Sponsored by Karunda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Cairns is blessed to be on the doorstep of a number of the most unimaginable pure websites. It’s the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef, the gorgeous Tropical North Queensland seashores, and the untamed jungles of the Moist Tropics World Heritage Rainforest.
When you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Cairns that supply the most effective views of nature and an exciting expertise wrapped up in a single, then a experience on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway shouldn’t go amiss.
These two points of interest go hand in hand, since they each supply a technique to attain Kuranda Village within the Atherton Tablelands.
We took the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway going up, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway down. That is normally the most typical technique to do it, however you are able to do it in any order you want.
However what’s the expertise like? And the way does all of it work? On this information, we’ll let you know every thing you have to find out about visiting these two Cairns points of interest.
A Transient Historical past of the Kuranda Skyrail Cableway
The Kuranda Skyrail expertise was opened in August 1995, and on the time was the longest gondola cableway on this planet.
There’s fairly a narrative behind its development. As a result of it working above a World Heritage-protected nationwide park, there was no entry to the forest by highway to construct the towers supporting the cableway.
Building staff and engineers needed to hike out and in every day sporting protecting gear over their sneakers so they didn’t harm such a divine atmosphere.
The fabric for the towers needed to be dropped in a bit by piece by helicopters! So you may relaxation assured that no a part of the Moist Tropics World Heritage Rainforest was damage within the course of.
Our Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Expertise
The Skyrail Cableway is only a 15 minute drive outdoors of Cairns and departs from the Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal.
The expertise begins with an open-air gondola, or cover glider, which travels for 7.5 km, simply metres above the highest of the pristine rainforest for a deeper have a look at this fascinating a part of the world.
Tropical North Queensland is considered one of my favourite areas of Australia.
The views out to Cairns and the luxurious rainforest of the Tableland Valley had been spectacular.
The Kuranda Skyrail cableway expertise takes about 1.5 hours a method, which incorporates two stopovers alongside the way in which.
Is Diamond View on Skyrail price it?
We had been within the Diamond View Gondola (additional $15 grownup, $7.50 baby), which supplies you a glass backside flooring. These carriages can carry a most of 5 passengers.
In case your nerves are as much as it, it’s positively price paying the additional, as you will have stunning views all the way down to the various vibrant shades of inexperienced of the cover in various vibrant shades of inexperienced.
When an area within the thick foliage opened up we might even peek approach down the underside layer of ferns scrambling for the daylight on the forest flooring.
We, after all, needed to do the compulsory foot shot on the glass flooring.
Kuranda Skyrail Cableway Stations
The Skyrail Cableway is 7.5 km lengthy so after all it might want to cease in just a few locations for all guests to stretch their legs. Listed below are a number of the practice stations it stops off at and what you may see.
Purple Peak Station
On the first cease, the gondola descends into the rainforest cover at Purple Peak. Enable for about 20 minutes to discover this fascinating dwelling of lush fern gardens, climbing palms, uncommon butterflies, birds and large kauri timber. There’s a Rainforest discovery zone, boardwalk loop and scenic lookout.
Verify for occasions at no cost ranger-guided excursions so you may be taught slightly extra concerning the natural world of the world.
Barron Falls Station
Coming into Barron Falls Station you’re going to get glimpses of Barron Falls Gorge. Hop off and spend time absorbing the views of Barron Falls, referred to as Din Din to the Djabuganydji individuals.
Regardless that we visited at a time when the water stage was not excessive, it was spectacular to think about what it have to be like in full stream in the course of the moist season, which is December to March.
There’s a little bit of historical past within the space left over from the hydroelectric days. Stroll alongside the trail to take a look at the outdated flying fox used to move individuals and items throughout the gorge in the course of the development of the ability station.
There’s a rainforest interpretation centre, which is sweet for the children to be taught slightly extra about why that is such a particular and guarded space. Pay attention to any roaming cassowaries, that are ceaselessly noticed within the space.
The Edge Lookout is to not be missed. Enable for about 20 minutes at this Skyrail cease.
Replace: You used to have the ability to do a Djabugay Guided Aboriginal Rainforest Stroll the place you had been guided by the rainforest by the forest’s conventional homeowners, however sadly that is not in operation. 🙁
Kuranda Village
Kuranda is a quaint hinterland village, also known as the hippy village of the Atherton Tablelands. Though don’t expect the markets to be something like Byron Bay or Bellingen.
There’s not quite a bit to see and do though loads of the individuals in our group raved concerning the Kuranda Koala Gardens, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and Birdworld. At this stage, we had been getting slightly wildlife out and have seen loads of butterflies already. So we handed.
There are just a few market areas, and once more, resulting from being kinda marketed out, we weren’t that overly smitten by them.
When you’re not marketed out and want to do some purchasing, the Kuranda Village Markets promote arts and craft, native handicrafts, jewelry, garments, and items. You can too discover paintings by the Kuranda Arts Co-Operative, that are items by native artists.
I did discover (or it selected me) probably the most divine mookite crystal from Western Australia. How might you not be drawn to the patterns and colors on this rock?
It got here proper within the midst of my full awe and fascination with the Aboriginal lifestyle and knowledge so I simply had to purchase it.
It’s a sacred rock that was utilized by the aboriginal tribes in particular ceremonies to attach with the Dreamtime and spirit world. I additionally learn on-line that it helps scale back the indicators of growing old!
Self-importance comes racing in! It sits by my mattress each night to work its magic!
The village additionally has many quirky cafes, minigolf, home-made ice cream stalls, and boat cruises alongside the Barron River or military duck excursions (amphibious automobile) by the Rainforestation Nature Park.
Head over to The Edge Lookout, for some unimaginable views throughout Barron Gorge Nationwide Park.
The Rainforest Stroll
We determined to stroll again to Kuranda Railway station for our return journey dwelling through the three km rainforest stroll.
This was an attractive boardwalk, my favorite half was the ultimate stretch alongside the esplanade and river. There was probably the most divine afternoon mild which was dappled amongst the melaleuca timber and alongside the river financial institution. We even noticed a crocodile swimming on by (a freshie!) It was so serene.
Besides it wasn’t as our timing was off so we needed to pace stroll alongside right here to get to the practice. I used to be most dissatisfied as I might have chilled there with that power for a while. So, give your self time to discover this stroll.
Rainforestation
As talked about above, the implausible Djabugay Guided Aboriginal Rainforest Stroll that we did is not out there. Nevertheless, close to Kuranda Village is an excellent Rainforest and Indigenous Australian expertise, known as Rainforestation. One of many highlights of my time exploring Tropical North Queensland was studying extra concerning the native Aboriginal life and tradition.
It contains three uniques
- Military Duck Rainforest Excursions: 45-minute rainforest tour on an amphibious World Struggle II Military Duck to be taught extra concerning the fauna and flora of this World Heritage Listed space. Features a go to to the Tropical Fruit Orchard, with over 40 species of unique tropical fruit timber.
- Pamagirri Aboriginal Expertise: this one-hour expertise with native Indigenous Pamagirri Guides will introduce you to the Dreamtime and the customs and historical traditions of the unique custodians of this rainforest land.
- Koala & Wildlife Park: a self-guided tour within the Koala & Wildlife Park and see crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, dingoes, a cassowary, and the one Tasmanian Devils in North Queensland.
Our Kuranda Scenic Railway Expertise
When you’re into practice journeys, nice engineering feats, and historical past then you definitely’ll love using the Kuranda practice because it winds down alongside the McDonald Ranges heading again into Cairns.
I don’t know a lot about engineering – nor am I – however I used to be fairly impressed. The Kuranda Scenic Railway stands as a monument to the pioneers.
This well-known railway winds its approach on a journey of roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes between Cairns and Kuranda Terminal.
Commentary explaining the railway’s development, the historical past of the railways, and the tropical rainforest is given all through the experience.
It was a reasonably journey by the rainforest over bridges and thru tunnels hand-made by North Queensland’s pioneers over 100 years in the past.
We handed a few waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines, and stopped to see Barron Falls. I feel the view from the Skyrail aspect was higher.
Splurging for a gold-class seat on the practice (an additional $48 per individual) could be an awesome possibility if this was a excessive in your bucket checklist factor to do.
It contains meals and alcohol. Yep. good practice journeys go effectively with a glass of Shiraz.
Kuranda Scenic Railway Stops & Key Sights
The Kuranda Scenic Railway has only some stops alongside the way in which, but it surely additionally passes by some key sights and landmarks, so you’ll want to have your cameras prepared as you experience previous.
Listed below are the stops on the Scenic Railway going from Kuranda Village to Cairns.
Barron Falls
When you took the Skyrail Cableway up, you’ll have handed this falls on the way in which. Nevertheless, the views from the Scenic Railway are fairly completely different and price getting off the practice to take a photograph for.
Robbs Monument
Robbs Monument is a powerful rock formation that was left behind after the development of the railway. You don’t cease on the monument, however you will note it seem on the left-hand aspect as you journey from Kuranda to Cairns.
The monument was devoted to John Robb, the person behind the creation of the observe. It was stated that he and his males braved the dense jungle with fashionable tools and their naked palms to create the railway.
When it was accomplished, he ready a banquet for all of his staff.
Stoney Creek Falls
The Stoney Creek Falls is one other gorgeous waterfall on the scenic railway line. It’s the bridge that passes the waterfall that’s probably the most spectacular function right here although.
The practice doesn’t cease right here, however you’ll want to look again to marvel on the masterful engineering of the bridge.
Jungara
One other function you’ll go by on the Scenic Railway is Jungara, a scenic space that includes a 180-degree bend across the observe.
Freshwater Railway Station
That is the primary cease, or final, relying on the course you are taking. It’s the cease proper earlier than Cairns when taking the railway from Karanda.
Freshwater Station provides some unimaginable sweeping views of the encompassing mountains and is a superb place to cease for a espresso or a chew to eat in one of many vintage railway carriages.
The station itself is an attraction, with genuine vintage memorabilia and objects all through the station.
Opening Hours & Entrance Charges
When you select to expertise each the Skyrail and Scenic Railway in in the future, you will want to get shuttle bus transfers on the finish of it from Freshwater Station to return to your automobile.
Except you may prepare for another person to choose you up. A taxi will possible price you round $25 every approach.
You’ll be able to ebook your bus or coach switch direct when reserving on-line, or in the event you ebook a tour, it’s almost certainly included already. However do verify this earlier than you ebook your ticket.
You can too ebook household tickets, which permit two adults and two kids.
The doorway charges are as follows:
| Kuranda Skyrail Cableway | Kuranda Scenic Railway | |
| One-Approach | ||
| Grownup | $59.00 | $50.00 for Heritage Class, $73.00 for Royal Class, $99.00 for Gold Class |
| Baby | $29.50 | $25.00 for Heritage Class, $74.00 for Gold Class, $48.00 for Royal Class, |
| Household | $147.50 | $125 for Heritage Class, $217.00 for Royal Class, $321.00 for Gold Class |
| Return | ||
| Grownup | $88.50 | $76.00 for Heritage Class, $122 for Royal Class, $174.00 for Gold Class |
| Baby | $44.25 | $38.00 for Heritage Class, $84.00 for Royal Class, $136.00 for Gold Class |
| Household | $221.25 | $190.00 for Heritage Class, $374 for Royal Class, $582.00 for Gold Class |
Mixed Scenic Railway and Skyrail go (self drive): $119.00 Grownup, $64.50 baby $302.50 household.
Mixed Scenic Railway and Skyrail go (with switch bus): $121.00 Grownup, $66.50 baby $308.50 household.
Pre-allocated tickets imply you may skip queues so you’ll want to buy your tickets now:
Cell vouchers for the next are accepted.
Need to plan forward and ebook your tickets? Try these top-rated excursions:
Earlier than You Go
So there you will have it, that is every thing you have to know concerning the Kuranda Skyrail Cableway and Scenic Railway, and as you may see, it’s fairly an journey!
Whether or not you’re considering wildlife parks, various areas of pure magnificence, of simply on the lookout for a technique to spend some free time, there’s one thing for everybody on this journey.
Earlier than you go, you’ll want to pack loads of water and cost your digital camera batteries. You’ll be spending a full day combining these two points of interest and imagine me once I say, there’s quite a bit to see!
Extra Tropical North Queensland Ideas
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Disclaimer: Our go to was hosted by Skyrail, however all ideas, concepts, and opinions are our personal.
Supply: Breaking Travel News