A world away from Cairns and its northern beaches, Kuranda has forest feasting at its best

A meal at Forest Fusion Restaurant and Bar is far more than just food, it’s an experience.

Amid the cool lushness of the tranquil rainforest, the restaurant features luxurious dining in a family friendly environment.

What could be better? Well, not much, to be honest.

The scenic 30-minute jaunt from Cairns, up the Kuranda range, entails a journey of the senses with very little actual travel involved.

After basking in the attention of Forest Fusion’s conscientious staff, soaking up the serenity of ancient rainforest and filling your boots with wonderful food and wine, you can return to the hub replete and rested (or if the mood takes you, book a room at the Kuranda Resort and Spa to linger longer).

The beauty of Forest Fusion is the seemingly improbable combinations of accessible remoteness, down-to-earth affluence and affordable indulgence.

Set in a large airy pavilion-style building with thatched roof, the restaurant’s sense of romance is cool ambience at its utter best.

Flickering candle light, crisp white linen napery and glistening table settings dressed with tropical blooms make for an unmatchable mood.

Settle down with a luscious cocktail (don’t worry if you’re driving, staff can whip up a non-alcoholic or mid-strength version which tastes as gorgeous as anything stronger) and contemplate a menu so tempting, decision making becomes a trial.

Not for long though, as you can leave all the hard work to the kitchen team by ordering either a white wine or red wine platter (both are around the $20 mark) packed so high with delicious morsels you may ruin your appetite for dinner.

It will return quite quickly though, once you’ve eyed off what’s landing on the tables of other diners around you.

And you’ll need it. At around the $30 mark, main courses are sumptuous, to say the least.

Grain-fed lamb loin with pumpkin and pine nut pie and beetroot jus, wild barramundi on kipfler potato with roasted red capsicum and Persian feta salad in balsamic reduction or chicken breast stuffed with camembert, sage and apricot, wrapped in proscuitto on lemon couscous with sherry cream are just some examples of chef Eli Stops’ creativity.

Desserts are a treat indeed with fig and macadamia pudding steamed with butterscotch sauce and chai ice-cream ($9) topping the hit list.

Along with visitors to the region, Forest Fusion has gathered a loyal band of local followers, with good reason.

A two-course Christmas lunch/dinner promises to be a sell-out at $79 a head and Australia Day (January 26) celebrations are aleady planned. Call Kuranda Resort and Spa for details.

WHAT: Forest Fusion Restaurant and Bar
WHERE: Kuranda Resort and Spa,

3 Greenhills Rd

, Kuranda, 4872 Ph: 4093 7556.
OPEN: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fully licensed.