Virgin Australia Airlines, the only direct flight connecting Haneda Airport and Cairns, has made this route popular due to the minimal one-hour time difference and Cairns being the closest Australian city to Japan.
Departing from Haneda Airport at 9:55 PM and arriving in Cairns the next morning at 6:25 AM. The return flight leaves Cairns in the afternoon at 1:15 PM and arrives at Haneda Airport at 8:00 PM, making it an ideal schedule for those wanting to travel after work or for a weekend getaway.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-8 model, comes with 8 Business Class seats at the front in a 2-2 configuration, 30 Economy X seats with extra legroom, and 138 regular Economy Class seats, totaling 176 seats. Every seat is equipped with USB power outlets and tablet/device holders, and the in-flight entertainment can be enjoyed through an onboard intranet using one’s own device.
The spacious Business Class offers 8 seats in a 2-2 configuration with headrests, extendable leg rests, tablet/device holders, and bottle holders. Alcoholic beverages and meals, including options for Japanese cuisine, are provided free of charge.
Economy Class is organized in a 3-3 layout. The seats are ergonomically designed with ribbed backrests and are slimmer, providing more space. Economy X offers 40% more legroom than Economy Class, ensuring comfort. Meals, except for water, tea, and coffee, are available for purchase, and onboard purchases can be made with credit cards. Airline Ratings has awarded the company with the “Best Cabin Crew” title among other awards for five consecutive years.
Enjoy the World’s Oldest Rainforest from Above with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Cairns, a city in Northern Queensland, Australia, is home to two World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient wet tropics of the rainforest. The tropical climate offers average temperatures between 25 to 30 degrees C throughout the year, always ensuring a tropical atmosphere.
It takes only about 7.5 hours from Haneda Airport to Cairns via Virgin Australia’s direct flight. The time difference is just one hour ahead of Japan, making it suitable even for weekend trips or remote work.
Cairns’ wet tropical region is considered the oldest rainforest on Earth and is a World Natural Heritage site. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offers an activity where you can look down upon this breathtaking rainforest from above.
The cableway stretches from Smithfield to Kuranda stations, flying just a few meters above a variety of trees, allowing for an immersive aerial walk experience.
The Skyrail also offers a “Diamond View” gondola with a glass floor, providing an even more profound nature experience, recommended for those seeking thrill.
On the way, take a stop at the Red Peak station for a boardwalk stroll through the deep tropical rainforest. Up-close observation of the diverse trees and plants seen from above, along with bird chirping, enhances the exploration. For those interested in nature and wildlife secrets, joining a guided tour led by a ranger is also a good option.
After wandering through the forest, hop on the Skyrail again for a 20-minute ride to Barron Falls station. Along the way, the majestic Barron Falls quickly come into view. Especially during the rainy season which starts around December, the falls’ water volume increases, making for an awe-inspiring spectacle. A must-visit is the recently completed Edge Lookout, offering views of Barron Falls and the valley, making it a popular photo spot. The lookout is accessible to all Skyrail visitors.
Your fulfilling Skyrail journey ends upon arrival at Kuranda station. Take a moment’s respite before exploring the Kuranda village, surrounded by tropical rainforest and a mere 10-minute walk from the station.
Immerse Yourself in Aboriginal Culture at Kuranda Village
Kuranda Village, located at an altitude of 330 meters above Cairns, is a small town surrounded by tropical rainforest with a population of around 700 people. Although one can tour the village in about 30 minutes, it’s filled with attractions, from shopping opportunities and learning about Aboriginal history to streets lined with art.
A must-visit in Kuranda is the market tour. The Heritage Market and Rainforest Market offer a variety of goods, from typical souvenirs to unique handmade accessories.
The Rainforest Market, also known as the Original Market, features a unique selection of clothing, jewelry, antiques, and crafts, along with homemade sweets and massage experiences. This culture began in the 1970s when hippies and local artists started selling handmade crafts in Kuranda to attract tourists. Peeking inside, one might see shop owners crafting their goods.
Additionally, the village offers outdoor relaxation spots, diverse international cuisine at restaurants, cafes, and stalls, and attractions where Australian animals can be observed up close, promising a rich experience beyond the village size.
Return to Cairns in Leisure on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
For the journey back to Cairns from Kuranda, taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway is recommended. With a history spanning over 120 years, the train’s classic interior ensures a comfortable ride, transporting the weary traveler back to Cairns city center in about 2 hours.
Surrounded by tropical rainforest, the return trip allows for nature appreciation, especially when passing over the Stony Creek bridge, where one can glimpse the magnificent waterfall through the train window.
Ticket options include not only the standard class but also a Gold Class with drink and snack service, offering an even more luxurious journey with a beer in hand. However, it’s essential to book in advance as the train operates two services from Cairns to Kuranda in the morning and returns in the afternoon. Alternatively, taking the Skyrail back to Smithfield station and then a bus to Cairns city is also a viable option.
