15 Rail Journeys in Australia to Build a Day Around

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, walking trails, and optional wildlife parks, then glide back over the rainforest on Skyrail. Drivers such as Viktor and Dean add local tips, while pickup and drop-off keep the day simple.

“We had a great day out. The pick up, tour explanation and collection at the end of the day were all very efficient and timely. The Kuranda train was amazing and the Sky-rail with stops was brilliant. We highly recommend this to any visitors to Cairns.”

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2.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

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

Ride Puffing Billy, a 1900 heritage steam train, through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave or Lakeside. Meet the railway’s friendly volunteer team, enjoy the famous legs-out seating between Belgrave and Lakeside, and allow 2 to 4 hours for the journey and time at Emerald Lake Park.

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

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3.Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

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

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by historic railway and Skyrail, with hotel pickup included. Spend free time in the rainforest village, then add a butterfly sanctuary, koala park, Birdworld, or Rainforestation Nature Park. Driver Glyn has earned praise for helpful commentary and smooth transfers.

“Drink enough water and carry to ensure hydration Very well managed team and supportive. Make your tour as per the time”

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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 before free time in the village. Return by the Kuranda Scenic Rail through tunnels, bridges, and gorge country. Hotel transfers, tickets, and a Kuranda Boarding Pass are included.

“The bus driver and brief guide, MARSHAL, was excellent.”

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5.Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour

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

Leave Melbourne by coach for a one-hour Puffing Billy ride from Belgrave to Lakeside, with open-sided carriages, rainforest views, and the famous leg-dangling tradition. Then spend two hours at Healesville Sanctuary seeing koalas, kangaroos, and birdlife with an English-speaking guide.

“I had a wonderful time. As a solo traveller, I didn't feel left out even for a second, thanks to the amazing guide, Gary. Highly recommended him. Truly enjoyed the experience!”

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6.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

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

Combine Puffing Billy’s historic steam train with The Nobbies coast and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. English-speaking guides such as Gina, Alan, José, and Stuart lead the 12-hour trip, with general penguin viewing included and a Penguin Plus upgrade available.

“It's absolutely fantastic!!! Jessie is such a superstar - she's so knowledgeable, passionate and patient! She's got lovely smiles and positive vibes😊 She's made a memorable day for us!”

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7.Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway

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

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by historic railway and return by Skyrail, with stops at Barron Falls, the Butterfly Sanctuary, Rainforestation, and the Koala and Wildlife Park. You’ll also get a barbecue lunch and Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, with guides and drivers such as Steve, Dom, or Nick helping keep the day moving.

“The train is not air conditioned so wear comfortable clothes. Great variety of entertainment. Great day!”

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

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

Travel between Cairns or Port Douglas and Kuranda by historic railway and Skyrail cableway. You get Gold Class train seating, rainforest lookouts, hotel pickup and free time for markets, cafés, butterflies, birds, koalas, or Aboriginal culture. The day is mostly self-guided.

“The views are spectacular. The guided tours very informative and interesting. This gave us more things to look out for which made the trip enjoyable.”

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9.Kuranda Tour with Skyrail & Scenic Train

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

Travel from Port Douglas or the Northern Beaches with a local English-speaking guide such as Chris, Glen, Andrea, Brett, or Bridget. Ride Skyrail above World Heritage rainforest, explore Kuranda for two hours, descend by historic scenic train, then pause in Palm Cove.

“The guide Chris was very knowledgeable, and made our ticket collection at each stop very easy.”

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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 in an open carriage, cross the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, and spend an hour at Emerald Lake Park. A Go West guide such as Robbo, Lisa, Jools, or Mel adds local stories, photos, and practical help along the way.

“Bree was so kind and made our Puffing Billy tour incredibly fun! I really enjoyed the whole experience. I joined the afternoon Penguin Parade tour by myself, but Ben was so friendly and attentive that I had a great time. I’m really glad I got to be guided by both Bree and Ben – they made the experience so much fun and gave me some lovely memories.”

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11.Puffing Billy Railway & Rainforest Tour

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

Ride Puffing Billy for an hour in its open-sided carriages, with your legs hanging over the edge as the train rolls through rainforest. Your English-speaking guide handles the transport and railway arrival, while you visit Grants Picnic Ground and Lakeside Visitor Centre. Guides have included Gina, Mark, Margaret, and Michael.

“Lee, our driver was fantastic. She bought our tickets for the puffing Billy, fussed over us to ensure that we were in in the right carriage.”

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12.Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

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

Travel from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges and Phillip Island by air-conditioned coach. Ride Puffing Billy, visit The Nobbies, and watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. An optional Maru Koala & Animal Park stop adds kangaroo feeding for AUD $33. Guides such as Daniel and William are praised for clear timing and useful tips.

“Puffing Billy train was great and really fun. The rest of the trip was good however never seen many penguins. Daniel our guide kept us well informed throughout the day. The bus however was very uncomfortable as suspension squeaked and every bump on the road could be felt.”

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13.Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 177 reviews · 510 minutes - 1 day · from $195

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by Skyrail, stopping twice to see the rainforest and Barron Gorge, then return by Gold Class train. You get reserved seating, a dedicated host, drinks, refreshments, and return coach transfers. Allow a full day, with pickup from selected Palm Cove and Northern Beaches locations.

“Great experience. Gold Class Upgrade was a great idea. Less crowd. Great picture opportunities.”

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14.Cairns Small-Group Kuranda Tour: Skyrail & Scenic Railway

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · from $186Top rated

Travel from Cairns to Kuranda in a small group of up to 10, riding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and 1891 Scenic Railway. Guides such as Man and Chris handle transfers, tickets, and timing, while you get time for Barron Falls, Kuranda markets, lunch, and optional activities.

“No better way to see the beautiful landscape than from above.. the Skyrail and train were fabulous. From pick up at hotel, organising tickets and itinerary to our return, our guide Man made it all run smoothly.. highly recommended”

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15.Grand Bus and Train Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 106 reviews · 4 hours · from $77

Spend four hours touring Rottnest Island by air-conditioned bus and historic train. See quokkas, salt lakes, Wadjemup Lighthouse, Jeannies Lookout, Mabel Cove, and Oliver Hill’s gun fortifications, with a wrap and cookie included. English-speaking guides lead the way.

“It was excellent. Our guide was Kevin, he was absolutely brilliant. Really enjoyed the tour.”

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