SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY

Unique Perspective

Gain a unique perspective of Australia’s world heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest aboard the award-winning Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Glide peacefully from canopy to forest floor to discover the hidden beauty of this ancient landscape and unlock the secrets of the oldest tropical rainforest on earth. This 90-minute experience allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the sounds, scents, and tranquillity of this natural and cultural wonder, on a voyage of discovery traversing the pristine wilderness between Smithfield Terminal near Cairns, and the quirky rainforest village of Kuranda on the Atherton Tablelands.

Along the way, guests are encouraged to disembark the gondola at two intermediate stations, which each offer unique opportunities to participate in interactive visitor experiences and to connect with the surrounding natural environment. Download Skyrail’s Audio Guide and Interpretive App to enjoy expert audio commentary that’s automatically triggered to play throughout your journey. This audio guide is designed to enhance your experience by helping familiarise you with your surroundings. It provides guests with a host of educational insights, narration and interpretive information about this rich and biodiverse ecosystem and its inhabitants.

The Skyrail experience must be pre-booked. It can be undertaken as a round trip, with optional time to explore the colourful and eclectic collection of markets, attractions and cafes in the village of Kuranda. Alternatively consider combining a one-way Skyrail journey in either direction with a return trip aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway for an unforgettable adventure in rainforest paradise.

The Journey Begins – Smithfield to Red Peak

When exploring the ancient rainforest from Cairns to Kuranda, your Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience begins at Smithfield Terminal, located approximately 15 minutes from Cairns CBD. Coach transfers are available from selected Cairns City accommodation. The open and airy terminal features wide verandas surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and reflects traditional Queenslander style architecture. Inside, a range of facilities including gift shop, canopy café, ticketing counter, lockers and accessible toilets offer all the necessities to keep you comfortable pre-departure. Beyond the foyer and boarding queue, a row of green and glass gondolas awaits. As you glide peacefully out of the terminal, large glass windows offer views towards the Cairns coastline and city scape. The sparkling blue waters of the fringing Coral Sea contrasting with the lush green hues of the adjoining Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest create a postcard perfect display of Tropical North Queensland – where the rainforest meets the reef.

Just metres beneath your feet, the rainforest canopy provides a carpet of vibrant and variegated shades of green. Wait-a-while palms and towering trees adorned in basket ferns stretch ever upwards, joining the never-ending fight for sunlight in the forest’s lofty heights.

At Red Peak Station, located 545m above sea level, guests are offered the opportunity to disembark the gondola and explore the grandeur of this ancient landscape from ground level. Join a complimentary ranger guided tour to unlock the secrets of this natural wonder, explore the Rainforest Discovery Zone and wander amidst towering trees, lush palms, and giant ferns on the 175m boardwalk. Breathe in the damp earthy scent of the forest floor, and feel the cool, calm serenity of your surrounds.

Barron Falls to Kuranda

The relaxing journey from Red Peak to Barron Falls features a backdrop of rolling green mountains stretching out into the distance. As you approach the descent to the second stop on your experience, the mighty Barron Gorge and cascading Barron Falls come into view. At Barron Falls Station, easy access walkways lead through the ancient rainforest to lookouts high above the gorge and river below. The Edge Lookout was constructed from recycled enduroplank decking, and offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the deep gorge cutting its way through the green landscape and into the river below.

Test your nerves by daring yourself to stand on the glass section of the lookout which edges over the Barron Falls and Gorge some 160m below. In waterfall season be refreshed by the cooling spray of water droplets misting in the humid air.

While at Barron Falls you may also wish to visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, to hear a short video on the history and inspiration behind Skyrail’s development. The Centre also features interpretive touch screens which play the sounds of the rainforest and its inhabitants.

Another short gondola glide completes your journey to Kuranda Terminal. Here you may opt to purchase souvenir photos before either spending some time exploring the surrounding village, or returning to Cairns via Skyrail or Kuranda Scenic Railway. Situated amidst leafy gardens, the Kuranda Terminal is located next to the Kuranda Railway Station and a short walk from Kuranda Village.

Kuranda Village offers numerous wildlife attractions including the Kuranda Koala Gardens, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld, as well as a selection of food stalls, dining options and unique shopping opportunities. Meander the village streets to unearth some hidden treasures at local markets, discover creative talent at the local boutiques, and mingle with some of the colourful characters that give this Rainforest village its artsy vibe.

Accessibility

Skyrail strives to be an inclusive and accessible experience for people of all ages and abilities. Their friendly staff are on hand throughout the journey to welcome and assist guests at each point along the way. Easy access, wide walkways and boardwalks may assist in the ease of navigating through the terminals, and ambulant toilets are available at all stations. The Skyrail Audio Guide and Interpretive App is free to download and may prove highly beneficial in helping blind and low vision customers to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of their surroundings. If necessary, the cableway can also be slowed down or stopped to board or disembark gondolas with assistance from cableway operators.