About Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Highlights Of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Unlock the mysteries of Australia's pristine tropical rainforests by booking the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway tickets.
- During the ride, you'll be immersed in the smells, sounds, sights, and tranquility of the most botanically fascinating area on earth.
- During the rainy season, you'll get to see the tropical rainforest in Jurassic Park-like conditions from your gondola.
- Upgrade to a Rager guided tour wherein a Skyrail Ranger will accompany you and provide personalized interpretation and interesting stories of the animals, plants, and evolution of the rainforest.
- A handy interpretative audio guide and app will let you see augmented reality rainforest animals right before you.
- Upgrade to Canopy Glider, which is completely open-air, or the diamond view to enjoy an unimpeded view of the tropical rainforest from a glass-bottom gondola.
- There are two stops along the way- Barron Falls and Red Peak Station, where you can hop off to snap photos and enjoy the breathtaking views.
History Of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
The concept of the original Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns was conceived in 1987. Before construction, the entire area was surveyed to ensure rare and endangered species would not be affected. From 1987 to 1994, an Environmental Impact Study and many other assessments were conducted. Approval and construction processes occurred with federal, state, and local governments and local communities. The pre-construction phase was completed in 1994, and all necessary approvals were obtained. It also established a legal agreement with the Djabugay Tribal Aboriginal Corporation to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. The thirty-two towers at Skyrail were built in 10×10 m clearings, and Russian Kamov helicopters were used to carry materials, cement, and equipment to rainforest stations and tower sites. On 31st August 1995, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns opened to the public and was considered the longest gondola cableway in the world at the completion time. It provided guests with an opportunity to see the rainforest in an environmentally friendly and safe way. The cableway was installed with forty-seven gondolas and had a carrying capacity of three hundred people per hour. In April 1996, Skyrail announced a multi-million dollar upgrade and decided to purchase additional sixty-seven gondolas to meet customer demands. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns established a world first in June 2000 by carrying the Olympic Torch on the cableway. It has received many awards, including Cassowary Award for its contribution to the Australian Wet Tropics Heritage Area and Tropical North Queensland Tourism Award.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Experiences
Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is a living cultural, and natural wonder that houses the world's oldest surviving tropical rainforest. It is home to twenty Rainforest Aboriginal tribal groups, 663 species of vertebrae, and 230 butterflies. It is the birthplace of the kangaroos and is home to the world's first songbirds and flowering plants. The Wet Tropics have gained worldwide recognition for their rugged topography, spectacular scenery, fast-flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and panoramas of the undisturbed rainforest as far as your eyes can see. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers you a breathtaking glimpse of the Wet Tropics and its immense wonders.
A Skyrail Ranger is basically a rainforest storyteller who will guide you along the rainforest boardwalk and tell you fascinating rainforest stories. They will also share their intimate knowledge of the amazing environment and unveil some of the hidden mysteries of the rainforest. You can upgrade your Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to a Rager guided tour wherein a Skyrail Ranger will accompany you and tell you interesting stories about the evolution and survival of the rainforest. Across an hour-and-a-half tour, you'll glide meters above the rainforest canopy and descend to the forest floor once your journey ends. After you descend, you can explore the forest on foot and enjoy guided ranger tours at The Edge Lookout and Red Peak.
Kuranda Village is nestled amidst the World Heritage-listed rainforest and portrays a fascinating mix of natural beauty and quirky surprises. It is renowned for its wildlife attractions, cafes, restaurants, markets, and unique art and craft. Spend time enjoying the local cuisines as you wander through the quaint streets of the village. Wander through the boutique shops and markets brimming with local artists selling their contemporary arts, unusual souvenirs, handmade crafts, clothing, and treasures. Your trip to Kuranda Village won't be complete without the wildlife experience wherein you get to visit Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda Koala Gardens, and Birdworld Kuranda.
Know Before You Go For Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Location: 6 Skyrail Dr, Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia
Timings:The morning train departs at 8:55 am and 9:55 am from Freshwater Station to Kuranda. The afternoon train departs at 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm to Freshwater Railway Station from Kuranda.
Best Time To Visit
The morning slot is the best time to go for Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns as the crowd is less, and the scenery looks amazing during the morning hours. For the best views of the cascading waterfalls, you can ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway during the rainy season, which lasts from December to March.
How To Reach
By Car: Drive to Skyrail's Smithfield Terminal, where there are dedicated caravan, car and RV parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. From here, Skyrail Station is at a walkable distance.
By Bus: Brinsmead Kamerunga Rd (Skyrail Base Station) is the closest bus stop to Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. From here, you will have to walk for around two minutes to reach Skyrail Station.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway FAQs
What is the best time to experience Skyrail Rainforest Cableway?
Early morning is the best time to experience the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as the crowd is less and the weather is cool and comfortable, making your ride even more enjoyable.
Why is Skyrail Rainforest Cableway so famous?
Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the myriad wonders of the tropical rainforest. As the gondola glides over the rainforest canopy, you can see animals and plants found nowhere else in the world.
How long is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway?
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns is around 7.5-kilometer long and connects Cairns to Kuranda.
How long does the Skyrail take from Kuranda to Cairns?
The Skyrail takes around 2 hours from Kuranda to Cairns, including a ten-minute stop at the spectacular Barron Falls.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Skyrail Rainforest Cableway?
Yes, advance bookings of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway are essential to secure your preferred travel times and to avoid unnecessary congestion.
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