The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway runs from Smithfield, north of Cairns, to Kuranda above the Wet Tropics rainforest. The 7.5-kilometre gondola ride gives you views over the canopy, Barron Gorge and, on clear stretches, the Coral Sea. You can leave the gondola at Red Peak and Barron Falls to walk rainforest boardwalks, visit lookouts and learn about the forest. Allow time for both stops; the route is also a useful way to pair a rainforest journey with a visit to Kuranda.
The route above the rainforest
Skyrail links Smithfield, north of Cairns, with Kuranda by gondola. The cableway crosses 7.5 kilometres of the Wet Tropics rainforest, carrying you above the tree canopy and into the Barron Gorge area. Views along the route take in forested slopes and the surrounding hinterland; on clear stretches, the Coral Sea is also visible.
The ride gives you a view of the forest that is difficult to get from a ground-level walk. The gondolas follow the contours of the land, rising and falling over valleys. A glass-floor Diamond View gondola is available for a view through the floor to the rainforest below.
Walks at Red Peak and Barron Falls
There are two intermediate stations where you can leave the gondola and explore on foot. Red Peak has rainforest boardwalks and guided interpretation of the forest. Barron Falls station has an information centre and a lookout over the gorge and falls. The stops let you spend time among the trees and at viewpoints before continuing to Kuranda.
Allow time for both stations rather than treating the cableway as a ride straight through. Bring water with you: refill opportunities along the journey are limited, and the tropical humidity can make a walk feel warm. Staff at the stations can help explain how the stops work.
Pairing Skyrail with the Scenic Railway
Skyrail can form one leg of a Cairns and Kuranda day trip, with the Kuranda Scenic Railway as the other. Taking one mode in each direction gives you two different ways to see the region: the cableway passes above the rainforest canopy, while the railway follows a separate route through the landscape. Check the day's transport arrangements before choosing a direction, since the railway may not operate on every day.
If you are travelling independently, the Smithfield terminal is at 6 Skyrail Drive. On-site parking is available. Skyrail operates from Wednesday to Sunday, and tickets are recommended in advance.
FAQ
How long is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ride?
The route between Smithfield and Kuranda is 7.5 kilometres. The gondola journey takes about an hour and a half, with extra time needed if you stop to explore.
Can you get off the gondola along the way?
Yes. You can disembark at Red Peak and Barron Falls to explore rainforest boardwalks, information displays and lookouts.
Where does the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway start?
The Cairns-side terminal is at 6 Skyrail Drive in Smithfield, north of Cairns.
Can you combine Skyrail with the Kuranda Scenic Railway?
Yes. You can take Skyrail in one direction and the Scenic Railway in the other. Check the railway's operating arrangements for your travel day.
