Work will begin in Jul next year on an $85 million upgrade of Cairns’ famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway timed to coincide with the attraction’s 30th anniversary.
As part of a phased redevelopment, the 7.5-kilometre gondola cableway will undergo upgrades specially designed to minimise down time and maximise the retention of its 160-strong workforce.
Skyrail Chairman Ken Chapman said upgrades will include the installation of “whisper-quiet” componentry and floor-to-ceiling transparent walk-in gondolas” aimed at making the attraction more accessibility-friendly.
“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.”
“All works will be focused on replacing and enhancing infrastructure above ground level, leaving existing footings and building pads untouched,” Chapman added.
Service interruptions will include a four-month interruption which will see the cableway open for one section, with buses used between Smithfield and Kuranda.
A full shut down for around four weeks will take place in Jul 2026 for helicopters to carry out tasks.
Europe-based firm Doppelmayr Group has been engaged to drive the upgrade project.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said Skyrail was at the centre of Cairns’ “beating heart”, around which the city has worked to position itself as an ecotourism epicentre.
“The fact that the passionate Skyrail team is going to be here for another 30 years, innovating and connecting millions of guests with the world’s oldest rainforest story, is the biggest vote of confidence in Queensland and ecotourism we could have hoped for,” Harrison said.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s CEO Mark Olsen said Skyrail is a critical part of the region’s eco-tourism reputation.
“The efforts made by Skyrail in consumer and trade marketing activity underpins not only its success, but the success of the destination with images of Skyrail helping to put Tropical North Queensland on the map globally,” Olsen said.
CLICK HERE for more information on the upgrade project.
