Ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and soar over ancient rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway. This Cairns tour packs waterfalls, wildlife, and culture into a single unforgettable day.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels with light walking involved
Wildlife
History
The Kuranda Railway was completed in 1891 to connect Cairns with the Atherton Tablelands, opening access to the tropical hinterland.
Conservation
Both Kuranda Village and the Skyrail support local sustainability initiatives, focusing on preserving the surrounding World Heritage rainforest.
Cairns Discovery Tours
Ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and soar over ancient rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway. This Cairns tour packs waterfalls, wildlife, and culture into a single unforgettable day.
Cairns Discovery Tours is a Cairns, Queensland–based tour operator offering a wide range of reef, island, rainforest and city sightseeing experiences. The company arranges day tours to Green Island and Fitzroy Island, scenic helicopter flights to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda rail and Skyrail rainforest journeys, river cruises along Trinity Inlet, dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Cairns, and admission-inclusive visits to attractions such as the Cairns Aquarium and the Turtle Hospital.
Tours include options with hotel transfers, glass‑bottom-boat cruises, snorkeling time on coral cays, self-guided and guided aquarium experiences, and combined city sightseeing featuring St. Monica’s Cathedral, the Cairns Museum and the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Guests can choose half‑day or full‑day itineraries, family-friendly reef excursions, small-group city tours, and specialty evening experiences such as the Cairns Aquarium by Night with dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant.
Cairns Discovery Tours operates from Cairns, providing convenient departures for cruise-ship passengers and hotel pick-ups for select tours. Signature highlights described in tour listings include the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Barron Falls lookout stops, Green Island’s coral cay ecosystem, and aerial reef views on helicopter transfers.
Information on each trip—duration, inclusions, and meeting points—is supplied in the individual tour descriptions. This factual presentation helps visitors compare options and select the right Cairns day trip, whether seeking reef snorkeling, rainforest vistas, cultural city sights or a relaxed island cruise.
Location
Cairns, Queensland
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Tours Offered
15 tours
From Green Island to Kuranda
Key Destinations
Reef & Rainforest
Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda
Trip Lengths
Half-day to Full-day
Options for every schedule
Secure a spot on Green Island, Kuranda, reef flights or a dinner cruise — check individual tour pages for availability and inclusions.
Book in advance
Tours fill up quickly during peak season; reserve your spot early to guarantee access.
Wear comfortable shoes
Expect some walking in Kuranda Village and at Skyrail stops; choose sturdy footwear.
Bring sun protection
Though much of the routes are shaded, UV exposure remains high in tropical Queensland.
Carry water and snacks
While Kuranda offers eateries, it's good to have water on hand during excursions.
Light rain jacket
Protects against tropical showers common in Queensland’s wet season.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture scenic vistas of waterfalls, mountains, and rainforest canopy.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for exploring Kuranda Village and Skyrail mid-stations.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the day in the warm tropical climate.