General News
5 August, 2025
$85m Skyrail upgrade
KURANDA’S iconic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an $85 million upgrade that will secure its status as the region’s number one commercial tourist attraction for another three decades.
Owned and operated by the Chapman family, the multi award-winning attraction will undergo one of the most significant private sector tourism infrastructure investments in Northern Australia’s history to modernise the experience and maintain its deep commitment to environmental stewardship.
Skyrail chairman Dr Ken Chapman last week announced a smartly staged redevelopment of the 7.5km gondola cableway to maximise the number of operating weeks and maintain a workforce of 160 people, with cableway work starting in July next year.
The redevelopment would include whisper-quiet componentry and floor-to-ceiling transparent walk-in gondolas that will provide uninterrupted panoramic views of the rainforest below.
“In addition, the tops of towers will be replaced along with all the cableway’s haul ropes whilst much of the budget will be spent on upgrading machinery to deliver the safest, highest-tech componentry available,” Dr Chapman said.
“The construction phase alone will add some $8 million to the Cairns economy and around $15.8 million to the broader Australian economy creating an additional 97 jobs.
“During two stages of construction over three to four months in 2026 and 2027, Skyrail will operate one section of the cableway at a time with buses available to take visitors on the remainder of the journey between Smithfield and Kuranda.
“There will be a complete closure for four weeks just after school holidays in July 2026 to allow helicopters to complete some tasks.
“All works will be focused on replacing and enhancing infrastructure above ground level, leaving existing footings and building pads untouched.”
The project is expected to be completed in late 2027.
