Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — Attraction in Smithfield

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Visited on 15/7/2022

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Visited on 15/7/2022

After having our tickets checked at the Smithfield Terminal, 4 of us exit the door to take a 6-seater cable car / gondola.

The Skyrail stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls before making a return trip at Kuranda Terminal. The 7.5 km journey takes about 45 minutes if passengers do not alight at any of the in-between stop.

The gondola starts its ascent from 5 m above sea level at Smithfield Terminal, gliding metres over the rainforest canopy to reach the highest point at Red Peak, which is 545 m above sea level. The final destination, Kundara Terminal is 363 m above sea level.

There are 32 towers, and the highest one is located at Red Peak which stands at 45 m high abive the base.

Not being very savvy with the use of the App, I miss some commentaries at a number of spots while riding in the gondola and walking along certain paths.

Objects at the distant horizon gets smaller and smaller, and eventually disappear. I find myself high above the kauri, palms, conifers, ferns and many that I cannot see.

At Red Peak Station, there is a display centre explaining "the jungle out there", and the 5-layer structure of the rainforest. It is a real experience to watch from the lookout, and I am glad to take a stroll along the boardwalk loop among the lush green ferns and the imposing rainforest giants.

The next stop is the Barron Falls Station. It is a spectacular spot, especially standing at the Edge Lookout, enjoying the panoramic views of the Barron Gorge hundreds of metres below, and the very contrasting "white" colour waterfall in the picturesque green background. July is not really the best time of the year to see the waterfall in its glorious moment.

I am really fascinated by some artists left their marks on some parts of the concrete paths. I doubt many visitors notice them especially on a very bright sunny day.

The CSIRO Rainforest Interpretation Centre at Barron' Falls is not to be missed. It has so much information that I find myself being mentally overloaded. With the touch screen, I can select the recorded sound of the various birds and animals.

I decide to spend more time to revisit the centre when the Skyrail makes its return trip.

The final destination is Kundara Terminal. It is back to...

An awesome experience and a must-do if visiting Cairns!

There is ample parking at the Smithfield departure point, and disability parking and access is also addressed. Even the Skyrail carriages themselves, although quite compact and suspended by a cable, do allow for wheelchair access (our neighbouring carriage held a wheelchair-bound visitor). The stops along the way, likewise, also provide ramp access to the various sights and entry/exit points.

You encounter various staff members along the way, all of whom were friendly, helpful and informative. They were lovely and I can't fault their efforts. Each stop, although brief, allows for some quick sightseeing and photo opportunities. They're all elevated and scenic, so no time is wasted.

The entire journey takes about 90 minutes from start to Kuranda arrival. From the minute you depart, you're blessed with amazing views of rainforest, ocean, and endless skies. You're very securely enclosed, and the cable journey feels sturdy and safe. Even as someone who's not a fan of heights, I wasn't concerned or anxious at any stage.

I will add that we invested in a package deal, committing to the Skyrail up, Scenic Rail journey down, and then a shuttle coach back to the Skyrail site to collect our car. Although a seemingly sizeable outlay at the time, you get incredible value for money. Everything is very well coordinated and explained, so moving from one to the next is relatively straightforward and efficient.

We also upgraded to the Diamond View carriage which has a perspex/clear floor. Truthfully, there's so much to see around you that you don't often look down. On occasion though, you definitely take a peak and it does add to the overall experience as there's green all around you, including below. Even better, we were the only people utilising this upgrade, so not only had a separate priority queue at each stop, but also had the carriage to ourselves the entire way.

In summary, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway was a great adventure that was worth every cent. It's perfect for people of any age, and I highly recommend it to any visitors...

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a unique and captivating experience that allows visitors to discover the beauty and diversity of the Australian rainforest from a whole new perspective. Located in the stunning region of Cairns, Queensland, Skyrail offers a breathtaking journey through the ancient tropical rainforest.

The cableway spans over 7.5 kilometers, taking passengers on a mesmerizing ride above the lush canopy. As you glide effortlessly in a comfortable gondola, the panoramic views of the rainforest unfold before your eyes. The Skyrail experience offers a bird's-eye view of the diverse flora and fauna that call this rainforest home.

The journey includes two stops along the way, where visitors can disembark to explore the forest up close. At Red Peak Station, knowledgeable guides are available to provide informative insights into the unique ecosystem. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the rainforest. You may even catch a glimpse of some of the rare and elusive creatures that inhabit this pristine environment.

Barron Falls Station is another highlight of the Skyrail experience. Here, you can witness the awe-inspiring power of the Barron Falls, as water cascades down the steep cliffs into the gorge below. The station offers stunning viewpoints and photo opportunities to capture the beauty of this natural wonder.

The Skyrail experience is not only visually captivating but also environmentally sustainable. The cableway is designed to minimize impact on the rainforest, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy. Skyrail also actively supports research and conservation programs to protect the unique biodiversity of the area.

Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers an unforgettable journey through one of the world's most ancient and captivating rainforests. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Skyrail and discover the magic of the Australian rainforest like...