Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about our experience, services, and more.
Booking and Policies
Do I need to make a booking for Skyrail?
Yes. Advance bookings are highly recommended.
Book online, directly with Skyrail for instant confirmation, secure bookings & no credit card or booking fees.Booking in advance will provide you the best opportunity to secure your preferred dates and travel times and to reduce waiting times and avoid unnecessary congestion.
ⓘ Secure your preferred date and time of your visit by booking online.
Is there a cancellation fee?
No. We offer guests who book directly with Skyrail, a full refund right up until the day before you are due to travel.
Please contact our friendly team who will work with you to amend your booking or process a refund.
ⓘ To amend or cancel your booking please contact us.
Can I change or amend my booking?
Yes. Bookings are fully flexible.
If you book directly with us, you are welcome to make changes to your booking right up until the day before you travel without penalty, subject to availability. Our friendly team of Cairns locals have extensive knowledge and are happy to assist with all your enquiries.
Once checked in at the Skyrail terminal, guests must commence at the times indicated on their booking confirmation and changes (including refunds for any unused portions) are not possible.
ⓘ To amend your booking please contact us.
Can I book Skyrail directly if I am arriving by cruise ship?
Yes. You can book with Skyrail if you are arriving in Cairns by Cruise Ship. Transfers to and from cruise ships docking in Cairns City Cruise Liner Terminal can be booked.
If you are arriving into Yorkey’s Knob Marina, you will need to make your own way to Skyrail. This will take you approx. 15 minutes in a taxi/Uber.
ⓘ Planning information and cruise ship shore excursions packages
Can I take my pram or stroller?
Yes. If your pram or stroller folds down, they can go in the gondola with you. If it is larger or doesn’t collapse, our friendly staff will put the stroller in the gondola in front of you so it’s waiting at the next stop when you arrive.
Can I use cash?
No. We are now cash free. All purchases at Skyrail can be made by card only.
Various attractions, shops, cafes and restaurants within Kuranda Village accept both cash and card payments.
Can I smoke?
No smoking is permitted. This includes the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
The entire Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience is a smoke-free experience.
If I have booked my Skyrail experience do I need to collect a boarding ticket prior to boarding?
Your booking confirmation is your digital ticket.
You can keep this on your mobile device.
There will be a QR code to scan on entry to our terminals and when boarding the gondola.Can children visit Skyrail unaccompanied?
No. Children (14 years and younger) must be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of the Skyrail experience.
If it is raining, should I still visit Skyrail?
Yes. Its the rain-forest!
Skyrail is perfect as either a wet or dry weather experience.
In wet weather, the mountain ranges become shrouded in mist giving the rainforest a somewhat mysterious Jurassic Park feel. The gondolas are fully enclosed and complimentary umbrellas are also provided at Red Peak and Barron Falls to ensure everyone can enjoy the Skyrail experience in maximum comfort.
Can I pack food for my kids?
Snacks save lives! But please, eating is not permitted in the gondolas, the mid-stations or for the duration of the Skyrail Experience. Help us protect the pristine World Heritage listed environment we operate in.
Experience and Package Details
How long does a Skyrail experience take?
Allow 1 ½ hours to complete a standard one-way Skyrail experience or up to 2 hours for a one-way Diamond View experience.
For a return (round-trip) standard experience, allow 2 ½ hours plus time to spend in Kuranda Village.
These timings include two stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. You can however, choose to spend as much time as you like at Red Peak and Barron Falls.
Is it better to go up or down on Skyrail?
The Skyrail experience is the same, regardless of whether you chose to travel up to Kuranda from Smithfield, or down to Smithfield from Kuranda.
You can choose to start with either Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway when you book directly online.
What time does the Kuranda Scenic Railway depart?
Morning departures leave from Cairns Central Railway Station at 8:30am and 9:30am and from Freshwater Railway Station at 8:55am and 9:55am to Kuranda Railway Station.
Afternoon departures leave from Kuranda Railway Station at 2:00pm and 3:30pm to Freshwater Railway Station and continue on to Cairns Central Railway Station.
How long does the train journey take?
Allow 1 ½ hours to complete a Kuranda Scenic Railway Journey.
Can I travel at any time I like?
Bookings are made in 15 minute time allocations and once you have checked in at the terminal, you must travel at your pre-allocated times. IE 9:00am, 9:15am, 9:30am.
How long should I spend in Kuranda Village?
If you wish to explore Kuranda Village there are numerous activities, including markets, art galleries, cafes and wildlife parks. Depending on your schedule, we recommend allowing 2 – 3 hours in Kuranda ‘Village in the rainforest’.
What ages are children and infants?
A child is a person aged between 4 and 14 years inclusive and infants (0-3 years) are free. You must still book an infant ticket for your child to travel.
Is there a family ticket price for the Skyrail experience?
Yes. Skyrail family discounted rates are available on all packages, excluding Diamond View and Kuranda Scenic Railway’s Gold Class upgrades.
A family is classified as 2 adults and 2 children of the same family.
What is included in a Skyrail experience?
A journey of discovery into the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, home to the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest.
Multi-lingual Audio Guide App.
Red Peak: Rainforest Discovery Zone, Ranger Guided Tours, rainforest boardwalk loop, scenic lookout.
Barron Falls: The Edge Lookout; rainforest boardwalk loop, panoramic gorge and waterfall views.
Free Wi-Fi at all stations.
Free all day parking
Can I get off the gondolas to explore the rainforest?
Yes. You are encouraged to leave the gondola to explore the rainforest at Red Peak and Barron Falls. You can explore the ancient rainforest on boardwalks and easy access walkways. We recommend all guests explore both Red Peak and Barron Falls in order to experience all aspects of the ancient rainforest.
How long can I spend at Red Peak and Barron Falls?
You can spend as long as you would like at the two stops.
Our Ranger Guides are located at Red Peak offering Guided Tours throughout the day, whilst you explore the boardwalk and at Barron Falls you can explore independently.
Accessibility and Concession
Does Skyrail offer pensioner or concession card discounts?
No. Discounts to pensioner or concession card holders are not offered at Skyrail.
Skyrail is pleased to provide support to Companion Card holders. Please ensure you ask about the Companion Card program when booking your tickets with our Reservations Team. These cannot currently be booked online.
Can I travel on Skyrail with my assistance animal?
Yes. Certified assistance animals are permitted to travel on Skyrail, subject to conditions.
ⓘ View our Assistance Animal Information PDF detailed in the Accessibility Information.
Does Skyrail accommodate wheelchairs?
Yes. The entire Skyrail experience is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate most standard wheelchairs.
Due to size restrictions and loading requirements, some types of wheelchairs cannot be carried on the cableway. Skyrail also provides complimentary use of wheelchairs (subject to availability) during your Skyrail experience.
Please note wheelchairs cannot be carried on bus transfers. Please advise us if you require this service so that we can make alternative arrangements for you at the time of booking.
ⓘ Visit Accessibility & Inclusive Travel for more information
Do I need a certain level of fitness or ability to enjoy Skyrail?
Skyrail is fully accessible and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Logistics and Location
What are Skyrail’s hours of operation?
Skyrail is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm every day, except Christmas day.
It is necessary to undertake programmed preventative maintenance works, which sometimes requires the closure of the cableway for periods of time. To check closure dates please see Special Notices.
What is the parking like?
If you have a vehicle you can drive yourself to Skyrail’s Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal where there is a large free parking area, dedicated RV and caravan parking and two electric vehicle charging stations. There is also free street parking available at Skyrail’s Kuranda Terminal.
Where is Skyrail located?
6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield
Skyrail is located 15 minutes north of Cairns city and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas in the World Heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park.
How many people does a gondola carry?
Each standard Skyrail gondola seats a maximum of 6 people (including infants) or a maximum of 480kg (1058 lbs) whichever is first.
The Diamond View gondola upgrade seats a maximum of 5 people (including infants) or a maximum of 400kg (880 lbs) whichever is first.
We will endeavour to offer guests their own gondola, however in peak travel times sharing of gondolas with other guests may be required.
Bookings are taken on a per seat basis and the gondola is not offered exclusively.
How do I board the gondolas?
A friendly cableway operator will assist you on and off the cableway. The gondolas slow down as they approach each platform to allow for easy access.
The gondola doors open and close/lock automatically.
The Cableway will be slowed down or stopped completely for any guests requiring additional time or assistance to board.
How often do gondolas leave?
Skyrail gondolas leave continuously.
Bookings for the cableway are taken in 15 minute intervals.
Diamond View gondolas depart every 7 minutes approximately.
Can I store my luggage?
Yes. Skyrail has a very limited number of coin operated lockers.
Luggage is not permitted on the cableway or bus transfers.
How long is Skyrail?
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is 7.5km long, stretching all the way from Smithfield in Cairns, to Kuranda.
When it was first built, it was the longest cableway in the world.