Australia · TRAIN EXPERIENCES

The 15 Train Journeys in Australia That Earn Their Price

20 tours  ·  from $29 a head

The 15 best train journeys you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason, so start there.

From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail - Riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway through Barron Gorge
Cairns Tours, Guided, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - Belgrave to Lakeside, the best-known section
Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences, Yarra Valley Tours

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns - Getting to Kuranda by cableway or railway
1-Day Tours, Cairns Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

3.Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns

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

Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail from Cairns, explore Kuranda Village, and add wildlife stops for a full rainforest day.

“Great informative guide, very well done…. Would have liked the option to purchase a cold drink on the train 🙂 shy rail was fantastic -all staff were helpful”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour - Meeting the bus in central Melbourne
Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences, Wildlife

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

6.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

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

Ride Puffing Billy, see The Nobbies, and watch Phillip Island’s little penguins return to shore on this long but rewarding day trip.

“The driver Anthony made the day, he was friendly and knowledgeable. Took us to the best places and plenty of hints to make the best of our day. Highly recommend this trip.”

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Grand Kuranda including Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway - Kuranda village gives you a taste, not a full afternoon
Cairns Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

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 Kuranda Scenic Railway, explore rainforest parks and butterflies, then return by Skyrail on a packed day from Cairns.

“Booking through this website was very convenient. The trip went smoothly; however, it is important to confirm that your hotel has pick-up and drop-off services arranged by the agency. Overall, we were very satisfied and enjoyed the trip.”

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Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: the big view first
Cairns Tours, Skip the Line, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences, Workshops

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

Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class, glide over rainforest on Skyrail, and explore Kuranda with pickup from Cairns or Port Douglas.

“This was a great day out, which is saying something given it was a wet and grey day. One of our party was taken ill during the day and the staff/instructors couldn’t have done more to assist and help recovery, so much so that the affected person was still ultimately able to snorkel and enjoy the time.”

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Melbourne: Half-Day Puffing Billy Steam Train Experience - The morning drive from Melbourne to Belgrave
Half-Day, Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

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

Review the Puffing Billy steam train from Melbourne, with Dandenong Ranges views, Emerald Lake Park, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Lisa is such an amazing person, she made the experience so wonderful! I’d definitely do this again when i’m back in Melbourne ❤️”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour - Riding Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges
Melbourne Tours, Penguin Parade Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

Melbourne: Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour

Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns - Riding Skyrail above the canopy
Cairns Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences, Workshops

Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns

13.Kuranda, Skyrail & Gold Class Train from Cairns

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

Review the Cairns to Kuranda day trip with Skyrail, village time, and Gold Class Scenic Rail, including costs, timing, comfort, and practical tips.

“Would heartily recommend this tour. Highlight of my trip. We went there with the gold class option, brilliant if wish to be spoiled. Only negative, I did not have enough time to do all the extras at Kuranda in the time available.”

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Cairns Small-Group Kuranda Tour: Skyrail & Scenic Railway - Skyrail’s 7.5-kilometer rainforest view
Cairns Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

Cairns Small-Group Kuranda Tour: Skyrail & Scenic Railway

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

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

Ride Skyrail over Cairns rainforest, explore Kuranda, and descend by historic railway with a flexible guide in a small group.

“We enjoyed our tour very much despite the rain. As a small group, it was easier, less time wasting and more flexible. Man, our guide, is very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating and helped us to arrange extra activity - Army Duck, which we also enjoyed.”

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