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Stroll · Kuranda, Queensland
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
7.5 km cableway opened in 1995 between Smithfield, near Cairns, and Kuranda, over the Wet Tropics rainforest, with stops at Red Peak and the Barron Falls lookout.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The Skyrail is a 7.5 km cableway that links Smithfield, on the outskirts of Cairns, to the village of Kuranda, passing over the forest of Barron Gorge National Park, within the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. It opened in August 1995.
The gondolas climb the slope just above the treetops. There are two stations along the way: Red Peak, at about 545 meters altitude, with a rainforest boardwalk and guides who explain the plants, and Barron Falls, with lookouts over the gorge and the Barron River falls. At each station visitors disembark, walk and reboard.
The trip takes about 1½ hours each way, including the stops, and about 2½ hours round trip. Some gondolas have glass floors.
Kuranda’s terminal is in the village center, near the railway station.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ hours each way, with the stops.
Best time
In the morning, when there’s a better chance of clear skies over the range. After heavy rains, the Barron Falls stop shows the falls at higher flow.
How to get there
The Smithfield terminal is about 15 km north of Cairns city center via the Captain Cook Highway. There are transfers from accommodations in Cairns and the northern beaches.
Tip
Get off at Red Peak and at Barron Falls: the short walks are part of the experience. Those who are afraid of heights may prefer the train both ways.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
How long does the Skyrail take?
About 1 hour 30 minutes each way, including the stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls.
Where does the cableway to Kuranda start?
At the Smithfield terminal, about 15 km north of Cairns city centre. The other terminal is in Kuranda village.
Does the Skyrail stop along the way?
Yes. At Red Peak and Barron Falls stations you disembark to walk and see the forest and the falls, then return to the gondola.