Questions on Skyrail Timing and Logistics in Cairns
 

Hello!
We are arriving Cairns via the Sapphire Princess on Saturday, March 12.
The ship will be in port at Yorkney's Knob from 8am - 6pm.

We (four adults) would like to do the skyrail to Kuranda, but are unsure of the logistics.
(We tried to book this tour with Princess, but it is sold out)

1. Do you have to make reservations for the skyrail? We're not exactly sure what time we'll be able to get off the ship.

2. What is the best way to transfer from the ship to the skyrail station? Taxi, independent transfer, tour etc?

3. Do we need to specify the time we'd like to leave Kuranda on the skyrail and will we be held to that time?

4. How long will the trip down take? How much time should we leave to ensure we are back on the ship in time?

5. Is transportation readily available to take us back to the ship, or should it be prearranged? How long do you expect the trip from station to ship to be?

6. Can we make our stops on the way up..do you just catch the next car coming?

One of my big concerns is the possibility of having 2600 passengers doing the same thing. I imagine it will be very crowded with the ship in port (and who's to say we'll be the only cruise ship!) Is there anything else I need to consider about doing this tour on our own?

Thanks!

Hi Crowsie - Skyrail tells me they have plenty of availability on March 12 and they are aware of Sapphire Princess arrival at Yorkeys Knob. Skyrail's shuttle doesn't pick up at Yorkey's (probably because there is very little tourist infrastructure which will change dramatically soon) - you would need to take a taxi. It's only a short drive (less than 10mins) with virtually no traffic - Black and White Taxi's (the only cab company in Cairns) no is 131 008 Australia-wide. They're very reliable and prompt.

Advance bookings are advisable - you can do this on Skyrail's website. It picks up every 15 minutes, so they do need an approximate time to avoid build-up at one particular time. You need to allocate one and a half hours one way on Skyrail - this will give you time to hop off at the two rainforest stops on the way - Skyrail is continuous so you just get on the next car to continue to Kuranda. Without stops it takes about 45 mins. Most like to combine Skyrail with Kuranda Scenic Train and this can be booked through Skyrail - there are only two trains a day leaving Kuranda at 2.00pm and 3.30pm. Train takes about 1 hr 10 mins from Kuranda to Freshwater Connection station - alight here - don't continue on into Cairns. From Freshwater it's only a 10minute taxi ride back to Yorkey's Knob.

Costs about $50/person return. You can also come back on the smelly old steam train if you like but i'd recommend going both ways on the sky rail. You have a much better view and the train just stinks.

Crowsie, When you arrive with Sapphire you should grab a cab into Cairns.
Ask the driver to drop you off at Rusty’s Markets.

Rusty’s boasts the largest selection of tropical fruits and vegetables out side of Asia.

It’s all yummy and fresh. Rambutans, Rock melons, Lychees, Longans, Pineapples and Paw Paw, Guava and Ginger, Breadfruit and Bananas, the list goes on.

Even if you do not wish to purchase you will have some fun for sure.
For around 10 Australian Dollars you will purchase a tropical feast for two.
When you finish at Rusty’s you can take a stroll down to the Cairns Esplanade.About a 15 minute walk while nibbling on some fresh fruit.

There are many tourist out lets within 100 meters of the Esplanade which will put you on Skyrail up the mountain and Train back down the mountain for between $76.00 and $80.00. If you pay more than that you are paying too much. You will see this product in different places for all sorts of crazy prices. $80.00 is the max you should pay.

If you take the 3.30 train out of Kuranda then jump off the train at Freshwater,
( not far from my house hi Pat !!! )
( Pat’s not far from me she is really close to the railway track, I am up the mountain a little, anyway ) you will be able to take a cab to Yorkeys in plenty of time for the departure of the ship.

Happy Travels.
Try not to miss the markets, they are fun, and they are free.
Remember it might be raining.
March is the second wettest month.
If its pouring rain stay on the boat and play scrabble.
Yobfeer.

Thank you all so much for your responses.
I have requested a reservation for 9:15 am and have asked what time the Princess shore excursions are scheduled to arrive, hoping we can get in before them to avoid the crowds!

Will taxi's be readily available at the ship when we disembark or will we have to call for one to pick us up.
Also..when we arrive back at the skyrail station will there be taxi's waiting in queue?

Yobfeer..how far is Rustys Market from the ship? We love open air markets and would like to try and catch it on our way back.

Does anyone know what the entrance fees are for Tjukapi or the Rainforestation? Not sure which of these we'll want to do..any recommendations?
How about a place to have lunch in Kuranda...do you have recommendations for that as well?
If it rains..we'll just get wet! A little water never hurt us and we do not want to miss this!

Crowsie - when booked directly with Skyrail the return Skyrail fare is AU$50. Skyrail including Tjakupai is AU$79, Skyrail including Rainforest Station is AU$90. More take the Tjakupai option rather than the Rainforest Station. Skyrail/Scenic Railway is AU$70 with the appropriate extra for Rainforest Station or Tjakupai. I've travelled on the Scenic Railway countless, times and its very clean, but it's not airconditioned, then neither is Skyrail, but both amply ventilated. Kuranda railway line is of historic significance, it played a huge part in opening up the north. Years ago the train would have steam powered, but has long been converted to diesel. There was a "new" steam train introduced last year as well, it is no longer operating, although they are looking at re-launching at end of April.

Yobfeer is correct is saying that you'll see this product at many different prices, some with completely unecessary inclusions like guide, or expensive lunch, so by booking direct with Skyrail you've avoided this. There's plenty of food choices in Kuranda Village. Saturday is a non-market day in Kuranda, but you can still visit Birdworld, Koala Gardens(yes, they will let you hold a koala) and Butterfly Sanctuary - around AU$13 admission each. Yobfeer's suggestion of Rusty's is excellent, if you have time, and if you catch train down stay on it until Cairns station - its then only a few blocks walk. Its about 25mins back to Yorkeys Knob by taxi.

Generally there are not taxis milling around Yorkey's Knob however this may or not be the case with Sapphire in port. You may need to get the ship to phone one. If returning to Yorkey's from Skyrail, just ask a staff member to call one, or one may be there dropping people off.

I have booked the skyrail roundtrip directly thru their website.

I'm sure we'll find someplace for lunch in Kurandas so as not to incur the additional expenses that you have all mentioned.

Do you know if restaurants and the Rainforest station take credit cards, or will we need to have extra AUD for this trip?

Pat..you mentioned that it is a non-market day in Kuranda...does that mean that we'll be missing something...like shopping for local arts and crafts???? I would hate that as taking home artwork from each port is a tradition! So...except for the Birds, Butterflies and Koalas is there going to be nothing else to do in Kuranda?

Crowsie - yes Skyrail and restaurants will take credit cards, there's a lot of small, cheaper eateries in Kuranda for which you'd need cash. Saturday is the quietest day in Kuranda, this appeals to many people who aren't fussy about crowds. There's plenty of shops selling all sorts of souveniry things, just no markets.

Crowsie, just thought I'd mention that by taking return Skyrail you'll be going over the same ground. The scenic train's route is completely separate as the railway line is nowhere near Skyrail, except when they meet at the top at Kuranda.

Pat,
I walked the streets of Cairns this morning after my usual Saturday at Rusty's and could not find Skyrail up and Train back down from Kuranda for less than $75.00.

You have said you can get it for $70.00. I rang both the train and Skyrail as well as several group booking agents and the best any of them can do it for was $75.00.

Could you explain where we go to purchase Skyrail to Kuranda and then the train back to Cairns for $70.00.

My cousins are arrriving from Canberra on Monday and I do not want them to be paying too much for this product.

Thanks Yobfeer.

Hi Yobfeer - when booking direct through Skyrail, one way Skyrail and one way scenic train is $70, up until March 31st this year. Of course this doesn't include any Skyrail shuttle transfers, but Crowsie will need to get a taxi anyway as Skyrail doesn't pick up at Yorkeys. If your cousins are self driving there's a $7 per person transfer charge from Skyrail to Freshwater (or vice versa) - they can save a few bucks by just having one member of the group transferred back to car and then driving back to pick up the others. As you know, it isn't far. Return transfers for non-drivers to and from accommodation from Cairns, northern suburbs and some beaches on Skyrail shuttle are an extra $18 pp, so depending on where they're staying, and how many in group, its often cheaper to share a taxi.

OK Pat, So the deals available from the tour shops in Cairns offering the skyrail up and train back down PLUS your transfers from Cairns to the Skyrail terminal and from the terminal back to your hotel in Cairns for $75.00 work out to be very cheap.
Yobfeer

I enjoyed both the Skyrail and the Scenic Railway. I did the Skyrail first... It was exciting and energizing and fun way to travel and I liked the stations in the rainforest.
The way back on the Scenic Railway was just as nice but more in a way that you can relax on your way back home after a long day. The seats are comfier than the Skyrail and you go through a lot of tunnels and see the view in the valley opening up on the sea. It was something different and just as worth it as the Skyrail. The train is old but it's got charm.

Yes, yobfeer - if $75 is the price including transfers, they are cheaper. Prices I quoted are from Skyrail's current brochure which is found at tour desks all over Cairns.

We originally wanted to do Skyrail up and train back..but were worried that there were too many logistics of how to get to and from the ship.
Also...doesn't the train have only a couple of afternoon departures...I think I read that we'd have to leave Kuranda fairly early in the afternoon to get back to the ship in time.
If we take the skyrail back then we'll have more time in Kuranda...am I correct?

I'd strongly recommend the Skyrail both ways anyway. I didn't enjoy the train ride home. Also, it's cheaper to go skyrail both ways. The return trip is only $50 (it was in october last year anyway).

I've been twice. First time did SR/Train second time didn't bother with the train and wen SR both ways.

There's two train returns from Kuranda on Saturday, leaving Kuranda at 2.00pm and 3.30pm. Freshwater Connection station is only about a 15 min drive to Yorkey's - the first train will get you there at about 3.15pm, you might be cutting it a bit fine with the second train which is about 5.15pm. You can also do the reverse and take the 8.45 train from Freshwater to Kuranda and Skyrail down. You asked before about visiting Rusty's market - on Saturdays it closes at 3pm.

Pat...thanks for the information on Rusty's. We'll have to see if we can catch it early rather than late..would hate to get all the way there and have it closed!

Just came back yesterday and the weather was brilliant!

Just to add my recommendation after travelling up to Kurunda on Sunday and from reading here what you seem to want.

Go to Cairns and see the market and have a wander. Sunbus run a service to the city but takes a detour that takes away valuable time so try for a taxi - between 4 people maybe cheaper than bus anyway.

Catch the Cairns - Kuranda shuttle bus -only $2 each.

Cairns Kuranda shuttle mobile phone 0402032085 to confirm.. leave at 11.00am and will arrive at Kuranda about 11.30 to 11.45.

Have a wander in Kuranda and see Koala or Butterfly then take the skyrail down.

Call a cab - will need to wait maybe 10 mins - if you have a mobile call for it when you are on the last descent on the skyrail.

Head back to Yorkeys Boat Club and have a drink and relax till boarding time.

So total cost should be $37 each for return trip.

Tassie
Where do you catch the shuttle from Cairns to Kuranda..
This sounds like a great way to catch the market and skyrail and Kuranda.

Crowsie

Yes it is quicker than either the train or sky rail so by doing it one way you gain some time.

There are limited services though. I think at 9.00 and 11.00am only so I would call to get a booking if possible.

There is a main public transit bus terminus in Cairns about 3 or 4 blocks up from the markets closer to the waterfront. You catch the bus from there. It is small hotel shuttle type of bus. It picks up just after the bus goes around the roundabout just north of woolworths. The regular buses are yellow and called sunbus. These are not the bus you want. As these will be 99% of the buses you will see it should be easy to pick out the shuttle.

I would imagine it sits there a while so you have time to make sure it is the correct bus. Not like it stops for a second and then takes off so you should not have any problem.

I took some overseas visitors to Kuranda yesterday, up Skyrail, down scenic train. It seems as a promising wet season had died and the weather was bright, sunny and hot all day, so the Barron Falls are not what they usually are at this time of year. To me the point of the trip is the scenery from both Skyrail and the train, which is one of the, if not the most scenic train rides in the country. You can catch a bus one or both ways. White Car (not Sunbus which are blue, not yellow) coaches pick up at the Smithfield roundabout, which is about as far from Yorkey's as the bottom Skyrail station. However, you don't get to see much scenery at all from the Kuranda Range Rd which has quite heavily traffic - in fact there's only one lookout where it's safe to stop.

Kuranda train and its line is of great historical significance to the north, and there's a commentary on train to explain. Sure the train carriages are old, but not "stinky" as mentioned in one posting - the carriages are timber-lined which makes it sound a bit creaky. The material used is silky oak which is a now rare rainforest timber and would cost a fortune to replicate these days. Koala Gardens in Kuranda is miniscule, Cairns Tropical Zoo near Palm Cove has a much wider range of animals and this can also be combined with Skyrail and train. However, this would leave very little time for Rusty's.

Wow Pat , you are so remarkable.
You run a B&B.
You spend all day writing on Fodors to fill that B&B.
And now you are driving Sky rail.
You are taking people on sky rail and the train.
So you are also a guide.
What a woman.
I thought Fodor’s was for people to talk to each other about travel.
We had years and years of ole Liz using this site to buy her BMW which is fine they are a great car.
Now we have you.
If it’s good for you Pat it should be good for a thousand commercial operators to get on here and advertise the way you do.
Come on Pat. Let’s get fair dinkum here.
And now the bleeding hearts will come in who are just Pat in disguise anyway to tell us how wonderful she is.
Well Pat if it’s OK for you it’s ok for every B&B in Cairns to do what you do.
This site should be devoid of all agents, and B&B owners as they constantly present a false impression to feather their own nests.
If you or any one else promotes a product through this site you should also tell the people how much commission you take for booking the product.
Fodors is a place for travelers to swap experiences, not a place for B&B operators to obtain their clients.
Join the tourism association Pat. Type on their web site.
Fodors is for travelers.
Yobfeer

OK yobfeer you have thrown out the challenge regarding Pat and in a small way myself so let us see you put your money where your mouth is.
Firstly what kind of BMW do I own if in fact I actually do have one? Secondly everyone who has been following this site for years knows who I am and where I live, as they do Pat so instead of hiding behind a Fodor's ID of Yobfeer tell us exactly who you are and where you live. Full names please and occupation. I think your statement that you are a cray fisherman is another porkie. Actually everyone who has been writing on this forum for a long time is known to everyone by their real names so join us then and tell us who you are and how you think you know so much about people who have nothing to do with you, other than spend their valuable time trying to help people with information and suggestions for a better travel experience. I personally think you are a pain in the butt so please show me how wrong I am and be "outed".

Wrong, yobfeer - am quite aware of Fodor's commercial promotion rules and have never mentioned the name of my B&B. Other people who have stayed here have, and not always positively, and if you think the positive ones are me in disguise, then I feel sorry for you. Of course I've recommended many trips by name, but only ones I've been on. I accompanied friends from Sydney on the above trip, mainly to re-acquaint myself with Cairns Tropical Zoo and Kuranda Train which I hadn't taken for ages, and was not acting as a tour guide - why would anybody need a guide on such a trip? If I did this trip with every paying guest, I'd be going nearly every day. And I take exception to you calling my guests "bleeding hearts".

As you well know, all tours pay agent's commission for the trips and give famils so the agents know what they're talking about. As all tours pay commission there is no financial reason to favour a particular trip. And there is a certain satisfaction in knowing when a guest comes home they've had an enjoyable day.

Since you mention it I've been a member of CTA for years, and have finalist award, March 2002, "in recognition of excellent service to Tourism Hospitality".

Whitecar only advertise a 10.00am morning service so not good really. Would hardly be worth going into Cairns at all.

As a tourist I find train one way and skyrail the other too full on for one day. Plus Kuranda is full on tourist trap.

We caught train up and shuttle down.

We arrived for the 9.30am train at 9.15am and arrived at 11.30am in Kuranda. Was a nice trip but sooo slow. It is only about 30 kilometres by road. A bus one way gives more time if you plan around the timetable.

My 2c worth and I think it up to the thread author to decide, not other posters. We offer different viewpoints and they can make a decision.

It is really rude to slam other peoples suggestions.

Of course Pat has it occurred to you that 'Yobfeer' or should I put it another way 'Reefboy' could well be one of your opposition B&Bs who is not as successful as yourself and therefore has a bee in its bonnet about you and your success? His pathetic attempts to make you look as though you are getting something out of writing on this forum smack of jealousy and are so petty and childlike that really he is of no consequence at all. Perhaps if we just ignore him he will go away and play silly games with someone else.

lizF
You're right.
This fool who calls himself Yobfeer is an idiot. If he dares to give any more offence to my wife he'll have me to answer to.
Hey Yobfeer - all you have to do is come down the hill and I'll be waiting for you.