A journey on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway will offer you spectacular aerial views of the untouched World Heritage-listed rainforests of Northern Queensland. Fully-enclosed glass gondolas will carry you and up to five other people just metres over the forest canopy. The 7.5 kilometre route takes in some of the highlights of the area, including Barron Falls and Kuranda.
The Skyrail departs from Caravonica Terminal, just 15 minutes away from Cairns and 50 minutes from Port Douglas, at the foot of the McAlister Range. Stop in the Canopy Café or browse the souvenir shop in the terminal building if you have time to spare before your departure.
The first leg of the journey up over the forested mountain-side provides wonderful views both of the canopy below and out over the Coral Sea. You’ll even be able to see the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll then descend through the lush vegetation to the first of the two midpoint stations, Red Peak. Here, you can step out of the gondola and explore the forest along the 175-metre boardwalk.
Barron Falls Station is the next stop, where three different lookout spots offer you amazing views of the deep Barron Gorge and thundering waterfalls. The station building also houses the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre where visual interactive exhibits will teach you all about the complex rainforest ecosystem. You can also join the Djabugay Aboriginal Tour which last 40 minutes, for insights into the local Aboriginal history and culture.
The Skyrail journey finishes at the Kuranda Terminal, just a short walk from Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest. Here you’ll find many cafés and restaurants, as well as the famous markets selling local arts and crafts. Make sure you spend some time exploring the art galleries and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.
You can book either one-way or return tickets for the Skyrail. There is a discount for families, and children under four ride free. There are plenty of parking spaces at the Caravonica Terminal, or you can use the coach service that departs from selected hotels in and around Cairns. Skyrail operates every day except Christmas Day.
