Highlights:

  • Journey through the rainforest on Kuranda Scenic Rail train
  • Free time in Kuranda
  • A’yarning circle with the Indigenous Pamagirri
  • Travel the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over the rainforest canopy

Tour Description: 

Distant Journeys are proud to offer some of the world’s best rail holidays. Join us on a day of discovery into the stunning rainforest clad mountains that surround tropical Cairns.

We begin our day with a stunning journey onboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail train for an amazing journey on one of the world’s most scenic rail routes, through one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Rising to 328m, our journey passes through 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 towering bridges, the untamed sounds of the rainforest that has remained relatively unchanged for 130 million years, a constant companion. As our journey winds through this tropical paradise, towards Kuranda, pass spectacular waterfalls and the stunning Barron Gorge.

Upon arrival in Kuranda – ‘the Village in the Rainforest’ you will have free time to do your own exploring. Attracting visitors for well over a century, Kuranda is a wonderful mix of colourful characters, quirky shops and quaint cafes. Discover the local markets and boutique shops brimming with handmade crafts from local artists. Take a seat at one of the many food stalls to enjoy a coffee or tropical fruit smoothie. Or maybe take yourself to the Butterfly Sanctuary, home to over 1500 butterflies from a variety of species.

Australia’s Indigenous culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world and our next stop is Rainforest station Nature Park, where we spend time with the Pamagirri. Our guides love to share their stories and we start with time in the Yarning Circle, an informal opportunity to chat about traditions, culture and history. We will view a traditional dance performance, go ‘walkabout’ and even try our hand at boomerang throwing.

The journey back to Cairns is onboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. As you glide silently over this pristine jungle canopy we take in unsurpassed views of Barron Gorge and Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage area and see the stunning panorama of the tropical coastline and Coral Sea. There is an opportunity to disembark at Barron Falls; known as ‘Din Din’ to the Djabuganydji people, it is a spectacular sight not to be missed. Another opportunity to disembark presents itself at Red Peak. Home to climbing palms, fern gardens, rare butterflies and birds and a scenic lookout, disembarking at a rainforest boardwalk allows a more personal interaction with the rainforest.

What’s Included:

  • Wildlife Park
  • Pamagirri Dance & Music
  • Travel to Kuranda on Kuranda’s Scenic Railway
  • Travel from Kuranda onboard Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Please Note:

  • There are different variations and inclusions available for this tour, your tour manager will confirm the itinerary and inclusions for the day while you are on tour. Subject to minimum numbers.
  • All Freedom Day descriptions represent a typical itinerary and may not operate exactly as described. Local operators may vary from time to time.

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail, Cairns is featured in the following itineraries:
The Very Best of Australia
Treasures of Australia
Wonders of Australia
Essential Australia
Christmas & New Year in Australia
Australia & New Zealand Combinations Tour