Port Douglas to Kuranda tour: Skyrail and Scenic Train

Glide over rainforest, then ride the rails through waterfalls and tunnels

A small-group tour departing from Port Douglas or Palm Cove combines the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (or Scenic Train as an alternative) with a stop in Kuranda village, free entry to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and an afternoon at Palm Cove beach. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You choose between the Skyrail and Scenic Train, or book one-way travel on either. Some options add entry to Hartley's Crocodile Park. The tour runs eight hours and ends in late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kuranda tour with Skyrail and train

• Glide over rainforest on Skyrail
• Explore Kuranda arts and crafts markets
• Visit Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
• Ride Kuranda Scenic Train past waterfalls
• Walk on Palm Cove beach or sip cocktail
• Return to accommodation in late afternoon

The experience

Port Douglas sits about an hour north of Cairns, and this tour picks you up from your hotel to start the day heading inland toward the rainforest. The route splits depending on which option you book: the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glides you over the canopy on an award-winning cable car (currently running the Barron Falls loop due to seasonal maintenance), or you can choose the Scenic Train instead. Both arrive in Kuranda, the mountain village where the day opens up.

Once in Kuranda, you'll have time to wander the arts and crafts markets, browse galleries and quirky shops, and grab lunch at one of the cafes there: all at your own expense. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary sits in the village with free entry included, so you can walk through it at your own pace. After exploring, you board whichever rail journey you selected: the Scenic Train passes waterfalls, travels through tunnels carved into the mountainside, and opens onto views over the Coral Sea on the descent.

The afternoon finishes at Palm Cove, where you can walk the beach or order a cocktail overlooking the palm-fringed shoreline (drinks are at your own cost). Your hotel drop-off happens in the late afternoon, completing the eight-hour loop. A live English-speaking guide travels with the group throughout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Port Douglas or Palm Cove.
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Barron Falls loop or Scenic Train (your choice at checkout).
• free entry to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
• a live English-speaking guide for the group.

Options for this experience

3 options

Cableway or one-way Scenic TrainGuide in English · 08:00 and 10:45One-way Scenic Train/Cableway: Get extra time in the village by bus to Kuranda, then take the Scenic Train back, or ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway up to Kuranda and return by bus. Pickup is included.

Scenic Train and SkyrailGuide in English · 08:00 and 10:45Cableway and Scenic Train: Ride the award-winning Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda and enjoy free time there. Head back on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Pickup is included.

Hartley's Crocodile Park PackageGuide in English · 08:30Visit crocodiles, with a boat cruise on Hartley's lagoon, Cassowary feeding, a Wetland Tour, a Crocodile Farm Tour and crocodile feeding, then Skyrail, Kuranda Markets and the Scenic Train, with Palm Cove on the way home. Includes entry to Hartley's with boat cruise, morning tea, and a 20-seater deluxe coach bus. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 10:45

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteAU$ 164

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Brett's Kuranda & Outback Tasting Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the Skyrail if you want the aerial rainforest perspective. Pick the Scenic Train if you prefer the rail journey through tunnels and waterfalls. Either way, the eight-hour loop fits a full day without requiring a separate car rental or navigation, and the small-group format means you travel with other visitors rather than alone.

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Top questions

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.

What's the difference between the Skyrail and the Scenic Train on this tour?

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glides you over the rainforest canopy on a cable car. The Scenic Train is a rail journey that passes waterfalls and travels through tunnels. You pick one when you book, or choose a one-way option on either. Both end in Kuranda and both include the same stops in the village and at Palm Cove afterward.

Is the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary included?

Yes, free entry to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda is included with every option. You explore it on your own time while you're in the village.

Does the tour include meals and drinks?

Lunch in Kuranda and cocktails at Palm Cove are at your own expense. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with the Skyrail or Scenic Train ride and butterfly sanctuary entry.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour runs eight hours total, departing from your Port Douglas or Palm Cove hotel in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. Exact pickup times depend on your accommodation. Confirm with the operator when you book.

Can I visit Hartley's Crocodile Park on this tour?

Hartley's Crocodile Park is available as an add-on option at checkout. If you select that package, entry is included. Otherwise the tour focuses on Kuranda, the Skyrail or Scenic Train, and Palm Cove.