2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Kuranda Scenic Train Tour
Reef snorkeling, rainforest canopy, and a century-old rail journey through the gorge
A 2-day tour from Cairns combining a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise with snorkeling at two outer reef sites, then a day traveling to Kuranda via Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and returning by the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Day one includes five hours at Hastings and Saxon Reef with all snorkeling gear, lunch and wine included. Day two glides above the rainforest canopy before free time in Kuranda and a scenic rail descent through hand-built tunnels and bridges over Barron Gorge.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Snorkeling
- Depart Cairns on Evolution catamaran
- Visit two Outer Great Barrier Reef locations
- Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
- Enjoy barbecue lunch onboard
- Relax with wine, cheese, and biscuits
Day 2: Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway
- Travel on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Explore rainforest and free time in Kuranda
- Return to Cairns via Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Great Barrier Reef 8h
- Kuranda Scenic Railway 2h
What’s included
- Full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef cruise with five hours at two reef sites.
- snorkeling with all equipment, personal flotation aids and life jackets.
- arrival tea, coffee and muffins on the reef day.
- barbecue lunch with salads and breads.
- complimentary glass of wine, cheese and biscuits on the return journey.
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway entry and descent into the rainforest.
- free time in Kuranda.
- Kuranda Scenic Railway return to Cairns.
- all fees and taxes.
- live guide in English, German, Chinese or Japanese.
- hotel pickup.
Times
- Every day 07:15
Before you book
Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The reef day starts early: check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns is 7:15am, and the Evolution catamaran departs at 8am sharp for a five-hour visit to two outer reef locations. The boat is a 35-metre vessel with three deck spaces, and snorkeling equipment is included. You can also add a scuba dive or helicopter flight for extra cost if you want to go deeper. Lunch is a barbecue cooked onboard with salads and breads, and the return journey includes a glass of wine with cheese and biscuits.
Day two takes you to Kuranda by a different route than most visitors take. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glides you metres above the canopy of the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest, then descends so you can walk through it at ground level. After free time exploring Kuranda's streets, you board the Kuranda Scenic Railway (the original rail line built over 100 years ago), for the return to Cairns. The journey crosses bridges and passes through hand-made tunnels carved through Barron Gorge National Park, a route that counts as one of the world's great railway journeys.
A live guide in English, German, Chinese or Japanese travels with you, and pickup is included. Special dietary requirements can be arranged with 24 hours' notice. If you add a scuba dive, you'll need to complete a medical questionnaire, and divers over 65 require a physician's clearance. Diving within 24 hours before a flight is not permitted.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want a fixed reef itinerary with an early departure, then a self-paced day exploring Kuranda between the Skyrail and train.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, German, Chinese and Japanese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How much time do you actually spend in the water snorkeling on the reef day?
You have five hours at the reef sites, with snorkeling included and all equipment provided. The boat visits two outer locations (Hastings and Saxon Reef), so you can choose where to enter the water.
What is the Kuranda Scenic Railway actually like?
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is the original rail line to Kuranda, built over 100 years ago by North Queensland pioneers. It travels through hand-made tunnels and over bridges through Barron Gorge National Park and the World Heritage rainforest, making it one of the world's notable railway journeys.
Can you add a scuba dive if you only want to snorkel on the reef day?
Yes, scuba dives can be purchased directly with the operator before travel for an additional cost. If you choose to dive, you'll need to complete a medical questionnaire and confirm you're fit to dive.
Is accommodation included in this 2-day package?
Accommodation is not included. The package covers the reef cruise, Skyrail entry, the Kuranda train ride, and meals on the reef day, but you'll need to arrange your own lodging in Cairns between the two days.
2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Kuranda Scenic Train Tour
2d · EN · DE +2 · at your hotel
from AU$ 380 per person
≈ US$ 271 in your currency
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