Louise
Peter
+2 more
Donna
Rosemary
Monica
Tracy
Winding through the lush rainforests of Queensland’s Wet Tropics, the Kuranda Scenic Railway is a journey back in time. From Cairns to Kuranda Village, this historic train climbs over 1,076 feet above sea level, traversing 37 bridges and 15 tunnels. Along the way, you’ll see panoramic views of steep ravines, vibrant fig trees, and the mighty Barron Falls, making it one of Australia’s most iconic rail adventures.
On this page, discover everything you need to know about the Kuranda Scenic Railway—from tickets to the best ways to experience this iconic journey!
The train runs between Cairns Railway Station to Kuranda Railway Station, with a 5 to 10-minute stop at Freshwater Railway Station.
Prices vary by tour. The From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Self-Guided Kuranda Tour is priced at AU$55 with an option of upgrading to one-way scenic rail or skyrail ticket. On the other hand, the From Port Douglas: Scenic Train & Skyrail Kuranda Tour with Transfersr tour is priced at AU$251 and includes round-trip hotel transfers from Port Douglas along with an expert driver.
Children between 4 to 14 years and families often get discounted rates and Australian seniors may qualify for concessions.
You can book a return journey or combine the train with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a round-trip experience.
The Heritage class ticket is a standard ticket with snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard in classic wooden carriages with standard seating, whereas the Gold Class ticket is a premium experience with lounge seats, complimentary snacks and drinks, and personalized table service.
Yes, the train is wheelchair accessible with dedicated wheelchair spaces available on board, and ramps are provided to assist with boarding. However, it’s highly recommended to notify staff when booking to ensure proper arrangements are made.
Yes, the train has multilingual audio commentary that shares fascinating history and insights about the railway, making it an informative journey as you wind through the rainforest.
The dry season (May to October) is ideal for a comfortable journey, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and better visibility of the rainforest and mountain views, while the wet season (November to April) enhances waterfalls and rainforest scenery but with higher humidity, occasional rain, and fewer crowds.
Yes, the Kuranda Scenic Railway operates daily, except for Christmas Day and during maintenance closures.
Only small bags and backpacks are allowed. Large suitcases or heavy luggage are not permitted due to space limitations.
Yes, certified assistance animals are permitted on board. You must provide official certification proving that your animal is a registered assistance animal and make sure to inform the staff when booking your ticket.
Ease of booking and the relaxing day was good. It would have been nice to have a small time between train and cable car.
The pick up and drop off was seamless. The train was definitely worth it, meandering along the historic line. Kuranda was quaint albeit commercialised. The Skyrail was surprisingly quick but able to experience the density and diversity of the rainforest.
The train trip brought back many memories for me, when I travelled on the Red Rattlers. I must say , I did have issues with the commentary. With the train being so noisy, I could hardly hear the voice on the speaker. When I last travelled this train 18 years ago, it was much clearer.
Good day out , met some new friends.
Relaxed and informative tour .
Fantastic experience! The whole day ran smoothly from pick up to drop off!
Getting to pet a koala was a highlight, the village is quaint, and the views are spectacular!
So organised and easy. Everything went smoothly
Hello, I assumed that purchasing the Gold Pass train tickets on your website meant that I would receiving Gold Pass train tickets, but that was not the case. I have been emailing with HeadOut to at least receive a partial refund-- as Gold Pass tickets were not included when all was said and done-- but I'm having difficulties with that as well. Any assistance to rectify this issue would be appreciated. Soo Chen
The trip itself was excellent. The ticket prices was not.
Loves both the gondola and train. Would upgrade to gold class on the train next time for comfort. Well organised with clear instructions.
Very expensive. Didn't think it was value for money.
The Skyrail was fantastic the train ride was equally amazing
Combining Kuranda’s scenic train and Skyrail with stress-free transfers.
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)
Monica
Susan
Louise
Train, Skyrail & Rainforest—experience Kuranda from every angle.
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
It was a great experience from the start , the staff that looked after our carriage were great . The food supplied through the journey was extremely good , not too much , but just the right amount . I would highly recommend going for the Gold options. The views on the way up were also spectacular and the stop on the way up was in the best place . Just a great experience.
Highly recommend going gold glass. We had the best fun, only wish I could go again straight after! The views were amazing from both the train and the skyrail. We got pick up from our pick up point and dropped off when finished. Everything went smoothly and the drivers gave us a great commentary on the way.
All communication was accurate and allowed for a perfect trip
Travel to Kuranda in style with Gold Class rail, scenic Skyrail views & seamless transfers.
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
Peter
Amamda
Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.
Inclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
This ticket has the following variants that you can choose from:
You can redeem your tickets at any one of the two terminals:
1. Smithfield Terminal
2. Kuranda Terminal
· The last one-way experience from Kuranda departs at 3:15 PM and the latest you can board from Kuranda for a round-trip experience is at 12:00 PM.
Particularly the under water enclosure! Wonderful to see the sea life come over you.
The pick up and drop off was seamless. The train was definitely worth it, meandering along the historic line. Kuranda was quaint albeit commercialised. The Skyrail was surprisingly quick but able to experience the density and diversity of the rainforest.
The train trip brought back many memories for me, when I travelled on the Red Rattlers. I must say , I did have issues with the commentary. With the train being so noisy, I could hardly hear the voice on the speaker. When I last travelled this train 18 years ago, it was much clearer.
The Cairns Aquarium was beautifully maintained, and it was such a wonderful experience to relax in a comfortable lounge chair while watching the fish gracefully swim by. The tranquil atmosphere and the gentle movement of the sea creatures made it easy to lose track of time. It truly felt like a peaceful escape into an underwater world.
Good day out , met some new friends.
Relaxed and informative tour .
It felt calm and quiet. I loved the tunnel experience something I have wanted to do for a long time
So well set out, informative and interesting. I will recommend it to all my family and friends.
I enjoyed the River Monsters especially.
Great displays and the talks throughput were very informative
So organised and easy. Everything went smoothly
See Cairns from rainforest heights to reef wonders—Kuranda’s best and the Aquarium in one day.
Inclusions Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket
One-way Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket
Round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns
Free time in Kuranda Village
Cairns Aquarium
Entry to Cairns Aquarium
All-day access to exhibits
Access to all shows, presentations, and facilities
Scenic Train & Skyrail Kuranda Tour
Cairns Aquarium Tickets
Monica
Susan
Kaori
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 10 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
It was well organized. Thank you
Soar on Skyrail, cruise the Scenic Rail, and see crocs at Hartley’s Adventures.
Inclusions
