Known as the village in the rainforest, Kuranda has a wealth of nature-based attractions, art, culture and shopping to enjoy.
Whether you choose a trip back through time on an historic train or the modern technology of a cable car gliding through the treetops, getting to Kuranda is an exciting experience.
Kuranda Scenic Railway is the original rail journey to the village. The historic train travels over bridges and through tunnels hand-made by North Queensland’s pioneers more than 100 years ago. Traversing the World Heritage-listed rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park, it is one of the world’s great railway journeys.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you on a 7.5km trip over the top of the World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest. Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the rainforest environment.
If you drive the winding 25km Kuranda Range road, don’t forget to stop at the lookout for magnificent views across Cairns to Green Island and drive through the village to the spectacular Barron Falls lookout.
Once in Kuranda, you can wander the picturesque village admiring the quaint buildings which have been restored and now house a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops selling handcrafted goods, Aboriginal artefacts and art.
Take the time to visit some the nature-based tourist attractions. With about 500 birds, Birdworld Kuranda is home to Australia’s largest collection of free flying birds which can be seen in their natural habitat.
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary’s 3666 cubic metre aviary is home to more than 1500 magnificent tropical butterflies, all local to the area, including the electric blue Ulysses butterfly and the largest butterfly in Australia, the Cairns or Australian Birdwing.
Cuddling a koala is the most popular thing to do at Kuranda Koala Gardens, but you can also see snakes, crocodiles, wallabies and wombats. Army duck rides, a koala wildlife park and Aboriginal dancers are just some of the highlights at Rainforestation Nature Park.
Enjoy the rainforest on one of the six new walking tracks around the village from easy trails that take you on a gentle walk to the river or a strenuous bushwalk to the Barron Falls.
The World Heritage-listed rainforest around Kuranda has 1200 species of flowering plants. Discover orchids, ginger plants, strangler figs, palms and a variety of climbing plants.
As well as visiting art galleries featuring Aboriginal art and artefacts, you can experience Aboriginal culture with the local Djabugay Country Tours.
There are plenty of accommodation options including B&Bs, a caravan park with units and bungalows, a 1920s-style hotel, a motel, a resort, self-contained villas and a backpackers hostel.
INFORMATIONWHERE: Kuranda is at the top of the scenic 25km Kuranda Range Rd.
The village can be reached by road, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
DETAILS: Visit www.kuranda.org for more information or pick up a brochure at your tour desk.
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