How to visit Kuranda from Yorkeys Knob, Cairns
Located in the mountains above Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia, Kuranda is a hugely popular tourist destination. Due to its unique location, there are a variety of different ways in which to travel to Kuranda from Cairns and the northern beaches.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
As a Cairns local, Kuranda is right up the top of my list of places to visit when hosting visiting family and friends. It’s also one of my preferred tour suggestions for the wonderful people staying at our Yorkeys Knob Beachfront Holiday Apartments. My favourite recommendation for getting there is the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This train journey takes passengers on a scenic journey through the stunning rainforest, passing by waterfalls and over bridges, all the while offering memorable views of the surrounding landscape. The train ride takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes and departs from Cairns Central Station and Freshwater Station. You can take the train back for the return journey, however I personally recommend mixing it up with the next option.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Departing from Smithfield, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes passengers on a 7.5 km journey above the rainforest canopy, providing breathtaking views of the tropical landscape. The journey takes approximately 1 and a half hours, however it’s certainly worth hopping off at a designated stop along the way to explore the rainforest from a different perspective. Our Yorkeys Knob holiday apartment guests can book tours through our tour desk and arrange for transfers to either Skyrail or the railway station.
Kuranda Rainforest Trek
Feeling more adventurous? Another great option is the Kuranda Rainforest Trek. This guided tour will take you on a walk through the rainforest, passing by waterfalls and swimming holes, and provides you with an opportunity to see a wide variety of tropical plants and animals. This fun filled and informative tour typically takes around 3 hours and departs from Cairns. Like all tours, I recommend you book early to ensure you get your preferred date.
Kuranda Riverboat Cruise
Once in Kuranda, and for those who prefer a more relaxing tour, the Kuranda Riverboat Cruise is a great choice. This calm water cruise takes passengers on a leisurely journey along the Barron River, passing by the Barron Falls and offering an opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife. You might even see a croc! The cruise takes around 2 hours, I recommend checking the timetable as it may change with the seasons.
Car Rental
Finally, for those who prefer to drive themselves, renting a car is another option. The drive from Cairns to Kuranda takes around an hour, and the route takes you along the scenic Kuranda Range Road up through the rainforest, providing an opportunity to see the beauty of the region at your own pace. Contact our Tour Desk for all your tour and car rental enquiries.
Summary
As you can see, there are several great options for tourists traveling from Cairns to Kuranda, each one offering a unique and exciting experience. The Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Rainforest Trek, Kuranda Riverboat Cruise, and renting a car all offer a different way to explore the rainforest and the different activities and sights in the area. At the end of the day, it all depends on your personal preferences and budget at the time. Go forth and explore, you’ll love it.
