondola of about 7.5 km over the treetops from Smithfield, in Cairns' northern beaches, to Kuranda. It stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, which have boardwalks and lookouts.
Kuranda Scenic Railway. A historic train from Cairns (Freshwater) up through the Barron Gorge, past waterfalls and over tall bridges. It takes about two hours.

The classic combination is train up, Skyrail down. You'll need transport from the Skyrail terminal at Smithfield at the end of the day, since it's not in central Cairns.

What to do in Kuranda village

The Kuranda markets: local art, crafts, food and souvenirs.
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
Birdworld and Kuranda Koala Gardens.
The Jumrum Creek and river walks: short, shady, and easy.
Barron Falls, which is most impressive in the wet season.

From Port Douglas

Kuranda is about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from Port Douglas by road. The simplest plan is a transfer to Smithfield, Skyrail up and back, then a pickup at Smithfield. Alternatively, take a transfer directly to the village.

How long do you need?

A full day if you're doing both the train and Skyrail. If you're only doing Skyrail return, allow half a day plus travel.

Tips

Book Skyrail and train tickets ahead in peak season.
Many market stalls close mid-afternoon, so arrive by late morning.
Bring a light layer, since the range is a little cooler than the coast.

Getting there

We run private transfers to Kuranda and the Skyrail terminal. If you're staying in Port Douglas, ask us for a quote. See Kuranda transfers or view prices.

Kuranda Day Trip: Skyrail, Scenic Railway and the Village