The 8 Best Port Douglas Train Journeys

1.Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Kuranda tour with Skyrail or Scenic Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · from $118

Travel from Port Douglas by minibus to Kuranda, gliding above the rainforest on Skyrail and riding the Scenic Railway past waterfalls and tunnels. You get market time, Palm Cove, and optional attractions such as Wildlife Habitat, Bird World, or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Guides including Peter, Dale, and Tony are known for lively commentary.

“Guide was fantastic- friendly & knowledgeable Skyrail was great Water fall beautifull Great day out with friends”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 61 reviews · from $190

Travel by coach from Port Douglas to the Kuranda Scenic Railway, then ride through Barron Gorge National Park with recorded commentary and waterfall views. Spend about three hours in Kuranda, choosing markets, lunch, wildlife, or cultural activities. Return by Skyrail gondola above the rainforest canopy, stopping at two lookouts.

“A great tour and great value. Brilliant views over the rainforest from the cable car.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Hartley’s Crocodile Park, Skyrail & Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 10 reviews

Start with crocodiles, kangaroos, cassowaries, koalas, and a feeding boat cruise at Hartley's. Then ride Skyrail over World Heritage Rainforest, spend two hours in Kuranda, and return by the Kuranda Scenic Train. Your English-speaking driver handles hotel pickup, transfers, and a sunset stop at Palm Cove.

“Amazing day! Well organised and very friendly drivers! Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.World Heritage Forest by Skyrail & Scenic Rail

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 10 reviews · 10h 30m · from $177

Travel from Port Douglas to Kuranda by coach, glide over the World Heritage Rainforest on Skyrail, and return by the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail. You get free time in Kuranda, rainforest walks at two Skyrail stations, and hotel pickup and drop-off. English-speaking guides, including Adam, may accompany the group.

“Brilliant day from start to end. Adam our tour guide made it even more fabulous!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Hartley Crocodile Park with Kuranda, Skyrail Cableway and Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $200

Travel from Port Douglas with a small group of up to 20, led by guides such as Chris or Brett. See crocodile feeding at Hartley’s, ride Skyrail above the Wet Tropics, explore Kuranda, return by Scenic Railway, and finish at Palm Cove. Lunch and optional wildlife attractions cost extra.

Check availability →Read our full review