Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5-kilometre gondola cableway running above the World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park, operating between Smithfield (Cairns) and the rainforest village of Kuranda in Tropical North Queensland. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Updated April 2026. From 1 April 2026, Skyrail has introduced revised ticket prices. Additionally, the Diamond View glass-floor gondola experience will permanently end on 19 July 2026, ahead of a major cableway upgrade beginning in August 2026 — other guides may not yet reflect this change.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | First departure from Smithfield: 8:30am. Last one-way departure from Smithfield: 1:00pm. Last one-way from Kuranda: 3:15pm. |
| Ticket prices (AUD) | Return (self-drive): Adult $111 / Child $55.50. One-way: Adult $74 / Child $37. Return with Cairns City bus transfers: Adult $138 / Child $82.50. |
| Address (Cairns terminal) | 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878 |
| Parking | Free car park at Smithfield Terminal, including EV charging bays and dedicated RV/caravan spaces |
| Transport | Bus transfers from selected Cairns City hotels available (pre-book). No public bus directly to the terminal. |
| Typical visit time | 1.5 hours one-way; 2.5 hours return (not including time in Kuranda) |
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway opening hours
The first gondola departs Smithfield at 8:30am, with gondolas running continuously in 15-minute intervals throughout the day. The last one-way departure from Smithfield is at 1:00pm, and the last one-way departure from Kuranda is at 3:15pm. The last return (round trip) must depart Kuranda by 12:00pm.
These hours apply year-round; however, Skyrail undergoes scheduled programmed maintenance closures throughout the year. From 19 August to 25 October 2026, Skyrail will operate a modified experience (Kuranda to Barron Falls loop only, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00am–3:30pm) during Stage 1 of its major upgrade works. Check the Closure Dates & Notices page before travelling.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket prices
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers three core ticket options. All prices are in Australian dollars. Children are defined as aged 4–14 years; infants under 4 travel free.
| Ticket type | Adult | Child (4–14) |
|---|---|---|
| Return (self-drive, no bus) | $111.00 | $55.50 |
| One-way (self-drive) | $74.00 | $37.00 |
| Return with Cairns City bus transfers | $138.00 | $82.50 |
| Diamond View gondola upgrade (add-on, one-way) | +$35.00 | +$35.00 |
The Diamond View glass-floor gondola upgrade is available as a one-way, per-seat add-on only (return and family rates do not apply). This experience ends permanently on 19 July 2026. Skyrail also offers combined Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway packages; see the official website for current pricing on those options.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026. Prices shown are valid 1 April 2026 – 19 July 2026 (Diamond View) and 1 April 2026 onwards for standard tickets.
Five great things to do in Cairns
- 🐠 See marine wonders at two Outer Reef hotspots – on a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise.
- 🌿 On a day trip – explore Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest.
- 🚞 Combine the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – on a day trip to Kuranda.
- 🚣 On a full day rafting adventure – tackle the white water of the Tully River.
- 🌄 See giant trees, rainforest waterfalls and crater lakes – on an Atherton Tablelands day tour.
How to get to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal is located at 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield, approximately 15 minutes north of Cairns city centre and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas. There is no direct public bus service to the terminal.
Skyrail operates a paid bus transfer service from selected Cairns City accommodation properties; this must be pre-booked and is included in the bus transfer ticket price. Taxis and rideshare services (such as Uber) are also available from Cairns. Cruise ship passengers docking at Cairns or Yorkey’s Knob Marina can arrange dedicated transfers — contact Skyrail directly to book.
Parking at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Free parking is available at the Smithfield Terminal for standard vehicles, oversized vehicles, RVs, and caravans. Two Electric Vehicle (EV) charging bays are available on-site. Free street parking is also available at the Kuranda Terminal.
How long to spend at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
A one-way journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, including time at the two mid-stations (Red Peak and Barron Falls). A return (round trip) takes approximately 2.5 hours, not including time spent in Kuranda Village. If visiting Kuranda, allow an additional 2–3 hours to explore the village, markets, and local attractions.
A half-day is sufficient for a return Skyrail trip only. A full day is recommended if combining Skyrail with Kuranda Village or the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Accessibility at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skyrail is accessible to wheelchair and mobility-impaired visitors. The cableway can be slowed or stopped to assist with boarding and alighting. Ramps provide access to all areas of the experience, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available throughout.
Standard wheelchairs must not exceed 630mm in width or 950mm in length, and the combined weight of the wheelchair and occupant must be manageable for operator-assisted loading. Complimentary on-site wheelchairs are available subject to availability. Note that wheelchairs cannot be carried on the bus transfer service — contact Skyrail directly to arrange alternative arrangements. Skyrail is a Companion Card partner (bookings must be made via the reservations team, not online). Certified assistance animals are permitted subject to conditions. Skyrail also supports the Sunflower Hidden Disability Scheme.
Inside Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: what to see and do
The gondola journey covers 7.5 kilometres between Smithfield and Kuranda, travelling mere metres above the rainforest canopy. Standard gondolas seat up to six people (infants included). Gondolas run continuously; there is no fixed departure time once you have checked in at your allocated 15-minute window.
Red Peak / Guriguri Bunda is the first mid-station stop and the highest point on the cableway at 545 metres above sea level. Visitors can join a complimentary ranger-guided rainforest walk, explore boardwalks through the forest floor, and use the Rainforest Discovery Zone.
Barron Falls / Dindin is the second mid-station. This stop features The Edge Lookout, which provides views over Barron Gorge and the falls, a rainforest boardwalk loop, and a Rainforest Interpretation Centre. The volume of the falls varies by season and is most impressive during the wet season (November to April).
The Skyrail Audio Guide App is a free, multilingual app offering in-gondola commentary and augmented reality rainforest animals at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Download before visiting; it is available on iOS and Android.
Kuranda Village is the end point of the one-way journey from Smithfield. The village contains markets, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and wildlife parks. Entry to Kuranda is included in the Skyrail ticket; individual Kuranda attractions charge separately.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book in advance | Gondolas are allocated in 15-minute departure windows. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during school holidays and peak wet season (November to April). |
| Arrive early | The first departure is at 8:30am from Smithfield. Earlier departures tend to be quieter; midday slots are busiest. |
| No luggage permitted | Large bags, suitcases, and backpacks are not allowed on gondolas or bus transfers. Only small day packs are permitted. A limited number of coin-operated lockers are available at Smithfield Terminal only. |
| Card payments only | Skyrail is entirely cash-free. All purchases, including on-site food and retail, must be made by card. |
| Download the app before visiting | The free Skyrail Audio Guide App works offline inside the gondolas. Download it before departure as connectivity inside the rainforest is limited. |
Frequently asked questions about Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Skyrail Rainforest Cableway suitable for children? | Yes. Children aged 4–14 travel at child prices; infants under 4 travel free. Collapsible prams and strollers are permitted in the gondola. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Skyrail Rainforest Cableway? | Booking in advance is strongly recommended. Gondola departures are allocated in 15-minute windows and capacity is limited. Walk-up tickets may be available but are not guaranteed, particularly during peak periods. |
| Is Skyrail Rainforest Cableway open on Sundays? | Yes, Skyrail operates seven days a week, subject to scheduled maintenance closures. During the upgrade period (19 August–25 October 2026), the modified experience runs Wednesday to Sunday only. Check the official website for closure dates. |
| Are bags allowed at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway? | Only small bags and day packs are permitted. Large luggage, suitcases, and full-size backpacks are not allowed on gondolas, bus transfers, or the Kuranda Scenic Railway. A limited number of coin lockers are available at Smithfield Terminal. |
| Is there a Diamond View gondola at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway? | Yes, but only until 19 July 2026. After this date, the Diamond View glass-floor gondola will be permanently retired as part of the Skyrail 2.0 upgrade project. A new generation of gondolas with floor-to-ceiling glass panels is expected from late 2026 onwards. |
Things to do near Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Kuranda Village is the destination at the top of the cableway. The village contains heritage markets, art galleries, wildlife parks (including Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary), cafes, and rainforest walking trails — most within easy walking distance of the Kuranda Terminal.
Kuranda Scenic Railway connects Cairns (Freshwater Station) and Kuranda through the rainforest via a historic 1891 route. It can be combined with a one-way Skyrail journey for a popular half-day or full-day circuit.
Rainforestation Nature Park (Kuranda) is a wildlife and cultural park a short distance from Kuranda Village, offering an Army Duck rainforest tour, a koala and wildlife park, and Pamagirri Aboriginal cultural experiences.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a wildlife park approximately 40 kilometres north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway, featuring saltwater crocodile shows, a boat cruise, and native animal exhibits.
Cairns Aquarium is located in Cairns city centre and focuses on the marine and freshwater ecosystems of Tropical North Queensland, including Great Barrier Reef species.
What to visit tomorrow: natural attractions within two hours of Cairns
Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park is a World Heritage-listed rainforest gorge approximately 75 kilometres north of Cairns, featuring a swimming hole, walking trails, and guided Indigenous cultural tours operated by the Kuku Yalanji people.
Cape Tribulation is where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Coral Sea, roughly two hours north of Cairns. It offers rainforest walks, a boardwalk through fan-palm forest, and access to remote beaches within the Daintree National Park.
Millaa Millaa Falls and the Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit is a scenic drive through the Atherton Tablelands, approximately 80 kilometres southwest of Cairns, visiting a series of photogenic basalt waterfalls including Millaa Millaa, Zillie Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls.
Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine, Atherton Tablelands are two crater lakes formed by ancient volcanic activity. Both are within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and offer calm swimming, walking trails, and birdwatching.
Mission Beach is a coastal rainforest area approximately 140 kilometres south of Cairns, where lowland tropical rainforest meets the beach. It is one of the last strongholds of the southern cassowary and provides access to Dunk Island by ferry.
More Queensland travel
Other Queensland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
- Exploring the Great Barrier Reef: Best islands and tours.
- Wildlife encounters on the journey up to Cape Tribulation.
- Planning a visit to the Jindalba Boardwalk near Cape Tribulation.
- How worried should I be about crocodiles in Australia?
