Quicksilver Group will introduce a fuel surcharge on selected Cairns reef tours from 1 April 2026, as fuel prices continue to climb across Australia.

The company said the marine industry is facing major cost pressure, with fuel expenses increasing by more than 100 per cent. With cruise fares published months ahead of travel, Quicksilver said the additional charge has become necessary.

The surcharge applies to new bookings from 30 March 2026 for travel from 1 April 2026, and will be collected at check-in. Existing bookings for travel in April will be honoured without any extra fuel charge.

For Cairns departures, Great Adventures Green Island and Ocean Spirit Michaelmas Cay will attract a surcharge of $4 for adults and $2 for children. Great Adventures Outer Reef, Great Adventures Green Island & Outer Reef, and Silverswift Dive & Snorkel will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. Pro Dive Cairns will have a surcharge of $25 per person per liveaboard trip component.

The surcharge does not apply to infants aged 0 to 3.

Cairns Reef Tours is shining a spotlight on one of the most popular ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the Reef Magic Pontoon experience, consistently rated 4.9 stars by guests.

Departing Cairns at 9am, the Reef Magic catamaran delivers visitors to a spectacular floating platform moored at the outer reef. Guests enjoy five full hours to explore at their own pace, with snorkelling gear, a glass bottom boat tour, a semi-submersible ride, and an underwater observatory all included.

A highlight for many is the onboard Marine Biologist presentation, where experts bring the reef wonders to life with engaging commentary. A delicious buffet lunch is also part of the package.

With Starlink wifi on board, guests can share their reef moments in real time. Cairns Reef Tours offers this unforgettable adventure, with family pricing available. Bookings can be made instantly on the Reef Magic page.

The Daintree River ferry was damaged during flooding from recent rains, and Douglas Shire Council crews are currently working on repairs. While there is no exact completion date yet, the current estimate is that full ferry service could return within one to three weeks.

In the meantime, Cape Tribulation remains accessible for experienced drivers travelling by 4WD via the Bloomfield Track. For those up for a bit of adventure, the journey in offers a scenic and memorable way to reach this iconic part of Tropical North Queensland.

Travellers are encouraged to check local conditions before setting out and make sure they are prepared for off-road driving.

Skyrail has revised the closure dates for its May–June 2026 works as part of the Skyrail 2.0 Stage 1 Smithfield Line Upgrade.

The attraction will now be closed from Monday 25 May to Wednesday 3 June 2026 inclusive, with the shutdown extended by an additional two days.

The closure forms part of Skyrail’s broader 2026–2027 upgrade project, which will deliver new-generation gondolas, improved accessibility, revitalised stations and a smoother overall ride experience.

Skyrail is aiming to remain open as much as possible throughout the wider project while continuing to offer visitors its signature rainforest journey.

To celebrate 30 years of operation, Skyrail is undertaking a major multi-stage upgrade to enhance the visitor experience and ensure the cableway remains a world-class eco-tourism attraction. The project includes replacing the existing cableway infrastructure and introducing a new generation of gondolas.

Upgrade timeline:

• Stage 1: Smithfield Line Upgrade (July 2026 to October 2026)


• Stage 2: Normal Operations (November 2026 to June 2027)


• Stage 3: Kuranda Line Upgrade (July 2027 to November 2027)

Key improvements include:

• Brand-new 6-seat gondolas with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, larger interiors, and folding seats.
  
   


• Step-free, walk-in boarding and wider entry doors to improve accessibility for wheelchair users, Families with prams, and guests of all abilities.
  
   


• Revitalised stations and a more efficient, whisper-quiet drive system for a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Skyrail is committed to staying open as much as possible throughout the upgrade and continuing to deliver a memorable rainforest experience. The temporary Kuranda–Barron Falls Loop offers visitors a unique way to explore the Wet Tropics while the next generation of Skyrail takes shape.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is entering an exciting new chapter with a major upgrade taking place throughout 2026 and 2027. During this time, guests will still be able to enjoy a memorable rainforest experience, with a temporary Kuranda to Barron Falls Loop operating while upgrade works are underway.

Kuranda to Barron Falls Loop Experience (19 August to 25 October 2026)

During Stage 1 of the upgrade, Skyrail will operate a special loop service between Kuranda Terminal and Barron Falls. This temporary experience will run five days a week, Wednesday to Sunday, with boarding available between 10:00am and 3:30pm. The full experience takes approximately one hour, including time to explore Barron Falls / Dindin Station.

Loop Experience Features

• Ranger-guided tours that explore rainforest ecology, Indigenous heritage, and the pioneering history of the region.


• Interpretive displays at the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, showcasing the Wet Tropics’ diverse flora, fauna, and ancient plant life.


• The Skyrail Audio Guide App, sharing stories of the Djabuganydji people and their deep connection to the land.


• The historical precinct, featuring restored machinery and haulage trolleys from one of Queensland’s earliest hydro-electric schemes.


• The Edge Lookout, offering spectacular views of Barron Falls and the surrounding gorge.

Important notes:

Diamond View gondolas will no longer be offered from 1 April 2026.

Skyrail will be closed for maintenance from 20 July to 18 August 2026.

Kuranda Train & Skyrail is set to reach new heights with an exciting $85 million redevelopment of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, one of the biggest upgrades in its 30 year history.

Rolling out in stages between July 2026 and November 2027, the transformation will introduce brand new six seat gondolas featuring sleek, floor to ceiling glass panels for uninterrupted views of the World Heritage listed rainforest canopy below.

The upgrade also includes step free boarding, larger and more accessible gondolas with folding seats, revitalised stations and a quieter, more efficient drive system. It promises a smoother, more immersive experience for visitors of all abilities.

Kuranda Train & Skyrail packages, which combine the iconic Scenic Railway with the Skyrail Cableway, remain one of the most popular day trips from Cairns. With nearly 800 glowing guest reviews, the experience continues to delight travellers from around the world.

Visitors planning ahead can explore the full range of packages, including self drive, hotel transfer and Gold Class options, at www.kuranda.tours. There has never been a more exciting time to experience this ancient rainforest from above.

Crossing the Daintree River? Here’s everything visitors need to know about the Daintree Ferry.

The ferry operates daily from 5am to midnight, 365 days a year, with no set timetable. It runs continuously as required. If it departs as you arrive, the crossing takes just four minutes. If you’ve just missed it, the wait can be around 20 minutes.

During peak season, queues are common — especially travelling north between 10am and noon, and south between 3pm and 5pm. Travellers can avoid delays by arriving before 10am, spending the day exploring, and returning later in the evening. The ferry runs right up until midnight.

From 1 July 2025, return fares are $51 for standard vehicles, $70 for a car with caravan or trailer, and up to $145 for larger buses. Tickets can be pre-purchased online at www.daintreeferry.com.au, and EFTPOS is available at all times.

For safety, passengers must remain in their vehicles during the crossing and keep clear of the riverbank — crocodiles inhabit the Daintree River.

For travellers short on time, Cairns Reef Tours now features an exciting afternoon option that puts the Great Barrier Reef within reach. Pure Snorkelling, a brand new, locally built vessel, departs Cairns at midday and returns by 5pm, giving visitors a convenient way to experience the world's most famous reef without dedicating an entire day.

With just an hour's travel time to the outer reef, guests spend more time in the water and less time commuting. The small group experience visits one of 15 stunning reef sites, including Briggs, Sudbury, Moore and Thetford reefs, with exclusive mooring rights ensuring an intimate, uncrowded adventure.

Perfect for those arriving on morning flights, joining an overnight trip, or simply wanting to sleep in before their reef adventure. Sometimes the best memories come in smaller packages.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway will be closed for scheduled preventative maintenance from Monday, May 25 through Sunday, May 31, 2026, reopening Monday, June 1st. Additional maintenance dates for the remainder of 2026 will be confirmed and announced separately.

Rainy weather might not be your first pick for a day out, but when it comes to exploring the rainforest with Skyrail, it’s actually one of the best times to visit.

When the rain rolls in, the Wet Tropics rainforest truly comes to life. Mist drapes over the mountain ranges, waterfalls (like the mighty Barron Falls) surge with power, and the whole landscape transforms into a lush, living postcard. It’s a dream for photographers, nature lovers and anyone chasing a little rainforest magic.

Rain doesn’t stop the experience either. Skyrail is an all-weather adventure, with complimentary umbrellas at Red Peak and Barron Falls, and Ranger Guided Tours continuing rain or shine. Along the way, guests can explore the Rainforest Discovery Zone or warm up in the Interpretive Centre.

So don’t let the weather keep you indoors, rainy days reveal a whole new side of the rainforest. Jump on board, soak up the views, and see this ancient landscape at its most dramatic and beautiful.

Due to a tropical low weather system in the Coral Sea, the Island Flyer ferry service has been temporarily suspended for safety reasons. All bookings to the island between now and Tuesday 13th January 2026 unfortunately been cancelled.

The good news? We're expecting to be back in full operation from Tuesday 13th January, weather permitting.

Wet weather in North Queensland has led to the temporary closure of the Kuranda Range, affecting travel plans on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

All services on Friday 9 January have been cancelled, including:

• 8:30am and 9:30am departures from Cairns to Kuranda


• 2:00pm and 3:30pm returns from Kuranda to Cairns

For Saturday 10 January, the same services are at risk of delay or disruption, and passengers are encouraged to stay updated in case of further changes.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will issue updates if Saturday’s trains are officially impacted.

Travellers are advised to check with the operator or their travel agent before heading to the station.

Visitors heading to Tropical North Queensland in 2025–2026, take note—Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway have scheduled several maintenance closures, including work for Skyrail’s major 2.0 Upgrade Project.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

In December 2025, Skyrail will be closed on the 11th–12th and Christmas Day (25th).

Looking ahead to 2026, closures are scheduled for:

• May 25–31


• July 20–31


• August 1–18, plus 24–25 and 31


• Multiple September closures: 1st, 7–8, 14–15, 21–22, 28–29


• October: 5–6, 12–13, 19–20


• Christmas Day (25th December)

These dates support essential maintenance and Stage 1 of the Skyrail 2.0 Upgrade, running July to October 2026. Dates may shift, so travellers are encouraged to check closer to their visit.

With the bridge issue now resolved, all Kuranda Scenic Rail services are back on track from today, 11 November 2025. Passengers can once again enjoy the iconic rainforest journey with no disruptions.

Daily Kuranda Scenic Rail Schedule:

• 8:30am – Cairns to Kuranda


• 9:30am – Cairns to Kuranda


• 2:00pm – Kuranda to Cairns


• 3:30pm – Kuranda to Cairns

Travellers are encouraged to book ahead to secure their preferred travel dates and times.

Kuranda Scenic Railway has announced the cancellation of several services from Saturday 8 November to Monday 10 November 2025, following an unresolved issue with a bridge on the Kuranda Range. Unfortunately, there are no alternative travel arrangements during this period.

The cancelled services include:

• 3K30 (08:30am Cairns to Kuranda)


• 3K32 (09:30am Cairns to Kuranda)


• 3C61 (2:00pm Kuranda to Cairns)


• 3C65 (3:30pm Kuranda to Cairns)

Travellers booked for Tuesday 11 November are also being advised to prepare for possible delays or disruptions, as the situation continues to unfold.

Authorities are actively monitoring the issue and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is back in action from Tuesday 21 October 2025, following its scheduled maintenance works.

The team is excited to welcome guests once again to glide above the World Heritage-listed rainforest and enjoy one of Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic experiences.

Cairns’ award-winning Skyrail Rainforest Cableway has announced an exciting $85 million upgrade, delivering one of the most significant tourism infrastructure investments in Northern Australia.

The project will introduce all-new six-seat gondolas with floor-to-ceiling windows, step-free level boarding, and larger cabins with folding seats, making Skyrail more wheelchair-friendly and accessible than ever before.

Guests can look forward to a quieter, smoother ride, revitalised stations, and breathtaking rainforest views - all while Skyrail continues its strong commitment to sustainability by working above ground and preserving the ancient rainforest below.

Construction begins in July 2026 and will be staged to minimise disruption, with Skyrail continuing to operate in an adapted capacity throughout most of the project.

Visitors planning a trip on the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway in 2026 should take note of scheduled maintenance closures announced for the Kuranda Range section of the track.

Services will be suspended on the following dates:

• May 11–15 (Monday to Friday)


• June 17–19 (Wednesday to Friday)


• November 4–6 (Wednesday to Friday)

Additionally, as per tradition, the railway will not operate on Christmas Day.

These closures are part of essential maintenance works to keep the heritage railway safe and running smoothly. 

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience just got even more immersive — its official Audio Guide App is now available in five languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, German and Korean.

As guests glide above the lush canopy, they can now hear the Dreamtime stories of the Djabugay people, told by Budadji, in their own language. This in-gondola commentary adds a powerful cultural layer to the ride — it’s not just sightseeing, it’s storytelling.

Titled The World’s Oldest Story, the audio journey connects guests to ancient knowledge, history and a deep respect for nature. These aren’t just facts — they’re living stories that honour the land and its people.

Download the app before you arrive or use the free Wi-Fi at Skyrail terminals.