Cairns’ Skyrail announces $85 million upgrade

Coinciding with its 30th anniversary, Cairns’ renowned Skyrail Rainforest Cableway has announced an $85 million upgrade aimed at securing its status as Tropical North Queensland’s number one commercial tourist attraction for another three decades.

Owned and operated by the Chapman family, the pioneering, multi award-winning Cairns 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.

Chairman of Skyrail Pty Ltd Dr Ken Chapman today (29th July) announced a smartly staged redevelopment of the 7.5km gondola cableway through the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest to maximise the number of operating weeks and maintain Skyrail’s workforce of 160 people with cableway work starting in July 2026.

Dr Chapman noted “Skyrail’s reputation as one of the world’s longest, most complex and impressive gondola cableways will be assured for another three decades when the $85 million privately funded redevelopment is completed in late 2027.

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

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

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.

Shaun Turner, General Manager of Doppelmayr Australia enthused “to say we are thrilled to be working on this cableway is an understatement.

“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.”

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison, who was in Cairns to make the announcement, said Cairns had worked tirelessly to position itself as an ecotourism epicentre with Skyrail right at its beating heart.

Harrison added “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.”

For more information go to skyrail.com.au/upgrade