Our most recommended things to do in Kuranda

From Cairns: Kuranda Day Trip w/ Kuranda Train and Skyrail

1. From Cairns: Kuranda Day Trip w/ Kuranda Train and Skyrail

Explore the village of Kuranda in a pristine World Heritage-listed rainforest. Be picked up from your hotel and travel to the train station. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway and marvel at mountains on the way. Soar over waterfalls and over Barron Gorge on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Explore the markets, shops, and walking trails, or take a river cruise (seasonal) for 2.5 hours. Discover the food stalls and cafés, or dine with the water dragons at Frog’s Restaurant famous for its sauces and dressings. Take the famous Skyrail down, spanning 7.5km over the rainforest canopy. Spot native wildlife, including the cassowary, the world's 3rd-largest flightless bird. Next, take the 2:00 PM Skyrail back to the bottom (Skyrail Smithfield station). Embark on a fascinating journey of discovery over and deep into the world’s oldest, continually-surviving tropical rainforest. The iconic Skyrail experience is a must-do Cairns attraction of Australia’s World-Heritage listed tropical rainforest, immersing you in one of the most botanically fascinating areas on earth. At the end of your Skyrail experience, be picked up again by bus at 3:30 PM to be brought back to the hotel.

Cairns: Skyrail Cableway to Kuranda and Rail tickets

2. Cairns: Skyrail Cableway to Kuranda and Rail tickets

Drive to the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal, where a representative will check you in and issue you with the Kuranda Boarding Pass. This includes a detailed itinerary with a time schedule, as well as your Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cableway tickets. Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and enjoy an unforgettable journey through the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest, stopping along the way to explore. Once you arrive in Kuranda, you'll have free time to see this unique village. Use the discount vouchers on your Kuranda Boarding Pass, or visit the heritage markets. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can purchase refreshments.  Return to Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Admire the views as the train winds its way from Kuranda to Freshwater Station, passing spectacular waterfalls and through Barron Gorge. Disembark at Freshwater Station to board the bus back to your car at the Skyrail terminal.

Barron Gorge: Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting

3. Barron Gorge: Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting

Experience white-water rafting in Barron Gorge National Park, known for its rugged rainforest mountains, steep ravines, and the falls carved out over thousands of years by the Barron River. Enjoy optional pickup from Cairns or Port Douglas before heading to the national park. Meet your guide at Lake Placid, and get ready for your river rafting tour on the river. Enjoy the area’s scenic beauty and a combination of calm water and a series of white-water rapids as well. Spend two hours navigating rapids up to grade three. No experience is necessary, making this a good choice for beginning rafters. There is also plenty of excitement for the more experienced.

Cairns: Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers

4. Cairns: Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers

Explore the Cairns World Heritage Rainforest on this tour with hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairns. Expereince the beauty of the rainforest from above on a ride to the town of Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Spend free time in Kuranda before returning on the Kuranda Scenic Rail train. Be picked up from the comfort of your cairns accommodation in the morning. Relax on the drive to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide silently over the rainforest on your journey to Kuranda. Stop at two stations on the cableway where you can go for a walk in the rainforest to spectacular lookouts or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Center. Once you arrive in Kuranda. Have free time to explore the many and varied shops, as well as the Heritage Markets which operate daily. Board the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail train for ride over one of the world's most scenic rail routes. Cruise through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning stunning gorges. Catch your coach back to your accommodation in Cairns.

From Port Douglas: Kuranda via Scenic Rail & Skyrail Option

5. From Port Douglas: Kuranda via Scenic Rail & Skyrail Option

Following pickup in the morning, relax on the ride with entertaining commentary. Travel down the Captain Cook Highway, known as the second most scenic highway in Australia, and learn the history of the region, along with local issues and stories about wildlife.  Arrive at the beautiful Freshwater Station and board the historic Kuranda scenic railway. Then, head through the rainforest and take in the breathtaking scenery of waterfalls and 15 dramatic tunnels carved through the rocks.  Upon arrival in Kuranda, explore the 'Village in the Rainforest', famous for its colorful arts and crafts markets, which are open every day.  Browse the wide variety of Aboriginal artifacts, such as handmade leather goods, wood, and jewelry. Stop at a café for lunch and listen to the busker, or try some local snacks such as macadamia nuts, honey, mango wine, homemade sweets, or delicious homemade ice cream. Next, head up the coast to Palm Cove, where you'll be taken along the palm-fringed esplanade. Then, purchase a drink and enjoy some staggering views of the picturesque beach or take a walk along the beach and let the kids play in the playground. Return to Port Douglas with new friends and great memories, before getting dropped off at your accommodation or chosen restaurant on request.  

Cairns: Reef Flight, Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Rail Combo

6. Cairns: Reef Flight, Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Rail Combo

On this full-day excursion, you'll see the best of the Great Barrier Reef on this 40-minute scenic flight in a high wing aircraft. You'll see Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and Palm Cove. After exploring the reef, you’ll head back toward the mainland with views of the North Queensland coastline. With window seats guaranteed, take in the stunning views as your professional pilot provides you with expert commentary along the way. After your scenic flight, you'll be taken to ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you'll soar above 7.5 kilometers of pristine rainforest canopy in a cable car. Visit the beautiful town of Kuranda, nestled in the pristine World Heritage-listed rainforest. You'll have 2.5-hours of free time to explore the eclectic village, local markets, shops and walking trails or sit back and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many amazing food stalls or cafes that the town has to offer.  Take the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and marvel at the views of the surrounding mountains along the way. Rising from sea level to 328 meters, the journey to Kuranda passes spectacular waterfalls and then will take you into the stunning Barron Gorge. At the end of your day, make your way back to your accommodation. Alternatively, transfers can be booked during check-in at Skyrail Smithfield Station for an additional cost of $11.50 per adult. Your combo will also include a free transfer courtesy bus from your centrally located Cairns accommodation.

From Cairns: Full-Day Kuranda Army Duck Experience Tour

7. From Cairns: Full-Day Kuranda Army Duck Experience Tour

Start your day with a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through tunnels and over bridges on this magnificent journey, passing Stoney Creek and Barron Falls. Once in Kuranda, you will travel to Rainforestation Nature Park via shuttle. Explore the rainforest on a 6-wheel drive World War II Army Duck amphibious vehicle over land and water. Your experienced duck driver will help you search for wildlife and teach you about the plants and trees that make up the surrounding rainforest. After your tour, you can sample exotic fruits and locally made ice cream at a Tropical Treats fruit orchard.  Then, take the shuttle bus from Rainforestation Nature Park to Kuranda Village. Once in the village, you have free time to explore the markets and shops. At the end of your day, you will travel back to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over a pristine rainforest with the canopy just meters beneath you. It is recommend you spend time at the two stations en route: Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Stations. Upon arrival in Cairns, you will be transferred back to your accommodation. 

Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns

8. Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns

Start your day with a hotel pick up before boarding Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for your journey to Kuranda. Be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest canopy, enjoying two stops along the way. The Kuranda Boarding Pass offers discounted entry into selected Kuranda attractions as well as a detailed map to help you explore this quaint village. Your pre-allocated preferential seating enables you to avoid the lines, before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Rail for this historic journey. This tour includes the upgrade to the "Gold Class" service and includes Beverage menu, Refreshments, dedicated hostess and individual seating. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer as you travel from Kuranda to Cairns. The coach will meet you at Freshwater Station and transfer you to your accomodation.

From Cairns: Kuranda Tour with Transfer

9. From Cairns: Kuranda Tour with Transfer

Begin the day with hotel pickup in Cairns at 7 AM or soon after. Make your way to the Kuranda Scenic Rail, then board the famous train for an amazing journey along one of the world's most scenic rail routes at 8:50 AM. Sit back and admire the views as you travel through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges. Upon arrival in Kuranda at 10:30 AM, enjoy 1 hour of free time to explore the many and varied shops, as well as the heritage markets which operate daily. Once your hour is up, board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for your journey to Caravonica Lakes at 11:30 AM. After boarding, be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest. There are 2 stations en route where you can alight and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts or visit the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Interpretive Center. At 12:40 PM, the coach departs for the return journey to Cairns.

From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

10. From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

Discover the beauty of the rainforest on this day trip from Port Douglas. Ride on the Captain Cook Highway aboard an airconditioned bus, see the canopy from above on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with 2 stops to enjoy and visit Kuranda Village. Return aboard the Kuranda Scenic Train. Be picked up from your hotel in the late morning and board an air conditioned comfortable bus. Head down the Captain Cook Highway to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Journey over the World Heritage Rainforest and stop for pictures at 2 stations along the way. Arrive in Kuranda and meet your guide who will show you the Kuranda Village. Visit the vibrant markets, see the best places to eat, and visit some small animal parks. Board the Kuranda Scenic Train and head down the mountain. Pass through tunnels and by stunning waterfalls along the way. On arrival at Freshwater Station, head to Palm Cove, a beautiful beach side village where you can stop for a cocktail (at own expense) or take a walk on the beach.  Head back to Port Douglas and arrive at your accommodation in time for supper.

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What people are saying about Kuranda

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,340 reviews

Nice hopping tour around some rainforest key places. Best part was the walk in the rainforest where the guide also explained more about the wild life and plants along the way. Cruise highly recommended otherwise you wait on the bus, for few bucks more we saw a crocodile in the wild! The guide explains a lot about the territory with "fun facts" about animals or places. Overall very informative tour.

This trip is 100% worth it. definitely our favourite thing we did at our stay in cairns. The transport there and back was perfect as well. Thank you

Well organised. Greeted and collected tickets. Day and timings explained well.

Seeing Baron Falls was breathtaking! Loved the train ride and sky car.

Amazing from start to finish. Enjoyed the whole experience