The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5 km long scenic cableway that runs directly over the Barron Gorge National Park. Located in the Wet Tropics of Queensland, this is a World Heritage Area. This cableway, at the time of being built, was considered to be the longest gondola cableway in the world.
Getting Here
The easiest way to get here is by road. With the help of car hire in Cairns, a travel group or family needs to go on a short 15-minute drive to the north of the city to arrive at the Smithfield Terminal. If you happen to be at Port Douglas, your drive shouldn’t take you more than an hour.
Taking a Gondola Ride
The cableway passes through the McAlister Range, between Smithfield and Kuranda, and offers some of the most exquisite views of the national park and all the treasures it holds. With 6-person gondola cabins that travel barely a few metres above the crowns of trees, everyone is able to enjoy the breathtaking views from top. With a number of tour organizers offering one-way trips, two-way trips and all day tours, visitors are able to make the most of their time in the best possible manner. A one-way gondola ride takes about 1.5 hours while a two-way ride takes close to 2.5 hours.
The cableway operates at the speed of about 18km per hour with an aim to provide all the guests maximum viewing pleasure in their experience of the rainforest. The journey includes crossing 32 cable car towers, the highest of them being 45 metres. With slopes that are as steep as 19 degrees, this ride is designed to provide a wholesome experience in general, and spectacular views in particular.
Interacting with the Environment
For tour groups travelling with kids, or travellers looking for a chance to acquaint themselves with the environment and learn something more about this World Heritage space, there is an option to disembark at two rainforest stations – the Red Peak Station and the Barron Falls Station. Here, visitors get a chance to explore the forest floor on boardwalks. There is also an option to book a walking tour with authentic aboriginal guides. Interested visitors should certainly choose to venture on a rainforest trail on traditional Djabugay lands for an insightful experience.
