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Skyrail Return | Self Drive

Travel in a 6-person gondola cabin with panoramic views and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the rainforest. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway travels between Cairns and Kuranda Village, offering breathtaking views of the city, the Barron Falls, and the lush tropical rainforest below.

The Cairns station is conveniently located at Smithfield, just 15 minutes north of Cairns City. From here, you'll board the cable car and glide just meters above the rainforest canopy, descending through the canopy layers and deep into the heart of the rainforest. You'll be amazed at the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you on this incredible 7.5km journey.

Make sure to take advantage of Skyrail's two rainforest mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls. Here, you'll have the ultimate tropical rainforest experience, surrounded by the sights and sounds of this unique ecosystem. 

Planning your Return Skyrail Experience
The Return Skyrail expaerience can take 3 - 5 hours depending how long you spend at the Skyrail Stations.
A one-way Skyrail experience takes approximately 45 minutes without stopping at the stations. 
We reccomend visiting the Skyrail Stations on your return Journey to maximise your time in Kuranda.

Retun Skyrail Time Options

• Depart Smithfiled 09am | Depart Kuranda 12pm
• Depart Smithfiled 10am | Depart Kuranda 01pm
• Depart Smithfiled 11am | Depart Kuranda 02pm
• Depart Smithfiled 12pm | Depart Kuranda 03pm

Skyrail Smithfield Terminal
Located just 15 minutes drive from Cairns and 50 minutes from Port Douglas. Self-drive passengers will find Skyrail's location easily accessible with free car parking for your Car, RV or Caravan.
Skyrail Smithfield also features an electric vehicle charging station.
Skyrail's Canopy Cafe and retail shop is located at the Smithfield Terminal, open from 8.00am.

Red Peak Skyrail Station
Lush rainforest surroundings including the towering 400 year-old Kauri Pine. Interpretive boardwalk tour with Skyrail Ranger available throughout the day.

• Complimentary Ranger Guided Boardwalk Tour
• Rainforest Discovery Zone
• Rainforest Boardwalk Loop
• Scenic Lookout

Barron Falls Skyrail Station
Enjoy spectacular views of the Barron Gorge, state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts and historical displays

• The Edge Lookout
• Historical Precinct
• CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre
• Panoramic gorge & waterfall views

Skyrail Kuranda Terminal
Located next to the Kuranda Scenic Rail Station and a short walk from the famous village of Kuranda. 

Kuranda Village
Kuranda also known as “The Village in the Rainforest”, is located 300m above sea level and enjoys a climate cooler and less humid than Cairns. 

At Kuranda, you’ll discover a variety of unique attractions, including the bustling village markets, the internationally renowned Rainforestation, Bird World, and the colourful Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
It is an exciting and vibrant community offering a unique blend of indigenous culture, pioneering heritage, alternative lifestyles and the many artistic talents of its inhabitants. Many popular Aboriginal artists live locally and sell their art in the village craft shops and galleries.

Kuranda’s Original & Heritage Markets operate Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 am through until 3.00 pm. 
Rainforest and Riverside walks are easily accessible from the Village centre and the Barron falls which are an awesome sight to see (especially during the wet season) are just a short drive from the village.

• Heritage Markets – Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3.30pm
• Original Rainforest Market – Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30am – 3pm

Kuranda Riverboat Cruise
The Riverboat Cruise is Just a short walk from the Kuranda Skyrail Station.  This 45 minute Riverboat cruise provides great photographic opportunities whilst your local guides share their vast knowledge of  the beautiful upland Barron River.  The river is home to a host of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, snakes, water dragons and fish together with over 100 species of tropical birds.

Kuranda Koala Gardens
Koala Gardens is wildlife attraction located at the heritage markets. Koala Gardens gives you the opportunity to see some of Australia's most unique wildlife up close.

Birdworld
A must see in Kuranda Birdworld has the largest collection of free-flying birds in Australia. See the spectacular birds at home in their huge flight aviary, landscaped with lakes, ponds and waterfalls. There are more than 75 species of native birds including Regent Bowerbirds, parrots and the endangered Cassowary. Hand feeding opportunities are available and remember to bring your camera!

Butterfly Sanctuary
At the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary more than 1500 colourful tropical butterflies - all residents of the local area - flutter around their enclosure in complete safety.
This is Australias‘s largest live butterfly display. In a lushly landscaped enclosure with running stream and native tropical plants, literally hundreds of brilliantly coloured butterflies will surround you, including the flashing, dancing electric-blue Ulysses, regarded by many as the unofficial emblem of Tropical North Queensland. Wear something bright (either red or white) and entice the butterflies to land on you!

Skyrail Smithfield Terminal
Located just 15 minutes drive from Cairns and 50 minutes from Port Douglas. Self-drive passengers will find Skyrail's location easily accessible with free car parking for your Car, RV or Caravan.
Skyrail Smithfield also features an electric vehicle charging station. Please check in 10 minutes before you departure time.