Kuranda is a mountain village nestled within the lush rainforests of Tropical North Queensland. Although it is possible to travel there by car from Port Douglas we preferred the more exciting option of taking the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and returning on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. With return tickets passengers can choose to travel on the Skyrail in one direction and the train in the other, or alternatively take the same option in both directions.
Combined tickets for Skyrail and the Scenic Railway start from AUD $135 (£68) for an adult in standard class which includes an optional one way bus transfer between Freshwater Railway Station to the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal on the return. For an enhanced experience, it’s possible to upgrade to a Diamond View cabin with a glass floor which offers a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy beneath your feet.
Getting there:
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is located at Smithfield which is 15 minutes north of Cairns city centre and a 50 minute drive south of Port Douglas. The Skyrail terminus benefits from a large car park with free all day parking. Passengers without their own transport can request bus transfers from Cairns when purchasing tickets as mentioned above.
The 7.5 km cable car journey is divided into three sections and it was a thrilling experience to glide above the rainforest canopy and descend for close up views at lookout points along the route. The first stage of the journey was the ascent up to Red Peak which offered splendid views back towards the Coral Sea and the northern beaches of Cairns.
Our first stop was at Red Peak where we spent around 20 minutes following the rainforest boardwalk looped trail which was interspersed with detailed information boards not to mention stunning views.
It was then just a short wait to board the cable car for the next stage of our journey taking us over the rainforest treetops to Barron Falls. Here we spent a further 20 minutes following the short trail to the Edge Lookout and also took a look inside the informative Rainforest Interpretation Centre that’s located there. Here we learned that the Barron Gorge National Park was originally formed 400 million years ago. The Falls are at their best during the wet season between December and March and although our visit was just before then there was a strong flow of water cascading down the gorge.
It was then time for cable car number three to make the final descent down to the village of Kuranda with more spectacular views to enjoy as we approached the terminus. From there, it was just a short walk to the village centre which is clearly signposted. Our first task was to find a cafe for our morning cappuccinos which wasn’t difficult as Kuranda has plenty to choose from.
We then wandered around the pretty village glancing in a few of the gift shops that line the high street. Kuranda is noted for its market days when coach loads of tourists descend on the village in search of souvenirs and handcrafts. We timed our visit for a Tuesday when it was lovely and quiet but if you enjoy a stroll around markets then you can aim to go there between Wednesday and Sunday. As well as being famous for its markets, Kuranda is also home to several attractions which include the Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
We opted to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary, standard adult admission AUD $24 (£12) which is located close to the village centre. The sanctuary is home to over 1,200 free flying butterflies from a variety of species and is a joy to visit.
It was lovely to stroll through the lush indoor gardens beneath a large glass roof, whilst vibrant butterflies fluttered all around us. It was also an unforgettable experience to be invited to release an Orange Cruiser butterfly into the dome for its first ever flight.
After being handed a net containing the newly hatched butterfly I just had to carefully turn it over and gently pull a cord to set it free and watch in awe as it gently fluttered into some nearby shrubbery.
In addition to the central area, visitors can take a look in the breeding lab, witness a butterfly life cycle from eggs to daily aviary release, view silk moth caterpillars and mini beasts. The sanctuary is a delightful place to visit and enchanting for all ages.
We then had ample time to enjoy a light lunch before enjoying a stroll along the riverside footpath to the Scenic Railway station for our return trip back towards Cairns.
Our four hour stop in Kuranda was just about the right length as the village is quite small and unless you plan to visit all of its attractions I doubt you would need any longer there.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
We love nothing more than a ride on board a heritage train and when we learnt about the one linking Kuranda with Cairns, we knew instantly that it was a journey we wanted to take. Construction of the railway began in 1887 and was completed in 1891. This feat of engineering required the construction of 15 tunnels, 55 bridges and more than 150 cuttings through the steep and dense rainforest to connect the gold and tin mines of the Atherton Tablelands to Cairns.
Now fully restored, the railway is one of northern Queensland’s most popular tourist attractions. The station boasts a heritage platform, booking office and refreshment rooms with passengers advised to arrive 30 minutes before departure times. Tickets are available in either the original heritage carriages with polished wooden seats or in the more luxurious Gold Class where we were seated.
The luxury Gold Class carriages date back to the 1900’s and have been tastefully refurbished with wood panelling and comfortable armchairs and a complimentary hostess service. After being shown to our seats we were offered pre-departure drinks of wine, beer etc. and a snack pack of local macadamia nuts which we nibbled whilst the train gently made its way through the rainforest. Our hostess also distributed informative cards with maps to guide us through the journey, although a spoken commentary was also provided.
There was a 10 minute stop at Barron Falls where everyone could get out onto the platform to experience the view from the perspective of the opposite side of the valley to where we viewed the falls from Skyrail.
Back on board we were offered more drinks and whilst sipping our glasses of beer and wine we were served a platter of locally sourced produce that comprised three cheese selections; crackers; a basil, feta and tomato dip; dried fruits followed by refreshing pots of mango fruit sorbet.
Towards the end of the journey we were handed pens and postcards to remind us of the epic trip but even without the souvenirs the rail journey was an unforgettable experience and one I’d highly recommend taking. Despite travelling through the same landscape, the train was an altogether different experience from the Skyrail but equally enjoyable. With food, drink and comfortable seats, it was very relaxing. Please note that Gold Class on the Kuranda Scenic Railway is only available on the 9.30 and 15.30 departures (i.e. the first and last of the day).
Passengers with their own cars (like us) alighted the train at Freshwater Station from where connecting buses shuttle back to the Smithfield car park at Skyrail. Other passengers can remain on board to Cairns Central station and make their own way back from there.
It’s often said that it’s more about the journey than the destination and it was so true that day as I felt that although we enjoyed exploring the village of Kuranda and the beautiful Butterfly Sanctuary, the stars of the show were undoubtedly our journeys on both the Skyrail and Scenic Railway.
