By rail · AUSTRALIA TRAIN TOURS

15 Australian Rail Journeys Worth Booking

25 rail days  ·  from $29 a seat

Rainforest gorges above Cairns, heritage steam in the ranges and the tourist lines that pair with a cableway. These 15 carry fares, running times and which direction gives the better window.

From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail - Morning pickup from Cairns
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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 the historic scenic railway, then return above the rainforest on the 7.5-kilometre Skyrail. You get free time for markets, cafés, trails, and optional wildlife parks. Drivers such as Victor and Dean add useful local tips, but the schedule can feel tight.

“the place is vast with lots to see from different angles. The views are spectacular from both the trains and sky rail”

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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - Starting at Belgrave, the classic gateway
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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

2.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, meet the volunteer crew, enjoy Emerald Lake Park, and sit on the carriage sill between Belgrave and Lakeside when permitted.

“I loved the views and the whole trip! I really recommend this journey, I'd do that again”

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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns - Kuranda village: markets, food, and free time
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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

3.Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

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

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by one-way historic railway and Skyrail cableway, with hotel pickup included. Choose extra time at Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, or Rainforestation. Expect a mostly self-guided day, not a fully escorted tour.

“The communication was very poor did not get documented items on time and left getting a taxi from one place to another”

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Cairns: Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers - Riding Skyrail above the rainforest
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Cairns: Skyrail, Kuranda, and Rail Tour with Hotel Transfers

4.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, stopping at rainforest lookouts and Barron Falls, then return by the Kuranda Scenic Railway. You get hotel transfers, free time in Kuranda, and helpful coach commentary from guides such as Scott, Marshall, or Lindsay.

“Pick up from near hotel was on time, everything ran smoothly all day and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Visited the butterfly sanctuary which was fantastic.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour - Three Melbourne pickup points keep the morning simple
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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

5.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

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

Spend eight hours beyond Melbourne on a guided trip to Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary. Ride the steam train from Belgrave to Lakeside, walk through rainforest, and see koalas, kangaroos, and birds of prey. Guides such as Gary, Stuart, Anthony, and Jerry are known for keeping the day friendly and well organized.

“I absolutely love it. It’s something you need to do while you’re here.”

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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

6.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

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

Combine two of Victoria’s best-known outings in one 12-hour trip. Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside, visit The Nobbies, then watch little penguins come ashore at Phillip Island. English-speaking guides such as Alan, Gina, Jose, and Stuart are praised for useful wildlife tips and smooth timing.

“Excellent experience and thx for our tour guides … LeLe and Gina both of them very professional and fun”

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Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway - The Kuranda Scenic Railway from Freshwater
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Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

7.Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

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

Ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, visit Barron Falls and Kuranda Village, then see butterflies, wildlife, and rainforest by Army Duck. A barbecue lunch, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and Skyrail return are included. Guides such as Steve, Dom, and Nick may assist during the day.

“Pick up available from multiple hotels by comfortable coach. Historic train ride. World War II army DUKW ride in rainforest, butterfly Avery, aboriginal show with spear and boomerang tossing. Buffet lunch is included, which was good.. cable car ride… Definitely a must and was the highlight of my trip to Cairns,”

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Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Skyrail above the rainforest canopy
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Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

8.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 village for markets, cafés, butterflies, birds, koalas, or Aboriginal culture. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered.

“I am seeking confirmation we will get $110 refund pp because the Skytrain was cancelled and we had to return by bus. Passenger Selvay. 2pax. Tour code KSQ+GXC on 13th August 2025.”

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From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train - Getting from Port Douglas to the rainforest
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From Port Douglas: Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

9.Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

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

From Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches, ride Skyrail above World Heritage rainforest, explore Kuranda Village, and return by the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Your English-speaking guide, often Chris, Brett, Andrea, Glen, or Bridget, handles tickets, timings, and transport.

“We had the best time on this tour with the wonderful guide Chris and his dog Bo! 10 out of 10 would recommend for beaut beautbeautiful views of the rainforest from another perspective!”

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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience - Leaving Melbourne between 7:00 and 8:00 am
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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

10.Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience

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

Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside through fern-filled forests, cross the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, and relax at Emerald Lake Park. An English-speaking guide leads the day, with audio commentary in 16 languages and central Melbourne pickup.

“Magical fun experience. Nothing like ridding a steam train while your legs dangle off the side. The lush views are amazing.”

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From Port Douglas: Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option - Freshwater Station and the Kuranda Scenic Railway
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From Port Douglas: Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option

11.Kuranda via Scenic Rail or Skyrail Option

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

Spend 8 to 9 hours traveling from Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches to Kuranda by historic train and Skyrail, with two hours for markets and lunch. Guides such as Chris, Brett, and Towie add local stories, practical help, and plenty of humor. Palm Cove provides a relaxed finish.

“Our guide Chris is really entertaining and helpful. It’s a great day trip for everyone and we are able to use the shuttle to move from Port Douglas hotel to Cairns at the end of the trip to avoid the Ironman road closure the following day. Providers also very responsive via WhatsApp and email. Great time. Thanks guys.”

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Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour from Port Douglas - Kuranda Scenic Railway brings the slow drama
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Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour from Port Douglas

12.Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 240 reviews · from $172Top rated

From Port Douglas or Palm Cove, ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, browse Kuranda’s markets, and glide above World Heritage rainforest on Skyrail. Guides such as Chris, Brett, and Andrea add local stories and easy hotel transfers. The day lasts about nine hours and includes both major rides.

“Our guide Andrea who is the owner was fantastic and very informative The train ride was amazing. However we stopped in the village Kuranda for 90 mins and it’s an awful place! The food choices were disappointing and we honesty didn’t expect that our tour would include a 90 minute stop in this village. But everything else was great”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour - Central Melbourne pickup and the ride into the ranges
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

13.Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 239 reviews · 6 hours · from $107

Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train for one hour through the Dandenong Ranges, with open carriages, rainforest views, and dangling-leg fun. Your English-speaking guide, such as Gina, Mark, or Michael, handles the day from Melbourne pickup to Lakeside. Bring warm clothes, walking shoes, and a snack.

“Amazing tour guide. Gina is incredible, informative and very friendly. We love our experience here. I traveled with my 80 year old mother and she had such an amazing time. Highly recommended!”

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1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne - Puffing Billy, the one-hour highlight
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1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

14.1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · from $157

Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train with your legs hanging from the carriage, pause in Sherbrooke Forest, then visit Healesville Sanctuary. Your guide handles the long drives from Melbourne, with names such as Gerry, Andy, Stewart, and Margaret praised for friendly commentary. Lunch is extra.

“Andy was excellent. This was a relaxing and interesting trip. We have been go go going for 1.5 weeks and needed something a bit more relaxed. The sanctuary was really great. Very interesting talks every 15 minutes and don't miss the flight show. Very interesting.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour - Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

15.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 195 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

Travel from Melbourne by air-conditioned coach to ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, visit The Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. Guides such as Daniel and William are praised for clear timing and useful tips. Maru Koala and Animal Park is optional and costs AUD $33 extra.

“Clear instructions and gave us useful suggestions, especially the penguin activity, let us know where was the best location to see it”

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