We only have two days to enjoy and discover Cairns and its surrounding towns before we pick up our campervan for our ultimate road trip. In saying this, we decided to do the Cairns to Kuranda day trip as it seems more feasible, especially with kids.
How to Get to Kuranda from Cairns
There are two interesting and fun ways to get to Kuranda from Cairns (and back) if you are planning to do a day trip only. You can depart and return by either the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Of course, you can always drive to Kuranda but you will miss the fun of gliding on a cable car just metres above a World Heritage tropical rainforest and riding a train passing through waterfalls and breathtaking mountain views.
Cairns to Kuranda by Skyrail
This is a sky cable system that consists of 114 gondolas. It is a unique way to get to Kuranda as you can glide on top of the rainforest with amazing views and make a couple of stops along the way.
Where Does the Skyrail Depart From?
If you choose to ride the Skyrail from Cairns to Kuranda, you have to drive to Smithfield, a suburb just around 15 minutes north of Cairns CBD. The Skyrail departs at Smithfield Terminal. From there, you can purchase tickets for the Skyrail.
If you do not have a car, you can opt to book online for the Skyrail ride and look for booking sites that include hotel pickup.
From Kuranda, the Skyrail departs at Kuranda Skyrail Terminal which is very easy to find and within walking distance to and from Kuranda markets.
What to Expect in the Skyrail Experience
Expect panoramic ocean and mountain views from the top while you are floating above the rainforest.
In transit to Kuranda, there are 2 stops that you can make for free, all included in the Skyrail experience.
First is at Red Peak where kids can stretch and enjoy the long boardwalk along the rainforest. You can also opt to join a guided walk with one of the rangers, where you can learn in-depth knowledge about the flora and fauna of the rainforest.
Second is at Barron Falls where you can find another boardwalk loop and the Edge Lookout. This lookout is made mostly of glass, overlooking Barron Falls with all its beauty.
You can spend as much time as you please at these two stops and hop back on the Skyrail going to Kuranda at any time.
How Long is the Skyrail Trip from Cairns to Kuranda?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the 2 stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls
How much Does it Cost?
It may vary depending on where you book, as there are so many travel booking sites you can find online. However, this price is from the official Skyrail Website, which I find to be the cheapest.
For a one-way trip either from Cairns to Kuranda or Kuranda to Cairns:
Adult $57.00
Child (4-14 years) $28.50
Family (2 Ad + 2Ch) $142.50
For a return trip:
Adult $85.00
Child (4-14 years) $42.50
Family (2 Ad + 2Ch) $212.50
Cairns to Kuranda by Train
The vintage-looking train transporting you from Kuranda to Cairns (and vice versa) is definitely one for the books. This is a railway experience bringing you within arms reach to the UNESCO World Heritage Kuranda Rainforest.
Where Does the Scenic Railway Depart From?
From Cairns, you can purchase tickets and depart from Cairns Railway Station located right within Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
The train also operates from Freshwater Railway Station. Departing from here is more suitable for those driving as Freshwater is 15 minutes away from Cairns.
From Kuranda, head to Kuranda Railway Station, just next to the Skyrail Terminal and is only a 5-10 minute walk from Kuranda Markets.
What is Included in the Scenic Railway Experience?
Throughout the journey, there is an audio commentary providing very interesting information about the Wet Tropics and nearby attractions.
There are also drinking water stations provided in each carriage, which comes very handy especially during the warm weather.
The train ride makes a 10-minute stop at Barron Falls Lookout, where travelling guests can hop off and stretch while taking photos. Moreover, there is a 5-minute stop at Freshwater Railway Station for guests hopping on and hopping off.
How Long is the Travel Time?
Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes (including the 2 stops at Barron Falls Lookout and Freshwater Railway Station
How much Does it Cost?
For fares, class options and departure times, you can find more details from the official Kuranda Scenic Railway website. Prices from their website for Heritage Class are as follows:
For a Heritage Class one-way trip:
Adult $50.00
Child (4-14 years) $25.00
Family (2 Ad + 2Ch) $125.00
For a Heritage Class return trip:
Adult $76.00
Child (4-14 years) $38.00
Family (2 Ad + 2Ch) $190.00
A Combination of the Skyrail and Scenic Railway
Going to and from Kuranda, we booked a round trip ticket from the official Skyrail Rainforest Cableway website. Aside from being the cheapest among other booking sites, they also offer a bus pick up from our hotel in Cairns going to Smithfield Terminal, for only a fraction of a cost.
Cost:
For a combination return trip Skyrail + Scenic Railway (including hotel pickup from Cairns City):
Adult $117.00
Child (4-14 years) $58.50
Family (2 Ad + 2Ch) $292.50
Things to Do in Kuranda with Kids
In addition to the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail experience, there are still more interesting and fun things to do while in Kuranda:
Kuranda Markets
Kuranda has 2 markets, the Kuranda Heritage Markets and Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets. Both are surrounded by shops and restaurants offering great food, locally sourced produce, handmade goods, arts and crafts, souvenirs and whatnot.
We really favor the ambience, colours and feel as we were walking through Kuranda Original Markets. It has such a carefree and happy vibe that we very much like. Along our walk, we came across a free kids’ corner for kids to draw, colour and paint. It was such a treat for our girls.
Butterfly Sanctuary
This is known as the largest butterfly aviary and exhibit in Australia. The aviary houses around 1500 free-flying butterflies. Interestingly they also have a laboratory that offers educational facts about the life cycle of butterflies and their ecosystem.
This is a learning and at the same time fun experience for kids, as they see a plethora of colourful butterflies.
Kuranda Birdworld
This is home to over 60 species of exotic birds. You can wander around the enclosed sanctuary and meet a variety of birds. Make sure to buy some bird food before your walk to get their attention, and if you get lucky they may even land on your shoulders.
Koala Gardens
Located right next to Kuranda Birdworld, Koala Gardens offers a great range of wildlife. Kids can have the opportunity to feed kangaroos and wallabies, hold koalas up close and personal and see other wildlife such as crocodiles, wombats and snakes.
Kuranda Riverboat Tour
This is a must-do at Kuranda. A tranquil 45-minute boat ride along the river passing through the tropical rainforest. This is a relaxing experience where you can just enjoy the scenery while listening to interesting information about the rainforest and its wildlife.
Kuranda Visitor Information Centre and Nearby Playground
You can drop by the information centre to help plan your itinerary, and then sit back and relax while letting the kids run loose and burn all their energy in the adjacent park and playground.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For the Skyrail and Scenic Railway experience, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid long queues and any unexpected hurdles on your trip such as tickets selling out on your preferred times.
- Operating days for the Skyrail and Scenic Railway may vary, so make sure you check their website to avoid disappointment.
- We highly recommend making the 2 stops during the Skyrail experience. The Edge Lookout is nothing short of spectacular.
- Make sure you don’t miss the train after the 10-minute stop at Barron Falls Lookout, as there are no other trips going to Cairns after that.
- If you do not have a car, the combination (Skyrail and Scenic Railway) return trip with hotel pickup is the most convenient way for a Cairns to Kuranda day trip, plus you get to experience both train and cableway, which is a win-win.
- We opt to start with the Skyrail from Cairns and return via the Scenic Railway from Kuranda as the train station in Kuranda is worth spending time on. If you are staying in the city, it is also more convenient since the railway station is located within the CBD. This means home is just a short walk away.
- If you do depart from Kuranda Railway Station, allow at least an hour or two before your departure time to get there as the station has a charming, Instagram-worthy cafe. Surrounded by a variety of beautiful plants, it is definitely a great place to sit back and relax on a good cup of coffee while waiting for your train to depart.
- To be able to enjoy and explore Kuranda at your own relaxed pace, leave at the earliest departure time from Cairns.
- When visiting the butterfly sanctuary, it is recommended to wear the colours white, hot pink and red as butterflies are attracted to these colours. Doing so will increase the possibility of butterflies landing on you.
- Do not wear any jewelry or loose items such as hats or sunnies when going to the Birdworld. The fun but cheeky birds are very curious and clever and may snatch these items from you.
- Check the schedule for the riverboat cruise and plan ahead what time you want to do the ride to avoid missing it in the end, as there are only limited departure times.
The Wrap Up: Cairns to Kuranda Day Trip
A day trip to Kuranda is definitely a must-do when you are in Cairns. It is a good escape from the city, easily accessible and does not require a lot of time for planning.
Given the limited information and time I had with regards to planning this Cairns to Kuranda trip, it all turned out to be a really fun day for everyone. From the bus pick up at our hotel to capping off the trip with a fascinating train ride home, everything was well worth it.
