I’ve been to Cairns many times and every visitor to this magical part of the world knows there are two big draws in Tropical North Queensland; the reef and the rainforest. Sure there are lots of other things to do in Cairns, but these are the big guns. All my previous trips to Cairns have revolved around exploring The Great Barrier Reef but this trip was all about the rainforest. The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area stretches from Townsville to Cape Tribulation and is one of Mother Nature’s greatest achievements. This massive region is home to over 150 managed walks but there is only one way to see this natural wonder from above. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns offers visitors the unique opportunity to view the magnificent canopy from a completely different angle and is not to be missed. Read on for all the details …
About Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns is the most environmentally sensitive cableway in the world. It opened in 1995 after 7 years of feasibility studies to ensure that no rare, threatened or endangered species were impacted. The location of each of the 32 towers and two mid stations were carefully selected to coincide with existing canopy gaps. When completed the 7.5klm journey was the longest in the world. No roads were built during construction and workers had to trek in each day carrying all their equipment. The 114 gondolas in operation today can move up to 700 people per hour and while they can reach a maximum speed of 18klms per hour, they travel much slower to ensure riders can truly enjoy the experience. Tech heads can check out all the specs here. We arrived at Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal to start our journey at around 10.30am straight after getting kicked out of our accommodation at the Sunshine Tower Hotel Cairns. We timed our visit perfectly as unbeknown to us there was a cruise ship in port and the afternoon was expected to be particularly busy with cruisers on shore leave.
The Rock Star Treatment On Skyrail Cairns
You know I’m all about luxury for less and for only $15 extra you can enjoy the Skyrail Diamond View Experience. Diamond View cars were introduced by Skyrail Cairns in 2013 and the privileged customers who opt for the upgrade are allowed exclusive use of the 11 glass bottomed gondolas that seriously enhance your viewing experience. Not only that, you get a priority boarding queue that allows you to sail past every one else in line. Sweet! Taking photos in full sun through the glass floor can be a little tricky with the glare from the panoramic windows. My tip? Get down low and get your camera as close as possible to the glass.
Red Peak Station
Red Peak Station is the first stop on your Skyrail Cairns journey. It sits 545m above sea level and is the intersecrtion between the two tracks so everyone must exit at this station. Almost immediately you can sense the dip in temperature. Rangers provide free guided walks or you can do as we did and explore on your own. Meander down the well maintained boardwalk and make sure you read the fun facts as you take in the pristine natural beauty. I was particularly fascinated by one fabulously gnarly tree covered in vines. The view from the lookout makes the perfect spot for a photo or two.
Barron Falls Station
Not long after jumping back on board our gondola sailed into Barron Falls Station. While this is not a mandatory stop you would be crazy to miss it. Barron Falls is of course the star attraction and there are three different vantage points to ensure you get the very best view. We visited in the dry season and the brilliant white streams of water hugging the glistening rocks were a subdued version of the torrents you can expect in the wet season. There is something extremely calming about the sound of running water and the serenity encourages you to linger. Make sure you visit the interactive centre while you are there. The brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly is prolific in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and we saw quite a few in the wild during our visit to Cairns. They are quick little critters though and are not prone to sitting still for a photo. The displays at the interactive centre are much easier to capture and look almost as good as the real thing.
Next Stop Kuranda Station
The final leg of Skyrail Cairns sees you sailing over the Barron River into Kuranda Station. If you are lucky you will catch a glimpse of one of Australia’s most iconic railways as you make your descent back into civilisation. We sampled the Kuranda Scenic Railway gold class experience the day before and Skyrail offers packages to combine the two so that you can do the same. Kuranda is a quaint little town well worth exploring before you make the return journey back to Cairns. Stopping in at the markets is a must and be sure to check out Falafellicous for a takeaway wrap. It’s $10 you will not regret spending! We didn’t indulge this time around as we were saving our appetite for a late lunch come early dinner at Salt House, one of Cairns’ premier Waterfront restaurants.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns is one of the most unique attractions in the region and we loved our short time soaring above the canopy. Getting to Cairns is simple from most Australian cities and we got a great deal on our flights from Jetstar. The temperatures are mild year round and it makes a perfect winter getaway for Aussie’s shivering in the south. Skyrail Cairns is extremely popular so make sure you book your tickets in advance here. Will you be upgrading to the Diamond View?
Until Next Time …
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Disclaimer: We travelled on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns as guests. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links which will earn me a few cents to contribute to the running of this site if you make a qualifying purchase at no extra cost to you.
James says
Upgrading to a glass bottom gondola sounds worth it for the pictures and the queue jump. I think I’d take those aerial shots of the rainforest below and let everyone think I bought a drone!
Swati Jain says
Just back from rainforest and must say a cablecar is a great way to enjoy the beauty of a rainforest. The icing on the cake is the glass floor. Keep going. Keep exploring 🙂
Allison Smith says
It was great to get a different perspective Swati! A must do in Cairns!
Swayam Tiwari says
That is incredible. While many of us just speak and write about ‘responsible tourism’, here is an agency that made this trail without the help of mechanical equipment. I hope much more environmentally conscious travelers and agencies get inspired by this project.
Allison Smith says
I know right! So great to hear that they really respected the environment during construction.
Deni says
Gondola rides are the best way to see mountainous countryside, so I’m so glad that they took extra care in bring mindful of the delicate ecosystem in Cairns!! I love how they have glass floors in the gondola cars. It reminds me a lot of Whistler, BC, Canada, which also has glass floors in its gondolas along the peak-to-peak trail! Also that stop off at Barron Falls Station looks like it’s definitely a must! Such beautiful greenery! I will definitely be keeping this in mind the next time I’m in Australia!
Allison Smith says
I was so impressed with their respect of the area during construction Demi. So often lacking these days.
Sandy N Vyjay says
The Skyrail cableway is indeed an engineering marvel. I love the fact that they took so much care to ensure that the environment was not harmed. The cableway is indeed a tribute to the ingenuity of the workers and the engineers who made it possible. The views from the canopy are really stunning and the ride on the cable car must indeed have been an exhilarating experience.
Allison Smith says
So did I Sandy! They went great lengths to preserve the rainforest and should be commended for that.
Ha says
I love riding cable car! This one is definitely a special experience, since you can see everything under with the glass. Love your pictures as well! Looks lovely!
Allison Smith says
This is only the second one I have ever been on but it was wonderful! The glass bottom was the icing on the cake!
aareeba says
wow that is such a beauty, I loved your pictures. I love greenery and love to visit places where there are trees or water. Am sacred of heights but would love to try this once 🙂
Allison Smith says
Thanks! The Wet Tropics have plenty of trees and water so I would say it is perfect for you!
Archana Singh says
WOW it’s such a cool way to see a rainforest. I would definitely stop ever at each station. I particularly liked the KURANDA STATION. It looks so quaint and pretty.
Allison Smith says
Kuranda is such a lovely little town Archana. It has lots of markets, plenty of quaint little shops and a heritage pub for a nice glass of wine ?
Oursweetadventures says
This is a great way to see the rain forest. I like that they did extensive studies of the forest before building. The beauty we are able to experience because of the cable cars is astounding.
Allison Smith says
Yes I was impressed by that as well! Imagine being a worker and carrying everything in!!!
Sapna says
Rainforest looks lush green and peaceful. I loved the idea of riding in glass bottom cable car, I am sure it must be a thrilling experience. The picture of Ulysses butterfly is perfect and contrast to its surroundings.
Allison Smith says
The Diamond View was definitely the way to go Sapna!
Tania Mukherjee says
Your post is an example of everything beautiful about a cable-car ride. When I saw your photo inside the cable car I gave a shriek, I was a bit freaked out that the floor is glass bottomed and the forest is visible through it! I missed reading your photo-tip and hence the fact that the floor is made up of glass surprised me. The photo of the Ulysses butterfly that you had captured in Baron Falls station is awe-inspiring.
Allison Smith says
Awww thank you Tania. The glass bottom was the best bit ?
NieNie says
What an incredible experience! The rainforest looks so luscious and green! Also looks like you guys had the perfect day to go with the beautiful blue skies.
Allison Smith says
We sure did NieNie. The weather was beautiful for our whole trip!
Radhika says
Wow! The views look amazing! I had no idea there were rainforests around Cairns, since you normally hear about the reefs in the area. Would love to take a ride in the Skyrail.
Allison Smith says
Cairns is surrounded by rainforest Radhika. Such a beautiful part of the world!
Lisa says
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns looks incredible and with a gorgeous scenery to match! I would definitely upgrade to the Diamond View, that glass bottom car looks freaky but a must do! I love that you can get off at all these stations, like a train! Beautiful part of the country.
Allison Smith says
Yes it was great to get off and explore Lisa. The best bit is that you can stay at each station as long as you would like.
Jessica carpenter says
Sounds like a blast! Although it would be fun if they went faster sometimes ? still need to make it back to Australia to explore this area.
Allison Smith says
Haha that is true Jessica. Supercharged cable cars! I like it!!!
Shibani says
Wow, that cable car takes you through such wonderful views. Lovely post
Allison Smith says
It sure does Shibani! Such a lovely trip!
lisa says
This is such a great Idea! IT looks likes such a relaxing and enjoyable way to see those amazing views. Its great that you can get off and back on to go explore. Great information.
Allison Smith says
It sure was Lisa although I kept jumping up every two minutes to take photos so not sure how much relaxing I did lol
Ruth | Tanama Tales says
This is an incredible experience! Everything is so lush and green in the are. Plus, I love a good waterfall. Reminds me a lot of some areas in Puerto Rico (from where I am). Updating was a good idea. The photos are neat.
Allison Smith says
I haven’t been to Puerto Rico Ruth but I would love to go!
Michelle | michwanderlust says
I’d only heard about Cairns in the context of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s great to hear that they have rainforest too 🙂 The gondolas are such a convenient way to get around! That said, I don’t consider myself as having much height phobia, but I think those glass-bottomed gondolas would definitely freak me out. I’d probably go for the regular ones 😀
Allison Smith says
I’m shocked so many people have concerns over the glass bottom floors. We loved them!
suvarna says
As cool as the Diamond car looks… I don’t think I would survive! The views though are beautiful. Now matter where I am, I love taking cable cars to take the scenery in
Allison Smith says
I’m sure you would be just fine on the Diamond View cars Suvarna!
Shareen says
Wow! What an incredible experience. Would love to do this.
Allison Smith says
Hope you get to try it out soon Shareen!
Vanessa Ball says
What a fantastic experience, would love to do this. So much nature and wildlife to see on the way. It is bookmarked!
Allison Smith says
Awesome I hope you get to experience it soon Vanessa
Ivan says
I love the breathtaking view of the mountains. Anyway, this is such a cool way to explore nature without getting rough and all. For someone like me who is afraid of heights, I’m not so sure if I’d enjoy this though.
Allison Smith says
Just remember Ivan … don’t look down!!! It actually does not feel that high up as the rainforest canopy is so high that it’s deceptive. Im sure you would be fine ?
Rachelle says
What a cool and unique way to see the rainforest! It reminds me of the old sky gondola ride they used to have at Disneyland. When I first saw your picture sitting on the glass, my heart might have stopped for a second. I love that you have the opportunity to get off and explore a bit too!
Allison Smith says
I don’t have a problem with heights so I loved the glass floor! I highly recommend it!
Marvi of Osmiva says
The views on all stations look amazing. The glass floor on the cable car that you took adds excitement to the experience 🙂
Allison Smith says
The glass floor was great Marvi! I really recommend the Diamond View experience.
Flo says
Wow each of those stations look incredible! I’m not a massive fan of heights so I’m not sure if I could go for a ride in the glass bottom cable car but skipping the line is hugely appealing. Beautiful shots – looks like there’s more to Cairns than the Great Barrier Reef!
Allison Smith says
There sure is Flo! I am so glad we dedicated this trip to the rainforest instead of our usually reef trips! So much beauty in this area!
Gokul Raj says
That is a great way to tour a rainforest. The cablecar looks amazing with a glass floor. Would totally try this out.
Allison Smith says
We had a lovely day Gokul. The Diamond View was definitely the way to go.
Paul says
Amazing views. I think I would freak out a little bit with the glass bottom ride, though. Thanks for sharing!
Allison Smith says
I don’t have an issue with heights but I know a few people who would not have been able to cope! Even in the normal cars you get a great view!
Abigail Sinsona says
I have read about the Skyrail experience from a blogger before. I remembered it piqued my curiosity and even though I have a fear of heights, it seems like such a cool experience to pass up. The rainforest is just beautiful from up there. It just gives you more appreciation for the beauty that it holds!
Allison Smith says
It’s great to get a different perspective Abigail!
Joanna says
The views are amazing from the goldola and I love that it has a see-through floor (which would probably trigger my fear of heights thouth). It’s so great that you can hop on and off and explore the forest at each station. I would love to go on a ride!
Allison Smith says
I loved that you could spend as long as you like at each station. I noticed that some people didn’t get off and I think they totally missed out.
Janine Good says
What a wonderful way to see a rainforest. I don’t know if I could sit on the glass floor like you did! I can’t even stand on the glass floor at the CN tower downtown Toronto haha. The views are spectacular and I think it is the perfect way to see the rainforests. I sadly didn’t do this when I was there but will add it to things hubby needs to show me when we go back 🙂
Allison Smith says
My friend also had conniptions when we’re were at the CN tower (I made her do it lol) but this was great! You need to get the Diamond View!!!!