Australia · CABLE CARS & SCENIC RAILWAYS

Australian Cable Cars & Scenic Railways: 15 One-Way and Return

32 tours  ·  from $21

Skyrail over the Barron Gorge, the Kuranda railway back down, Scenic World at Katoomba and Puffing Billy out of Melbourne. The 15 below are priced one-way and return, with the combinations that are worth it.

From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail - Morning pickup and the ride to Freshwater Station
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From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

1.Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,392 reviews · 7 hours · from $127Our pick

Travel from central Cairns to Kuranda by historic railway, enjoy free time for markets, cafés, walks, and wildlife parks, then return over the rainforest canopy on the 7.5-kilometre Skyrail. English-speaking drivers such as Victor and Dean add useful local context. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most central Cairns hotels.

“Very well communicated picked up from port on time well organised and easy to follow printed instructions”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Emerald Lake gives the morning some breathing room
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

2.Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,220 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Leave central Melbourne for Puffing Billy’s steam train through the Dandenong Ranges, then walk around Emerald Lake and explore Healesville Sanctuary. You’ll have time for koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and animal talks before ending at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Guides such as Peter, Matty, David, and Emily are known for clear commentary and attentive service.

“Well planned., enough time at sanctuary., didn’t feel rushed..”

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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - What the Journey Feels Like on Board
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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

3.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,195 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $29Best value

Ride Puffing Billy, a preserved steam railway built in 1900, through the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne. Choose a journey from Belgrave or Lakeside, enjoy the famous sill-side seating between Belgrave and Lakeside, and allow 2 to 4 hours for the train and Emerald Lake Park area.

“The journey was just as eventful as I had hoped for and I do it again”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour - Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

4.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · 12 hours · from $165

Spend a full day beyond Melbourne with a historic Puffing Billy steam-train ride through the Dandenong Ranges, time at Emerald Lake, coastal views at the Nobbies, and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Guides such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, and Nathan are known for lively commentary and wildlife spotting. Warm clothing is essential.

“Terry was the best! The best guide ever! Puffing Billy steam train is amazing, worth to try when you’re here in Melbourne! And, Finally, I saw the penguins this time at Philip Island, thanks Terry for suggesting us the best spot! Again! Terry is the best❤️❤️”

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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns - Hotel pickup and the shape of the day
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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

5.Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,075 reviews · from $150

Travel from Cairns into the rainforest by historic railway and Skyrail cableway, with time in Kuranda for markets, food, and optional wildlife stops. Choose extras such as Rainforestation, Birdworld, the Butterfly Sanctuary, or Koala Gardens. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but this is mainly a transport-and-admission package, not a guided walking tour.

“Lovely experience visiting Kuranda. The touring service provided prompt service with the pick up and drop off from the designated stop. It smoothened the process to book the Skyrail and Scenic Railway. Everything was managed within a single booking.”

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Cairns: Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers - Skyrail from the coast to Kuranda
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Cairns: Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers

6.Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,038 reviews · 510 minutes - 1 day · from $147

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stopping at rainforest lookouts and Barron Falls before free time in the village. Return by Kuranda Scenic Railway through tunnels, across bridges, and beside gorges. Hotel transfers, tickets, and an English-speaking host are included, with lunch and optional Kuranda attractions paid separately.

“it was a great experience of going by skyway rail n coming back by kuranda rail. one can do the opposite aswell. but one must try both sky rail n historic rail tour”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour - Meeting the bus in central Melbourne
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

7.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 640 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Leave Melbourne by minibus for a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the classic leg-dangling tradition. Then spend about two hours at Healesville Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos, and birds of prey. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, Anthony, and Gina add local context along the way.

“Loved the entire trip. The Puffing Billy was a great experience... Something different and such lovely views along the way. The wildlife tour was so good also, had loads of time to go around it and a bit of souvenir shopping time also LeeLee our tour guide was great...her bubbly personality from the moment of pick up to drop off made the day trip a memorable one. Would definitely recommend”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Riding Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

8.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145Top rated

Spend about 12 hours beyond Melbourne with a guide such as Alan, Gina, Jose, or Stuart. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, stop at The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. General Penguin Parade entry, transport, guide services, train fare, and park fees are included. Bring warm layers and expect a long day.

“The transport arrived on time, and we could all hop on the bus alright. Stuart, the driver, was witty and spoke only when required, giving us rest during the long drive. Puffing Billy was great; there were some delays, but nothing major. The penguin parade was fabulous—recommend everyone to get the Penguin Plus. As the seating is where the penguins will walk up to, and all along the boardwalk when you finish. Great trip, even if you were to drive yourself; it will probably take around the same time as you.”

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Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway - Kuranda village, markets, and the timing problem
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Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

9.Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 598 reviews · from $230

Start with the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, then see butterflies, koalas, and rainforest wildlife at Rainforestation Nature Park. You’ll ride a WWII Army Duck, join a Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, eat a BBQ buffet lunch, and return over the canopy by Skyrail. Hotel pickup may be available, and guides such as Steve, Dom, or Nick may assist during the day.

“So much packed in one day, you defn get your money's worth. Overall very well organized and the tour guides throughout were great. It was a little confusing when you first get off the train in Kuranda as they didnt really explain that you were essentially on your own until the bus arrives to the butterfly exhibit. That said, I skipped the butterfly exhibit and went to bird world instead (extra fees). Just have to be sure to be back at the butterfly entrance in time to catch the bus up to the rainforeststation, but seeing and hand feeding the birds was so much better. Also you need to make…”

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Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class
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Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

10.Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 574 reviews · from $199

Travel from Cairns or Port Douglas to Kuranda by two classic routes: the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. You get several hours in the mountain village for markets, lunch, butterflies, birds, koalas, or Aboriginal culture. Pickup and drop-off are offered, but confirm your meeting point and departure times carefully.

“It’s a very special way to see the magnificent rainforest & waterfalls; and it provides an appreciation for the engineering wonder that resulted in the construction of the Sky Rail and the train track between Cairns & Kurrumba”

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Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - A slower hour at Emerald Lake
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Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

11.Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 451 reviews · from $163

Ride the Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave to Emerald Lake, then explore Healesville Sanctuary and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Guides such as Bonnie, Matt, Peter, and Graeme add local stories and practical help. Transport, entry fees, WiFi, and air-conditioning are included, with time for lunch and free chocolate samples.

“Amazing. The words can't describe it. My partner almost convinced me to move there. Nathan was superb. Everyone we interacted with was welcoming.”

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From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train - The Captain Cook Highway sets the scene
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From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

12.Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

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

Travel from Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches by air-conditioned coach, ride Skyrail with two rainforest stops, explore Kuranda Village, and return on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Guides such as Chris, Brett, Glen, Andrea, and Bridget keep the day organized and entertaining. A Palm Cove stop rounds out this eight-hour outing.

“Our driver Chris was amazing, he kept everyone entertained all day. From his first cheery welcome to the perfect sing song on the way home. The day ran smoothly, with his clear instructions and his jaunty hat so he could always be seen in a crowd! 😂 A great day was had by all. The Skyrail was exhilarating and the 40 minute ride gave lots of time to see the scenery and the views were spectacular. This trip in my opinion was well worth the money.”

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Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour - Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
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Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

13.Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 351 reviews · from $171

Spend about 11 hours beyond Melbourne with a guide such as Lorraine, Terry, Matt, or Russell. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, walk the Nobbies boardwalk, and watch little penguins return from the sea. Transport and entrance fees are included, but food, drinks, and a long evening are not.

“Totally SCAM. No one showed up to pick up and no response from the guide. We trying to get refund of the operator at the moment”

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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience - The early drive from Melbourne to Belgrave
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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

14.Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 263 reviews · 6 hours - 1 day · from $126

Ride the historic Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside in an open-sided carriage, with your legs dangling above fern-filled gullies and the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge below. A local guide such as Robbo, Lisa, Jono, or Jools handles the timing and adds stories on the drive. The tour returns to Melbourne around 1:15 PM.

“Big thank you to our guide Jono! Jono was very friendly, attentive, and shared with us lots of interesting stories. Thanks for capturing precious moment for us on the train. Puffing Billy was such a big fun! Beautiful scenes on the way. Great for those who don’t drive. Back at the city at around 1:30pm so still lots of time to explore the city in the afternoon. Worth going!”

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From Port Douglas: Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option - The Kuranda Scenic Railway through 15 tunnels
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From Port Douglas: Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option

15.Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option

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

Travel from Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches with guides such as Chris, Brett, or Towie, then ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail, depending on your booking. You get two hours in Kuranda for markets and lunch, plus a Palm Cove stop for a beach walk or drink. Pickup, transport, guide, and selected rail or cableway tickets are included.

“Even though we could not ride the railway due to rock slides we enjoyed everything else we did; Rainforest Station, Skyrail and Kuranda. Our guide, Towey was very knowledgeable about the area and fun and personable. We had a great time!”

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New in Cable Cars & Scenic Railways

★ 4.5Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Port DouglasFrom $19127 reviews
★ 5.0Cairns Small-Group Kuranda Tour: Skyrail & Scenic RailwayFrom $186112 reviews
★ 4.5Kuranda Rainforestation & Kuranda Scenic Rail (R1BT)From $13522 reviews
★ 4.0Kuranda Village, Army Duck Tour with Train and Skyrail (KDB)From $16771 reviews
★ 4.5Classic Kuranda by Skyrail and Scenic Railway, Rainforestation & lunch. CKBFrom $213105 reviews
★ 4.7Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Round-Trip ExperienceFrom $75105 reviews
★ 4.3Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Island Day TourFrom $11340 reviews
★ 4.5Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Winery Chocolaterie All-in-OneFrom $120128 reviews
★ 4.2Penguin Parade Tour with Puffing Billy Train RideFrom $13334 reviews
★ 4.4Blue Mountains, Scenic Railway, & Sydney ZooFrom $11759 reviews
★ 4.7Arthurs Seat Eagle: Scenic Gondola RideFrom $2144 reviews

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