Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Skyrail located?
Skyrail’s Caravonica Terminal is located 15 minutes north of Cairns city and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas.
What are Skyrail’s hours of operation?
Skyrail is open every day except for Christmas Day and during planned, preventative maintenance: for more information please visit Skyrail's Special Notices. Skyrail's hours of operation are 8.15am to 5.15pm; booking are taken in 15 minute intervals from 8.15am to 2.45pm for a return journey, or 3.30pm for a one-way journey.
How long does a Skyrail experience take?
To maximise your Skyrail experience, allow up to 1½ hours to complete a one-way journey, this includes spending time at the two rainforest mid-stations, or 2 ½ hours* for a return experience. *This does not include any time you may wish to spend in Kuranda. For more detailed timings, please go to Trip Timings.
How often do gondolas leave the station?
Gondolas leave the station continuously; bookings are taken in 15 minute intervals (please see above for timings).
If I have pre-booked my Skyrail trip do I need to collect a boarding pass prior to boarding?
Yes. You are able to collect your Skyrail Boarding Passes at the ticketing counters at the Caravonica or Kuranda Terminals. Please Note: If you have booked a Skyrail and Scenic Railway experience, departing from the train station, you will collect your boarding pass from Freshwater train station.
What if it’s raining, can I still experience Skyrail and the rainforest?
The rainforest is at its best in the rain! Skyrail is spectacular on a fine day and amazing in the wet. Travelling through the mist in your fully enclosed gondola cabin, you will see the rainforest come to life in the rain, and there are complimentary umbrellas available at the mid-stations.
How many people does a gondola carry?
Each gondola seats up to 6 people (including infants).
What should / can I bring on the cableway?
We suggest you bring a day pack only. Luggage is not to be carried on the cableway.
Can I eat and drink in the gondolas?
For the protection of the environment smoking and the consumption of food and drink is prohibited in all gondolas. Eating and drinking is allowed at all of Skyrail’s terminals / stations.
Can children travel unaccompanied?
No. Children must be accompanied by an adult when travelling on the cableway.
How long is Skyrail?
The Skyrail cableway is 7.5 kilometres long and has two rainforest mid-stations.
Do I need to have a certain level of fitness to enjoy Skyrail?
No. Skyrail is suitable for, and caters to, people of all ages and abilities.
Can the Skyrail gondolas accommodate wheelchairs?
Yes, Skyrail gondola cabins can accommodate most standard type wheelchairs. However, due to size restrictions and loading requirements, some types of wheelchairs can not be carried on the cableway. Please note, wheelchairs cannot be carried on the coach transfer service. Click here for Wheelchair Access on Skyrail, and please ask for more details at the time of booking.
Can I hire a wheelchair?
Skyrail provides the complimentary use of wheelchairs (subject to availability) during a Skyrail experience. We recommend you contact Skyrail prior to travelling to discuss any special arrangements.
How do I board the gondolas?
A friendly cableway operator is available at each station to assist you on and off the cableway. The gondolas slow down at each station to allow easy embarkation and disembarkation from the gondola cabins; the doors open and close automatically.
Can I alight from the gondola to explore the rainforest?
Yes, Skyrail has two rainforest mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls, which allow you to disembark from the gondola and explore the forest on boardwalks and easy access walkways. Complimentary Ranger guided boardwalk tours operate regularly at Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Station houses a fascinating Rainforest Interpretation Centre and spectacular look-outs.
Is there much walking involved?
You can walk as much or as little as you choose at Skyrail’s rainforest mid-stations. Red Peak has a 175 metre rainforest boardwalk and there is approximately 400 metres of gentle walkways at Barron Falls Station.
What is the weather like, how should I dress?
Cairns has a tropical climate. Summer months, the rainy season, (December-March) tend to be warm and humid with rain, temperatures between 30°C and 34°C, and we recommend you wear light comfortable clothing. The winter months, the dry season, (June-September) are notable for their pleasant, clear days with temperatures of around 25°C. A light jacket may be required in winter. We recommend flat-soled footwear are worn on your Skyrail experience as you’ll be walking on wooden boardwalks and concrete paths. It is also advisable to pack a hat and sunscreen.
What is there to do in Kuranda, how much time should I plan to spend there?
Kuranda the ‘Village in the Rainforest’ has numerous attractions including a butterfly sanctuary, a colourful bird aviary, koala park, walking tracks and a diverse range of markets, shops, cafes and restaurants. Depending on your travelling time on Skyrail, we recommend allowing yourself two to three hours in Kuranda which will give you enough time to explore and have some lunch / refreshments.
