Kuranda

Overview

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A scenic 30 minute drive northwest of Cairns is Kuranda, a town that, over the years has taken on a distinctive character as a popular visitor destination in its own right.

Get to Kuranda via the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Range Road.

On arrival, visitors discover the village of Kuranda's appeal with shady trees that shelter the tranquil main street, old timber church and houses, pubs, shops and galleries. The town also has a strong Indigenous cultural feel about it.

Accommodation includes a rainforest resort, tourist park with cabins, motel accommodation caravan and camping areas, backpacker hostels and b&b's.

There are plenty of places for leisurely dining or a quick snack with Kuranda offering exotic fruits, European influenced cuisine to the wholesome foods of the region or a chilled ale at a traditional Queensland pub.

Kuranda is famous for having the biggest and most frequent art and craft markets in Tropical North Queensland. Four times a week, the Kuranda country markets delight visitors who pick their way through stalls terraced among the trees showcasing local products.

There is a permanent wildlife park within the markets, which is a favourite with the kids. Kuranda also boasts Australia's biggest butterfly sanctuary.

A cruise boat leaves from the banks of the Barron River and rainforest walks surround the village. You can join a guided walk at the Scenic Train with local Aboriginal guides, or even take a jungle tour on board an amphibious army 'duck'.

A short drive from the village are the Barron Falls which cascade down through the Barron Gorge. The falls are a spectacular sight during the summer wet season and are easily viewed from generous sized platforms.

Features

View Barron Falls which cascade down through the Barron Gorge
See Australia’s biggest butterfly display
Wander through the biggest and most frequent art and craft market the region
Visit Kuranda Koala Gardens
Take a walk through the aviary where native birds often perch on visitor's hats
Board a cruise boat from the banks of the Barron River
Join a group or go it alone on one of the many rainforest walks
A jungle tour in an amphibious army 'duck' usually fits the bill
Catch an indigenous performing group in a forest amphitheatre
Venom Zoo - check out tarantulas and scorpions in this captive breeding centre. Learn about how venom can be used to produce medicine
See The Candy Kitchen. Watch old fashioned boiled candy being made, then sample and buy some!