Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5-kilometre scenic tourist cableway running above the Barron Gorge National Park, in the Wet Tropics of Queensland’s World Heritage Area in Australia. Photos: Rama Gaind.
Soar across two iconic Queensland experiences that epitomise Australia’s Tropical North: the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway as you create original and the best day tour experiences.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which journeys over the MacAlister Range between Smithfield and Kuranda, includes six-person gondola cabins that glide metres above the treetops. About a 15-minute drive from Cairns and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas connecting the city to Kuranda, the cableway spans about 7.5 kilometres above the Barron Gorge National Park.
The cableway, completed in 1995, journeys through the Wet Tropics Rainforest, home to the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, older than the Amazon rainforest. This awesome experience is set to become even more spectacular following an extensive $85 million upgrade of Skyrail this year.
The pioneering, multiple award-winning Cairns attraction will undergo one of the most significant private sector tourism infrastructure investments in northern Australia’s history. Owned and operated by the Chapman family, their aim is to modernise the experience and maintain its deep commitment to environmental stewardship.
Get set for a quieter, smoother and an enhanced rainforest experience!
Chairman of Skyrail Pty Ltd, Dr Ken Chapman, has announced a smartly staged redevelopment of the gondola cableway with work starting in July, and to be completed in late 2027.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a beautiful train journey from Cairns to the rainforest village of Kuranda, offering magnificent views of waterfalls, Barron Gorge and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
“Skyrail’s reputation as one of the world’s longest, most complex and impressive gondola cableways will be assured for another three decades,” Dr Chapman said.
“True to Skyrail’s sustainability ethos, the upgrade has been meticulously planned to preserve the integrity of the ancient rainforest that the cableway showcases, mirroring the complexity of the original build more than three decades ago.”
Upgrade works will take place in three stages to minimise disruption and to allow Skyrail to continue to operate in an adapted capacity throughout most of the project.
Meanwhile … on our excursion, moving smoothly, adding to our expressive memorable experiences on the Skyrail, we glimpsed the heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, offering a unique perspective of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, estimated to be around 180 million years old. We were floating above the luxuriant canopy as we reconnoitered about the verdant, dense forest, rich in biodiversity below us.
Stunning views of the Barron Gorge, Barron Falls and the Cairns hinterland were unbelievable, and gliding over the MacAlister Range provided grand all-encompassing views. We stopped at Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Station, went to The Edge Lookout, discovered the forest floor and learned more about our surroundings on guided tours.
Home to some of the world’s first kangaroos, flowering plants, diverse wildlife and ancient songbirds, this fascinating living museum is like a window back in time. Discover the world’s oldest rainforest story, and the motivating collaboration between Buda:dji, the Djabugay people and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Hear the dreamtime stories of the Djabuganydji bama, the traditional custodians of this land.
Make your way to the Kuranda village, which is nestled amid the World Heritage-listed rainforest.
Then set out on another thrilling escapade. The famous Kuranda Scenic Railway remains a must-do experience, combining natural beauty, history and cultural significance in an unforgettable train journey. Wide-sweeping views are magnificent of fertile rainforests, cascading waterfalls and remarkable gorges.
Discover the living colour and natural beauty of a rainforest that’s millions of years old. Thousands of species of plants and hundreds of unique creatures inhabit this opulent green world.
A historic train passage from Cairns to the rainforest village of Kuranda sees the railway go on a picturesque line, offering out-of-this-world views of cascades, Barron Gorge and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Chugging away, the carriages wind their way from Gimuy (Cairns) via Bubundji (Freshwater), to Ngunbay (Kuranda), where the village offers a captivating mix of quirky surprises. Rising from sea level to 327 metres, this ride passes spectacular waterfalls as it moves through the astonishing Din Din (Barron Gorge).
One of the most impressive sights along the journey was the Barron Falls as it flowed down a series of cliffs. The falls are at their fullest during the wet season. As the train passes over historic bridges, you also enjoy attractive views of Stoney Creek Falls.
Delivering a splendid natural experience, the rail carriages meander through dense rainforests, showcasing towering trees and vibrant foliage. Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys aside, Jamie our tour guide, elaborated on some engineering marvels. Statistics revealed our excursion had included passing through 15 hand-carved tunnels, crossing 55 bridges, with the train ride ascending from sea level to about 328 metres. Best views, especially during the ascent, are often from the right-hand side of the train.
Unique blend of nature, adventure and all-round perspectives. Breathtaking!
