Experience the Magic | Skyrail Cairns Review and Highlights [2025]

By Elly McGuinness

The Cairns Skyrail rainforest cableway is a must-consider experience for families exploring Far North Queensland. Spanning a remarkable 7.5 kilometers above the vibrant canopy, this aerial cableway allows visitors to glide above the treetops while soaking in the stunning sights and sounds of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest beneath.

We were super grateful to receive a family trip on the Cairns Skyrail cableway to enjoy the beautiful rainforest views and spend time in the idyllic village of Kuranda. Let’s get straight into our Skyrail Cairns review so you can discover everything you need to know before booking your day trip.

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Overview of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

The Cairns Skyrail rainforest cableway is an award-winning eco-tourism experience that offers a breathtaking journey over the lush Australian rainforest.

It’s a unique alternative to the Kuranda Scenic Railway, providing a bird’s-eye perspective above the forest floor. The gondola cabins give you excellent views of the diverse flora and fauna below.

In addition to its majestic vistas, the Skyrail cableway Cairns is renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The cableway utilizes eco-friendly technologies and practices to minimize its ecological footprint.

Interpretive signage along the route provides insight into the area’s rich biodiversity and the importance of conserving this precious ecosystem, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the rainforest.

A Skyrail gondola glides over the ancient rainforest of Far North Queensland on a sunny day with wispy mist floating in the air.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns Location and How to Get There

The Skyrail rainforest cableway is in tropical North Queensland, just north of Cairns City. If you book the Skyrail journey from Cairns to Kuranda village, your gondola trip begins at the Smithfield terminal.

The Smithfield Terminal is about a 13-minute drive from the Cairns Airport. It’s also less than 14 km south of the much-loved Palm Cove Beach and 55 km south of Port Douglas town.

Whether you’re traveling from Cairns, Palm Cove, or Port Douglas, the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal is easily accessible by car.

The Kuranda Skyrail terminal is just two minutes walk from the heart of Kuranda village. It’s the departure point for the Skyrail journey to Cairns.

Ayla and Romy in a Skyrail gondola about to depart the Smithfield Terminal.

Skyrail Journey Timings

The Skyrail gondolas run from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily. The last departure times from Smithfield are at 1 pm and from the Kuranda terminal at 3:30 pm.

If you’re wondering about the exact Skyrail Cairns timetable, the gondolas run continuously. At the time of booking, you can choose your desired 15-minute cable car time slot.

A one-way Skyrail journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, including plenty of time to explore at two designated rainforest mid-stations, Red Peak (the journey’s highest point) and Barron Falls.

A view of Barron Falls and the tropical rainforest stretching out beyond, as seen from The Edge Lookout, the second stop on your Skyrail journey.

The actual travel time on the gondola is about 12-15 minutes from Smithfield to Red Peak, 25-30 minutes from Red Peak station to Barron Falls station and approximately 15 minutes from Barron Falls station to the Kuranda Skyrail terminal.

You can choose how long you spend in the Kuranda rainforest village, with 2-3 hours as a general recommendation. In total, allow 5-6 hours with time spent in Kuranda for your day trip excursion.

Colin, Ayla, and Romy at the outdoor seating area of a cafe in Kuranda Village.

Our Skyrail Experience and Trip Highlights

The Skyrail is a popular tourist attraction in Cairns, and we were impressed at how seamless the experience was, from start to finish. There was a decent lineup of people when we arrived, but we only waited about 10 minutes until boarding time. Before we knew it, we were gliding above the treetops and marveling at vistas across the Coral Sea behind us.

A Skyrail gondola glides over ancient rainforest with views of North Cairns and the Coral Sea beyond.

Skyrail has an app you can play during the ride for a commentary about the rainforest and its main features. Or, you can opt for a quiet ride and simply soak up the breathtaking views of the ancient rainforest.

The Cairns rainforest Skyrail runs rain or shine, boasting an enchanting ambiance that shifts with the weather. It rained for much of our journey to Kuranda but stopped as we neared the village, giving way to an ethereal mist and clear skies.

A glorious view of the tropical rainforest between Cairns and Kuranda, as seen from a Skyrail gondola.

Red Peak and Barron Falls

Unfortunately, the rainforest boardwalks at Red Peak were closed on our outbound and return journeys due to the weather. Instead, we enjoyed learning interesting facts from the (undercover) interpretive signage. We’ll have to return another time for the complete boardwalk experience!

Despite the rain on our outbound journey, we still enjoyed the Barron Gorge in all its glory. Our visit fell in the middle of the rainy season, so the cascading water at Barron Falls was in full force, a spectacular sight to behold. Skyrail supplies umbrellas so you won’t get completely soaked if your trip falls on a rainy day.

The majestic Barron Falls as seen from a Skyrail viewpoint on a rainy day.

Barron Falls station features rainforest boardwalks with a few different viewing areas. Check them out to maximize your experience and snap some excellent photos for lasting memories. We also visited Barron Falls again on our trip back to Cairns when the sun was out, and it was fascinating to see how they transformed with the change in lighting.

After spending time at Barron Falls and visiting the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, we continued our ascent, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest canopy before arriving in Kuranda village.

An overhead view of the serene Barron River lined with lush greenery, as seen from a Skyrail gondola.

The Gorgeous Village of Kuranda

Upon arriving at the Kuranda terminal, we were immediately captivated by the charm of this quaint village nestled in the rainforest. The village has a bohemian vibe, with an array of markets, shops, and eateries lining the main street.

We found somewhere to eat lunch on the main street before heading to the village playground (got to keep the five-year-old happy!). We also spent time meandering the gorgeous heritage markets and took a peek at the Kuranda railway station on the Barron River.

Ayla stands on a footbridge over the Kuranda Scenic Railway next to the station in Kuranda.

Depending on your preferences, available time, and budget, there are several other things to do in Kuranda. Check out more than 350 free-roaming rainforest birds at Birdworld Kuranda. The Kuranda Koala Gardens and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary are also excellent family-friendly activity options.

We would have loved to visit the Batreach Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, but they are only open by appointment on specific days. Therefore, we have many reasons to return to Kuranda!

Ayla stands in front of a plane wreck immersed in its green tropical surroundings next to the Heritage markets in Kuranda village.

Our Skyrail Cableway Journey Back to the Smithfield Terminal

Departing from the Kuranda terminal, we were excited to experience the Diamond View upgrade for our trip back to the Smithfield terminal. The Skyrail Diamond View gondolas offer an enhanced scenic experience with glass bottoms, perfect for unobstructed tropical rainforest views.

Colin, Ayla and Romy stand on bright green grass surrounded by lush tropical vegetation in front of the Skyrail Kuranda terminal.

The Diamond View gondolas depart approximately every seven minutes. You get priority boarding benefits because you won’t need to wait in line with those boarding a normal gondola carriage.

Of course, you might need to wait a while if others have booked a Diamond View gondola. However, in our experience, there were longer waiting times for the normal gondola carriages.

We loved peering through the glass floor from our gondola seats, and our kids enjoyed sitting on the glass floor and marveling at the tropical mountain ranges below.

Romy and Ayla sit on the floor of a Diamond View, glass-bottomed Skyrail gondola with views of the lush tropical rainforest below.

As mentioned earlier, it was fantastic to have the opportunity to see the waterfalls at the Barron Gorge for a second time since our outbound journey was rather rainy!

Ticket Options for the Cairns Rainforest Skyrail and Kuranda Railway

The Cairns-Kuranda Skyrail has several booking options, including family rates. For the most budget-friendly ticket, you could book a one-way journey in either direction and arrange your own transport for the other direction. For example, we saw a sign in Kuranda village advertising one-way shuttle bus transportation to Cairns for $15.

There are several return journey options, including a self-drive tour option or bus transfer. You can book a return Skyrail ticket or even a Kuranda Railway Combo. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a historic rail journey through the beautiful rainforest.

By choosing a combination package, you discover this awe-inspiring environment from two perspectives. The Kuranda Scenic Railway also stops in the Barron Gorge, allowing you to view the falls from another angle.

A majestic view of the Barron Gorge as seen from one of the Skyrail viewing platforms for Barron Falls.

In 2025, the ticket price for a combined Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway package is $135 per adult and $73.50 per child.

The ticket price for a Skyrail-only experience ranges from $68 per adult/$34 per child (one way) to $123 per adult/$73.50 per child for a round trip with bus transfer. It’s an extra $31 per person for the Diamond View upgrade.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway and Cairns Skyrail prices are subject to change, so please check the Cairns Skyrail website for the latest prices and to book tickets.

A stunning view of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest near Cairns with the hills beyond, as seen from a Skyrail gondola.

Tour Options for Cairns Rainforest Cableway

You can also book day tours and multi-day tours that include a guided Cairns Skyrail experience. For example, this small-group day trip is a combination package with Skyrail and the Kuranda Railway, including a guide.

Those seeking the ultimate multi-day tour can check out this 3-day tour of Cairn’s top attractions. It includes a full-day outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise, a combination package with Skyrail and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and a full-day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour.

Frequently asked questions about Cairns Skyrail

To finish our Skyrail rainforest cableway review, the following covers the most frequently asked questions about the Cairns-Kuranda Skyrail experience.

A view looking down on the tropical rainforest of Far North Queensland from a Skyrail glass-bottom gondola.

Is the Skyrail Cairns worth it?

Yes, the Skyrail Cairns is worth it for the breathtaking views of the tropical rainforest, waterfalls, and surrounding landscapes. The experience of gliding above the treetops in the gondola, combined with the educational stops along the way, makes it a unique and memorable adventure for all ages.

How long does it take to do the Skyrail in Cairns?

To fully enjoy the Skyrail experience in Cairns, you should allow around 5-6 hours in total. This includes approximately 90 minutes for each gondola ride and 2-3 hours to explore the beautiful village of Kuranda.

Is it better to go up or down on Skyrail?

It depends on personal preference, but the route is the same, so the experience is similar. Taking the Skyrail rainforest cableway in either direction allows you to enjoy the changing landscapes and appreciate the lush rainforest below.

Is Cairns Skyrail airconditioned?

No, Cairns Skyrail gondolas are not air-conditioned. However, they are designed with large windows, allowing natural airflow and stunning panoramic views. The open-air experience enhances the adventure, allowing guests to feel more connected to the rainforest surroundings.

Ayla smiles for a photo inside a Skyrail gondola with views of the tropical ancient rainforest in the background.

Skyrail Cairns Review | In Conclusion

In conclusion, Skyrail Cairns offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the stunning beauty of Queensland’s tropical rainforest. This must-do activity combines adventure and natural beauty, making it a memorable day out for the whole family. We loved it and hope we can return again!

Family selfie of Romy, Ayla, Elly and Colin in front of Barron Falls.

P.S. Stay tuned for our next article about the best things to do in Cairns with kids. We will also visit other parts of Queensland in 2025, so stay tuned for other blog posts coming soon!

If you’re traveling to Queensland, you might also want to read about these family-friendly walks in Noosa. Or, for destinations further south in Australia, check out these fantastic things to do in Melbourne, Phillip Island, and the Dandenong Ranges with kids.


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About the Author Elly McGuinness
Elly is a former holistic health and fitness professional turned content creator. A full time slow-traveling digital nomad since 2017 and unschooling mama of two, she offers premium ghostwriting services and brand partnering opportunities for the health, fitness, and travel industries.

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