Reef, Train and Skyrail
While visiting Cairns, you definitely have to see the 2 most popular attractions. Just imagine jumping in the water and all of a sudden finding yourself face to face with a million tropical fish. The next day travel up a mountain to explore the tropical rainforest. Surely, the Reef, Train and Skyrail package covers it all!
Spend the day out on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring this natural wonder. The next day, travel up to the beautiful “Village in the Rainforest” located in Kuranda. Journey via the iconic Scenic Kuranda Train, and the Skyrail Rainforest cableway.
Cruise out to the Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a coral system spanning just over 2000km off the northeastern coast of Queensland. With Cairns being the closest city with access, it makes perfect sense to visit the Reef while you are here!
Travel in airconditioned comfort on the fast catamaran out to the activity platform. During your journey to the reef, a Reef Presentation is shown on the vessel’s monitors. Learn about how the Reef came to be, and what kind of Marine life you may expect to see. The friendly crew will also provide a Snorkelling demonstration. If it’s your first time, no worries! The Crew make you feel at ease.
Once you arrive at the platform, you will have 3 hours to explore the activities on offer. We recommend pre-booking these in advance so you don’t miss out! Whether you want to jump right in and Snorkel away. Or even try your hand at blowing bubbles on your first ever Scuba Dive! There are easy water access platforms to try both, not to mention resting platforms out in the water for you to take a break on.
Not much of a swimmer?
If you don’t want to get in the water, but still want to see the Reef, there is plenty for you! The pontoon has a purpose-built underwater observatory. Just like an aquarium, but where you can see the Reef in its natural state. But that is not all! Why not join the semi-submersible tour? Despite being small in size, it is quite spacious. Here you can sit underwater and look out the windows as we pass by the Reef. With air-conditioning and more comfortable seating, it surely is the best way to see the reef without getting wet.
On the spacious platform, you will have access to toilets, and Shower/Change rooms. There are plenty of tables around the Pontoon for you to spread out on. The sun deck, complete with sun lounges, has both shaded and un-shaded areas for you to enjoy.
After all your activities you will most certainly work up an appetite! A delicious Buffet Lunch is served, with both Hot and Cold options available. The lunch is catered for by a 5 Star Cairns Hotel, including Gluten-Free, Vegetarian and Vegan options.
Of course, there are many other activities available on the platform. Perhaps you want to take to the sky on a helicopter ride over the Reef? Or perhaps would you like to go down on the Scuba Doo? There is certainly plenty on offer.
Soon enough you will be all tuckered out and it will be time to head home. Tuck into some cheese and biscuits on offer for the return journey. Not to mention the fully equipped bar onboard, so you can even pair it with some wine or a refreshing beer.
Up, Up and Away…
After all your water experience, today will be spent on dry land! It is time to venture up the mountain and discover the beautiful Kuranda Village.
Step onboard the iconic Kuranda Scenic Train, as you take the 90-minute journey through the World Heritage-listed rainforest. From time to time, you will pass through tunnels, trek past waterfalls and over many bridges. The onboard commentary will take you back in time through the history of this particular rail line.
On arrival in the village, you will have an hour to explore before it is time to meet your transfer to Rainforestation Nature Park. Set on 100 acres of World Heritage Rainforest. This unique and award-winning Eco-friendly tourist attraction hosts an amphibious Army Duck rainforest tour included in this package. After your Army Duck tour, it is time to head back into the village for another hour of exploring.
Eventually, it will be time to head home. End the day with a journey back to Cairns on the breathtaking Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Glide metres above the rainforest canopy before descending down into the heart of the rainforest. Stop off at Skyrail’s two mid-stations to enjoy a walk along the boardwalks.
Kuranda Train and Skyrail
Like these two locations but wanting a different Reef, Train and Skyrail experience? Check out our Great Barrier Reef Experience and Kuranda Package instead!
Great Barrier Reef Experience and Kuranda
Itinerary
Day 1
- From 9.30 am Check-in inside the Reef Fleet Terminal to obtain your boarding pass.
- 10:10 am Vessel boarding.
- Complimentary morning tea/coffee served throughout boarding.
- 10:30 am Depart the Marina for the Greaat Barrier Reef pontoon via Green Island.
- 11:20 am Cake selection served on forward journey.
- 12:30 pm Arrive at the Outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon
- 1.00-2.30pm Hot and cold buffet lunch is served. Tea and coffee is available whilst at the platform
- 3:30pm A blast on the ship’s horn will signal the time when all passengers should return to the vessel ready for departure.
- 3:40pm A passenger count is conducted before leaving the Reef. The crew will announce when this commences and we ask all passengers to co-operate during this very important procedure by not moving about the vessel.
- 3:45pm Departure to Cairns via Green Island. Complimentary cheese and biscuits served on the homeward journey.
- 5:30pm Arrive Marlin Marina, Cairns
Day 2
- 7:30 (approx) Pickup from your Cairns city accommodation
- 8:30am Travel Kuranda Scenic Railway
- 10:15am Arrive Kuranda Railway Station
- 11:45am Please be at the bus stop outside the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary to transfer to Rainforestation Nature Park
- Army Duck Rainforest Tour with Tropical Fruit Orchard
- 3:30pm Glide over the rainforest from Kuranda on the Skyrail, the perfect end to your Reef, Train and Skyrail package!
- 5:30pm Arrive at your Cairns accommodation
Included
Great Barrier Reef Tour
- Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise
- Morning tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
- Morning tea cake selection
- 3 hours at Outer Reef Activity Platform
- Snorkeling equipment
- Use of buoyancy vests & lycra / stinger suits
- Reef education presentation
- Hot and cold buffet lunch
- Semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour
- Underwater Observatory
- Guided Eco Reef Talk in the underwater observatory
- Afternoon tea and coffee available whilst at the platform, cheese and biscuits on return journey
Kuranda Train and Skyrail
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- Time in Kuranda Village & Rainforestation Nature Park
- Army Duck Rainforest Tour
- Kuranda Scenic Railway journey
- Coach Transfers to and from your Cairns City Accommodation (Northern Beaches pickups available at extra cost)
What to bring
Great Barrier Reef Tour
- Swimming costume and beach towel
- Hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes
- Money for drinks, souvenirs and optional activities
- And a sense of adventure!
- Passengers must check-in at the Great Adventures counter for boarding passes before boarding vessel.
- Boarding is 30 minutes prior to departure time.
Kuranda Train and Skyrail
- Camera
- Insect repellent
- Hat Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Credit card or money for shopping souvenirs, and snacks. While meals are not included, there are many cafes in the village to purchase lunch from.
- Bottle of Water
How to get there
Return Hotel transfers are included for the Kuranda Day Tour.
For the Great Barrier Reef Tour, check-in is at the Reef Fleet Terminal, located at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Transfers are available for an extra cost.
Important Information
This Reef, Train and Skyrail package consists of 2 separate Day Tours and does not include overnight accommodation.
These tours do not need to be completed consecutively, so if you would like to spread your days out just let us know!
Please advise of any food allergies or dietary requirements.
While the Kuranda Train and Skyrail are Wheelchair accessible, some smaller components of this package are not wheelchair friendly. If you have any mobility issues, please let our friendly team know at the time of booking.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet