Rail · AUSTRALIA TRAIN JOURNEYS

The 15 Best Train Journeys in Australia

24 tours  ·  from $29 a head

Rainforest gorges out of Cairns, heritage steam in the Dandenongs, and long-distance services that cross a state overnight. These 15 are priced and timed, with a note on which combine with a cableway or a cruise.

From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail - Pickup from Cairns and the morning start
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From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

1.Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,392 reviews · 7 hours · from $127Our pick

Travel from central Cairns to Kuranda by historic railway, then return above the rainforest canopy on the 7.5-kilometre Skyrail. You get roughly 2.5 to 3 hours in the village for markets, cafés, walking trails, and optional wildlife parks. Drivers such as Victor and Dean add useful local context, but this remains a self-guided day.

“trainride was amazing. kuranda is quite touristic. Highlight is the way to go there and way back with cable car”

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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - Lakeside and Emerald Lake Park
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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

2.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,195 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $29Best value

Ride Puffing Billy, a preserved steam railway built in 1900, through Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. Choose a journey from Belgrave or Lakeside, enjoy the famous leg-dangling tradition where permitted, and allow 2 to 4 hours for the train ride and time at Emerald Lake Park.

“I loved the views and the whole trip! I really recommend this journey, I'd do that again”

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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns - The historic railway through Barron Gorge
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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

3.Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,075 reviews · from $150

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by the historic Scenic Railway, then return above the rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway. You get hotel pickup, free time in Kuranda, and optional visits to Birdworld, Koala Gardens, the Butterfly Sanctuary, or Rainforestation Nature Park. This is a mostly self-guided day, not a guided tour.

“This trip is a must-do for any holiday in Cairns. Fab views from both the Sky Rail and scenic railway. Interesting history, too.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour - The Melbourne pickup sets the tone
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

4.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Leave Melbourne by comfortable coach for a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the famous leg-dangling tradition. Then explore Healesville Sanctuary for koalas, kangaroos, and bird shows. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, Anthony, and Gina add local stories and practical help throughout the day.

“We enjoyed the whole day. It was truly very enjoyable.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

5.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

This 12-hour tour pairs Puffing Billy’s steam train through the Dandenong Ranges with The Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. English-speaking guides such as Gina, Alan, Jose, and Stuart lead the day, sharing wildlife tips and keeping the long transfers on track. General viewing is included, while Penguin Plus offers a closer view for an extra fee.

“Absolutely fantastic experience. Stuart was our guide, he’s knowledgeable and entertaining, he was very attentive to everyone’s needs and made sure we all had a good time.”

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Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway - The Kuranda Scenic Railway starts the day
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Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

6.Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 598 reviews · from $230

This 10-hour CaPTA Group day links Cairns with Kuranda by historic railway and Skyrail. You will visit the Butterfly Sanctuary, Rainforestation, Koala and Wildlife Park, and join a Pamagirri Aboriginal experience. Guides and drivers, including Dom, Nick, and Steve on some departures, manage the many handoffs. Lunch and entry tickets are included.

“Train ride up and cable car down are worth the cost of admission. Beautiful scenery across the board. Duck tours were a little anticlimactic, but always an enjoyable way to see an area. It is a destination location so temper expectations of food/service/support.”

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Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: rainforest from above
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Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

7.Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 574 reviews · from $199

Travel between Cairns and Kuranda by two classic routes: the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You get Gold Class rail seating, light refreshments, rainforest lookouts, and free time for Kuranda markets, cafés, butterflies, birds, koalas, or Aboriginal culture. Pickup and drop-off are offered, but confirm your exact transfer time.

“The views are spectacular. The guided tours very informative and interesting. This gave us more things to look out for which made the trip enjoyable.”

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From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train - The Kuranda Scenic Railway Takes the Long Way Down
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From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

8.Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 365 reviews · 8 hours · from $148

Travel from Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches to Kuranda by air-conditioned coach, Skyrail, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Your English-speaking guide, such as Chris, Brett, Andrea, Glen, or Bridget, handles the tickets and timing. You get rainforest views, two Skyrail stops, two hours in Kuranda, and a Palm Cove break.

“Communication about our pick up time was excellent. Our guide and driver - Chris (and his cute little dog Bosun!) was great. He organised us very well with clear instructions for meeting times and places. Amazing views all day from the Train and Skyrail. Only had an hour in Kuranda due to the Train leaving late waiting for cruise ship passengers. This was a shame but no one’s fault. We had plenty of time to come down on the Skyrail with a couple of options to get off and on again. Really lovely stress free trip.”

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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience - From Melbourne to historic Belgrave Station
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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

9.Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 263 reviews · 6 hours - 1 day · from $126

Travel from central Melbourne to Belgrave by air-conditioned coach, then ride Puffing Billy through fern-filled forest to Lakeside. You will cross Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, explore Emerald Lake Park, and return around 1:15 PM. Guides such as Robbo, Lisa, Jono, and Jools are known for lively local stories and helpful photos.

“We had a great experience with Go West guide Angel Sophie. Puffing Billy Railway experience was a must do one. You get to sit on the window rails whilst the steam train passes through narrow rail lines laid through beautiful scenic forests. The bus ride was good but it did not had a charging port which could be considered in future.”

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From Port Douglas: Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option - From Port Douglas to Freshwater Station
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From Port Douglas: Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option

10.Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 253 reviews · 8 - 9 hours · from $116

From Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches, your guide takes you by coach to Freshwater Station for the Kuranda Scenic Railway, then on to Kuranda’s markets and Skyrail, depending on your selected option. Guides such as Chris, Brett, and Towie are known for lively local stories. The day ends with free time beside Palm Cove beach.

“The railroad was still closed but the substitute option, the crocodile exhibit, was good. The sky ride thru the rain forest was fantastic.”

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Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour from Port Douglas - The Kuranda Scenic Railway, waterfalls and Barron Gorge
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Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour from Port Douglas

11.Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 240 reviews · from $172Top rated

Travel from Port Douglas or Palm Cove by air-conditioned minivan, ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail, then explore Kuranda before a Palm Cove stop. Guides such as Chris, Brett, and Andrea add local stories and practical help. The tour lasts about nine hours and includes both transport tickets.

“What a fantastic day! Chris was such a great guide. The right amount of information and he also gave us time just to relax and take in the gorgeous scenery. The day was thought out well and he really went above and beyond to make sure we were all well taken care of. Would highly recommended.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour - A simple start from central Melbourne
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

12.Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 239 reviews · 6 hours · from $107

Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam railway for an hour through rainforest and wooded hills, with open carriages and dangling-leg seats. Your English-speaking guide, such as Gina, Mark, or Michael, handles the day from Melbourne pickup to Lakeside Station. Add a short bushwalk, native birds, café time, and railway exhibits for a simple escape from the city.

“Amazing tour guide. Gina is incredible, informative and very friendly. We love our experience here. I traveled with my 80 year old mother and she had such an amazing time. Highly recommended!”

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1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne - Grants Picnic Ground and Sherbrooke Forest
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1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

13.1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · from $157

Travel from central Melbourne to Sherbrooke Forest, ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train with legs dangling from the carriage, then visit Healesville Sanctuary. Guides such as Gerry, Andy, Margaret, and Mark have added local stories, wildlife facts, and practical help. The day lasts about 8.5 hours and includes transport and admission.

“Matt was an excellent l guide and it was a fantastic trip. Beautiful views and a taste of the wonderful countryside surrounding Melbourne.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour - Riding Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

14.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 195 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Spend about 12 hours linking Puffing Billy, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade by air-conditioned coach. You’ll ride the steam train, explore coastal boardwalks, and watch little penguins come ashore after sunset. Guides such as Daniel and William are praised for clear timing and useful viewing tips. Maru Koala and Animal Park may be offered for an extra AUD $33.

“The day was packed but very well organised. Our guide was very knowledgeable and knew when to point to see things and he also gave us a great tip on where to sit to see the Penguin Parade best and he was so right.”

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Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns - Gliding above the rainforest canopy
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Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns

15.Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 177 reviews · 510 minutes - 1 day · from $195

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stopping twice to see the forest from ground level, then return by historic Kuranda Scenic Rail in Gold Class. Your day includes transfers, a Kuranda Boarding Pass, preferred train seating, drinks, refreshments, and a dedicated host. Pickup is available from selected Palm Cove and Northern Beaches locations.

“AMAZING. A fantastic day out. Book GOLD class. Do yourself a favor, you're on holidays.”

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New in Australia Train Journeys

★ 4.5Kuranda tour with Skyrail or Scenic TrainFrom $11864 reviews
★ 5.0Koala & Kangaroos Experience, Waterfalls and Scenic Train JourneyFrom $40567 reviews
★ 4.5Rottnest Island Grand Tour Including Lunch and Historical Train RideFrom $7871 reviews

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