Cairns Skyrail set for $85m investment to renew infrastructure

Far North Queensland tourism attraction Skyrail is set for the biggest redevelopment in its history. See inside the $85m plans.

Cairns Skyrail 2.0: The major tourism attraction will undergo an $85m redevelopment between July 2026 and November 2027 with upgrades to gondolas, stations and lines. Picture: Supplied

One of Queensland’s most iconic tourism drawcards is set for the biggest redevelopment in its history, with a multimillion dollar upgrade set to unveil an almost reincarnated product.

Cairns’ Skyrail Rainforest Cableway will undergo an $85m redevelopment of its gondolas, stations and lines over a staged upgrade between July 2026 and November 2027.

On the eve of its 30th anniversary, the upgrade to the Chapman family’s award-winning business will be self-funded, while helping lock in its status as the state’s number one commercial tourist attraction for another three decades.

“Whisper-quiet componentry and floor-to-ceiling transparent walk-in gondolas will provide uninterrupted panoramic views and enjoyment of the world’s oldest rainforest,” chairman Ken Chapman said.

Skyrail rainforest cableway has announced plans for Skyrail 2.0, with a complete $85 million overhaul of the iconic tourism attraction, including new gondolas, cables and overhead gantries. Skyrail chairman Ken Chapman announced the plan on Tuesday, which will be completed over two stages in 2026 and 2027. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Our sixth generation Far North Queensland family is very proud of the economic, social and environmental contribution Skyrail has made to the Cairns regional economy and with more than 100,000 operational hours over three decades of operations, it is time to make a significant reinvestment in our local business.”

Mr Chapman said over the next 30 years, the tourism asset would inject about $1.5bn into the Cairns region economy, support 43,283 jobs and help retain more than 470,000 visitor nights to the city.

He said about $92.5m in revenue would be generated for the state government and about $556.3m in federal government income.

Cairns Skyrail 2.0: The major tourism attraction will undergo an $85m redevelopment between July 2026 and November 2027 with upgrades to gondolas, stations and lines. Picture: Supplied

Mr Chapman said while there would be periodic changes to line operations including a four-week closure after the July 2026 school holidays where helicopters would be used to complete works, the company would retain its workforce of 160.

“The construction phase alone will add some $8m to the Cairns economy and around $15.8m to the broader Australian economy creating an additional 97 jobs.

“True to Skyrail’s sustainability ethos, the upgrade has been meticulously planned to preserve the integrity of the ancient rainforest that the cableway showcases, mirroring the complexity of the original build more than three decades ago.”

Europe-based global cableway leader Doppelmayr Group, which has strong experience working in national parks and other sensitive environments, has been appointed to spearhead the project.

Skyrail rainforest cableway has announced plans for Skyrail 2.0, with a complete $85 million overhaul of the iconic tourism attraction, including new gondolas, cables and overhead gantries. Skyrail chairman Ken Chapman announced the plan on Tuesday, which will be completed over two stages in 2026 and 2027. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Our company has built almost 16,000 lifts worldwide, but becoming part of the Skyrail story in the Wet Tropics here in Tropical North Queensland stands out as a huge challenge and career defining highlight for me and my team,” Doppelmayr Australia general manager Shaun Turner said.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s chief executive Mark Olsen said Skyrail was one of the most visited commercial attractions in Australia.

“Skyrail’s importance to our destination’s $1bn international economy cannot be overstated … helping to put tropical North Queensland on the map globally.”

THE REDEVELOPMENT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THREE STAGES:

Stage 1 Smithfield Line Upgrade

July 2026 – October 2026

Guests can take the shuttle bus between Smithfield and Kuranda when the Smithfield line grade is underway. They will experience Skyrail between Kuranda and Barron Falls with complimentary Ranger Guided Tours, interpretative displays, The Edge Lookout, Historical Precinct, boardwalks and lookouts.

Stage 2 Normal Operations

November 2026 – June 2027

Skyrail will operate as usual between Smithfield and Kuranda with the new upgraded gondolas in use between Smithfield and Red Peak.

Stage 3 Kuranda Line Upgrade

July 2027 – November 2027

During the Kuranda Line upgrade round trip experiences will operate between Smithfield Terminal and Red Peak with the new upgraded gondolas. A shuttle will operate between Smithfield and Kuranda.

Originally published as Cairns Skyrail set for $85m investment to renew infrastructure