Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

The world’s most beautiful rainforest experience

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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Embark on a fascinating journey of discovery

Located 15 minutes north of Cairns, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway provides visitors with a unique and breathtaking view of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Once you travel on Skyrail, you’ll see why it’s called ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience.’ The idea was conceived in 1987 and it took seven years of feasibility studies, an environmental impact study, and approvals from local, state, and federal governments and the local community to come to fruition. 

Construction began in 1994 and required innovative techniques for this sensitive Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Costing $35 million, Skyrail opened to the public in 1995 to provide guests with a unique opportunity, and a world first - to see and experience the rainforest in a safe and environmentally friendly way. Skyrail has since become a local, national, and international success story, winning dozens of awards for business, environment, and tourism development. 

Your tropical North Queensland adventure awaits!

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
7
days

Unpack once for 6 nights in 5-star luxury at the Shangri-La The Marina Cairns. Experience an authentic welcome ‘smoking’ ceremony with our indigenous guide through Mossman Gorge. We’ll dive into Green Island on a half-day tour including a Glass Bottom Boast cruise; embark on an outback trip on a full day tour to Chillagoe Caves; relax on a cruise along the Daintree River and stroll the white sandy beaches at Cape Tribulation. Finish the tour feeling refreshed whilst cruising along the Barron River in Kuranda and enjoy your last night with an exclusive private twilight tour at the Cairns Aquarium.

Where the rainforest meets the reef

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a ‘must-do’ when you visit Tropical North Queensland. 

Most tourists combine Skyrail with the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway for a magical rainforest adventure. Built over 130 years ago, this charming train winds its way through the mountains between Cairns and Kuranda and is a delightful way to experience a piece of history.

Barron Falls is worth a stop too, especially if there’s been considerable rainfall. The panoramic view from The Edge Lookout is postcard-worthy, so have your camera ready. While there, you can visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre and Historical Precinct. Once in Kuranda, allow time to wander around this magical village, home to the famous Kuranda Markets.

The world’s most beautiful rainforest experience

An unmissable attraction

When Skyrail opened to the public in 1995 it was the world’s longest gondola cableway stretching 7.5 kilometres. It had 47 gondolas and carried 300 people per hour. In May 1997, 67 gondolas were added, enabling Skyrail to carry 700 people per hour. In December 2013, Skyrail introduced 11 Diamond View glass floor gondolas. These allow visitors an even more amazing perspective of the rainforest below. 

Over the years, Skyrail has forged a reputation as an iconic, eco-tourism attraction for visitors from near and far and remains the most environmentally sensitive cableway project in the world.

View our Tropical North Queensland Tours.

Frequently asked questions

What can you see on Skyrail?

Skyrail provides a unique opportunity for a bird’s eye view of one of the world’s most ancient landscapes. You’ll feel the serenity as you glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy, immersing yourself in this fascinating area's sights, sounds, and smells.

How long does Skyrail take to complete?

Skyrail takes one and a half hours to complete a one-way trip, including stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. You can hop off at either of these stops and take time to explore. You can enjoy a complimentary Boardwalk Tour with a Ranger at Red Peak and visit the Rainforest Discovery Zone.

Where does Skyrail start?

You can start your journey either at the ‘Reef’ end at the Smithfield terminus travelling up the mountain before disembarking at the quaint village of Kuranda, or do the reverse and take Skyrail from the rainforest end and head ‘downhill.’

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