Exploring Kuranda & the Cairns Skyrail, Far North Queensland
- Dan Draper
- Jun 14, 2017
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 8, 2023
Stretching an impressive 7.5 kilometers, the Cairns Skyrail offers a unique way to immerse yourself in the rainforest as you gracefully glide high above the canopies of the ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest below.
Boarding one of the 114 gondolas that travel between Cairns and Kuranda, or vice versa, you ascend to heights of 545 meters above sea level. The tallest tower stands at a soaring 40.5 meters, providing you with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
Starting Your Journey
Your Cairns Skyrail adventure begins in Smithfield, just outside Cairns city, nestled at the foot of the mountainous terrain that the Skyrail will conquer on its journey to Kuranda. Alternatively, you can embark on the Skyrail adventure from Kuranda and make your way back down to Cairns. There's also the option to combine your journey with the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which I'll delve into further later.
As you ascend the mountain from Smithfield, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the entire Cairns region, extending out to the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. You'll frequently spot Cairns Airport, Double Island off the coast of Palm Cove, and the Cairns CBD. This is where the landscape below undergoes a dramatic transformation, shifting from the drier, cultivated land used for sugarcane farming to the lush, moist lands that host the world-renowned rainforest that draws visitors from across the globe.
Continuing upward, you'll reach the first stop along the Skyrail – Red Peak Station. This is a mandatory stop on your journey as gondolas in this section of the Skyrail head back down to Smithfield, requiring you to switch cabins.
Red Peak Station
Red Peak Station stands at the highest point along the Cairns Skyrail, soaring to a height of 545 meters. It's home to a 400-year-old Kauri Pine tree that towers above the boardwalk. While at Red Peak Station, you can also join one of the guided tours that take you around the boardwalk, offering insights into the rainforest's history and highlighting its incredible age, which justifies its World Heritage status.
After exploring the rainforest from below, it's time to reboard the Skyrail and soar above the canopies once more. The next leg of the journey is the longest, taking you downhill and into the lush heart of the rainforest. The vegetation here is more protected as the mountain shields it from oncoming ocean winds. As you look below, you'll witness a variety of flora, from Basket Ferns clinging to tree trunks to the Banks Banana tree with its large rain-catching leaves, along with countless pine trees, palms, and ferns.
Continuing onward, you'll catch your first glimpses of the mesmerizing Barron Gorge, with the even more impressive Barron Falls gradually coming into view. Descending into Barron Falls Station, you'll disembark once again for a stroll through the rainforest, exploring the gorge and its numerous lookout points.
Barron Falls Station
Barron Falls Station provides prime viewing of the Barron Falls. As you follow the winding boardwalk through the rainforest to the first of three lookouts, you'll either witness the falls' might or imagine their power. Most of the year, the falls can dwindle to a mere trickle due to the damming of Barron River for a hydroelectric plant at the falls' summit. However, during the wet season, they transform into a thunderous spectacle as torrential rains pour over the sides.
At the second and third lookouts, you'll get an even closer perspective of the falls and learn about the area's history, depicted in displays that portray the region's exploration during the era of trains and railways. After you've taken in the gorge and falls, it's time to continue your journey on the cable car for the final stretch into Kuranda.
One of the highlights of this trip is crossing the formidable Barron River and gazing straight down. The views here are stunning, revealing the river's significance as a lifeline for the rainforest and as a source of electricity and irrigation for the communities downstream and beyond.
At the end of the Skyrail, the rainforest is undergoing restoration efforts to restore it to its former glory. Skyrail and the Kuranda Scenic Railway are collaborating on these restoration works.
Kuranda – What to See & Do
Upon arriving in Kuranda, you'll discover a plethora of things to see and do in this charming tourist village. From the myriad of shops and cafes lining the streets to a host of attractions, there's something here for everyone. You can explore the Kuranda markets, peruse local indigenous art, or, if you're an animal enthusiast, enjoy a range of attractions tailored to your interests.
Birdworld: At Birdworld, you can get up close and personal with cheeky tropical birds that freely roam aviaries. Birdworld is also home to one bird you'll want to admire from a distance the world's deadliest bird, the Cassowary.
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary: Home to over 2,000 butterfly species, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary allows visitors to explore aviaries and learn fascinating facts about butterflies and moths. You can also discover how to attract more butterflies to your home by planting the right plants.
Kuranda Koala Gardens: Get up close with one of Australia's furriest creatures at Kuranda Koala Gardens, where you can even hold a koala. The gardens house not only koalas but also many other Australian native animals, including kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies.
Australian Venom Zoo: If you're intrigued by creepy crawlies (unlike me), you can check out the Australian Venom Zoo, showcasing some of Australia's deadliest animals. It aims to educate the public about how venom helps pharmaceutical organizations develop life-saving medications.
Skyrail Upgrades
Diamond View Gondola: For a unique perspective, consider upgrading to the Diamond View, which allows you to look down on the rainforest through a glass floor inside the cabin. These specially configured gondolas depart approximately every seven minutes and also offer upgraded ticket holders the convenience of skipping the queue. The upgrade fee is an additional $15.00, applicable for one-way travel.
Canopy Glider: If you're looking to elevate your Skyrail experience, you can board the Canopy Glider. This open-air glider provides uninterrupted 360-degree views, accompanied by a guide who points out key features along the way. There are limited departures, so advance booking is required. The first departure leaves Smithfield at 9:15 am, and the second leaves Kuranda at 1:45 pm. The upgrade fee is $100.00, but the unique experience is well worth it for those seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail
Another excellent way to experience the Skyrail is by combining it with the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This is how I explored the area in the past, and on this trip, I completed a return journey on the Skyrail. The Kuranda Scenic Railway starts its journey in Cairns, with a stop at the quaint town of Freshwater. From here, the journey winds through mountainous terrain, passing through tunnels and offering views of impressive waterfalls, including one on a breathtaking bend in the track, perfect for photographs.
The train also stops at Barron Falls Station, allowing passengers to disembark and witness the falls from one of the best vantage points. The train then continues to Kuranda, where the Skyrail terminal meets the train station. After spending time in Kuranda, you can return via the Skyrail. Upon arriving in Smithfield at the end of the Skyrail journey, a bus will transport you back to the railway station where you initially boarded, completing the loop.
For more information on experiencing the Skyrail and up-to-date pricing, visit their website here, where you can book your adventure and choose how you want to experience one of Cairns' top tourist attractions.