What Is the Kuranda Scenic Railway?

We’ll introduce how to book the Kuranda Scenic Railway, how to ride it, and also the Skyrail.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a tourist train operating in Queensland, Australia. With over 100 years of history, its charm lies in offering an experience unlike ordinary railways—you travel through tropical rainforest around Kuranda.

In addition to the railway, there’s the Skyrail cable car, which lets you explore the rainforest from above. What highlights await on this brand-new World Heritage adventure?

The Kuranda Scenic Railway (also called the Kuranda Highland Train) is a railway that links the city of Cairns to the tropical‐rainforest village of Kuranda, covering just under 40 km. It opened in 1891, giving it a history of well over 100 years.

No commuter services run on this line. Instead, it winds through the World Heritage–listed rainforest mountain ranges and even pauses around the Barron Falls for viewing—making it very much a sightseeing train. There are two stations where passengers may alight en route.

This railway is also featured in the opening footage of the TV program Sekai no Shasō kara (“From the World’s Train Windows”).

Queensland’s Wet Tropics

Northeast of Australia, in Queensland’s major city Cairns, lies the land‐based World Heritage site “Wet Tropics of Queensland,” which parallels the marine World Heritage “Great Barrier Reef.”

The Wet Tropics comprise hundreds of national parks and reserves of ancient rainforest—said to be the oldest on Earth—and are critically important for conserving flora and fauna, including many endangered species.

From the windows of the Kuranda Scenic Railway you can enjoy views of the Barron Gorge rainforest and waterfalls, as well as, in the distance, the Great Barrier Reef.

Kuranda Village

Departing from Cairns, the train terminates at Kuranda Village, set over 300 m above sea level in the heart of the rainforest.

Kuranda has long been home to Aboriginal peoples with their own unique culture, and today it’s a popular spot where you can enjoy both authentic Australian character and the great outdoors.

How to Book the Kuranda Scenic Railway

Tickets for the Kuranda Scenic Railway can be booked online in advance or purchased at the station on the day. Because this train runs primarily for sightseeing, services are limited.

To avoid the risk of being unable to buy a ticket on the day, it’s best to reserve ahead of time.

Same-day purchase: Ticket counter at Cairns Station (also handles Skyrail tickets).

*Skyrail boarding is at Caravonica Station, so please be aware.

Seating Classes

Standard carriage: Box seats (4 side-by-side or 8 facing each other); share window seats fairly to enjoy the view.

Gold Class: Sofa-style seats, with alcohol and light snacks served—ideal for a more relaxed journey.

What Is Skyrail?

Skyrail is a six-person gondola winding through the rainforest canopy, offering an extraordinary aerial stroll.

Duration: About 1½ hours from Cairns to Kuranda Village, with optional stops at intermediate stations.

Frequency: Cars run continuously like a ski lift—no need to rush back.

Tip: Small groups often share gondolas; if you’d prefer to ride mostly with fellow Japanese speakers, look to form a nearer-six-person group.

Mixing Train & Skyrail

Although Skyrail and the Kuranda Scenic Railway follow almost the same route, each offers its own unique perspective—one from the air, the other on land.

Round-trip discounts are available, but many travelers choose the train one way and Skyrail the other for the full experience.

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What Is the Kuranda Scenic Railway? | How to Book, How to Ride, etc.