"Kuranda in the Cairns Rainforest" a Kuranda Travel Page by Kate-Me

There are several ways to get to Kuranda from Cairns - bus or car approx 40 mins from the city, but the most popular ways are by Skyrail over the mountain, rainforest, valleys, rivers and waterfalls, and by scenic diesel tourist train through tunnels and around the mountain (note: in Australia, 'tourist scenic train' often means the train will be steam, or it could be diesel, but regardless, be prepared it probably won't go much faster than 20 - 40 km hr, and this one is no exception, but it IS very scenic)

Many people choose to take one way of transport TO Kuranda, and another on the way back, to have both experiences.

I'd read a lot about Kurana and I know so many many tourists go there on a daily basis - I didn't want to be part of a 'swarm' of people (and it was school holidays) but I went along anyway, because there are other things to see there besides the touristy town centre (and actually I was pleasantly surprised - to locals it may be 'over touristy' compared to what it once was, but we found it vibrant without being too overcrowded or bustling.
All in all, we had a really enjoyable day in Kuranda and I really recommend it (particularly if you like wildlife.....I wouldn't have missed the various wildlife parks we visited here for the world, as they are impressive and rather unique, even to an Australian.