4.3 / 5

Kuranda

🗓 Best Time To Visit:June to November, during the dry season

⏰ Open Hours:Depends on the specific attractions, most are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

🎒 Things To Do:Visit Kuranda Koala Gardens, Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Explore the Rainforestation Nature Park, Shop at Kuranda Heritage Markets

💰 Budget:Entry fees for attractions range from $20 to $60 AUD

🧳 Traveller Types:Families, Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, Photographers

📍 Known For:Tropical rainforests, Aboriginal culture, Unique wildlife, Vibrant markets

🚉 Distances:26 km from Cairns Railway Station, 15 km from Cairns Airport, 1,700 km from Brisbane

🍽 Local Cuisine:Enjoy Australian delicacies like Barramundi, Kangaroo meat, Lamingtons

🏞 Unique Fact:Home to the world's oldest tropical rainforest

📌 Accessibility:Wheelchair accessible paths available at major attractions

🌦 Weather:Tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C

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Kuranda: The Ultimate Guide to the Village in the Rainforest

Are you looking for a unique and charming destination in tropical north Queensland? Do you want to experience the rich history, culture, and nature of the region? If yes, then you should visit Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about Kuranda, including how to get there, what to do, where to eat and drink, and where to stay. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something to suit your interests and budget in Kuranda. Read on to discover why Kuranda is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo of Kuranda 1/5 by
(C) Google

How to get to Kuranda

Kuranda is located about 25 km northwest of Cairns, and there are several ways to reach it from there or other nearby locations. You can drive, take a bus, or join a tour, but the most popular and scenic options are the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. These two modes of transport offer stunning views of the rainforest and the Barron Gorge, and you can combine them for a round trip.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a historic train that runs from Cairns to Kuranda, through 15 tunnels and 37 bridges, offering views of the rainforest and the Barron Falls. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, and you can choose from different classes of service, from heritage to gold. The train departs from Cairns twice a day, at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, and returns from Kuranda at 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5 km cable car that runs above the rainforest canopy of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, with two stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, and you can choose from different types of gondolas, from standard to glass-floor. The cableway departs from Smithfield, a suburb of Cairns, every 15 minutes, from 9:00 am to 3:15 pm, and returns from Kuranda every 15 minutes, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Photo of Kuranda 2/5 by
(C) Google

What to do in Kuranda

Kuranda has a lot to offer to visitors, from wildlife parks to markets, from river cruises to walking trails, from Aboriginal experiences to public art. Here are some of the best things to do in Kuranda:

- See and cuddle Australian animals at the Kuranda Koala Gardens, a wildlife park where you can see and hold koalas, wallabies, wombats, and crocodiles. You can also visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest butterfly flight aviary in the country, where you can see over 1,500 butterflies, including rare and colourful species. And don't miss the Birdworld Kuranda, a free-flying bird sanctuary where you can see over 80 species of birds, from parrots to cassowaries.

- Shop and eat at the Kuranda Markets, two outdoor markets that offer locally made products, souvenirs, food, and drinks. The Original Markets are open every day from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and the Heritage Markets are open every day from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. You can find everything from jewellery to pottery, from honey to coffee, from paintings to clothing. You can also enjoy a variety of cuisines, from Australian to Asian, from vegetarian to vegan, from pizza to pancakes.

- Cruise along the Barron River on the Kuranda Riverboat, a 45-minute cruise that takes you along the upland Barron River, where you can spot freshwater crocodiles, turtles, water dragons, and birds. You can also learn about the history and ecology of the area from the friendly and knowledgeable guides. The riverboat departs from the jetty below the Kuranda Railway Station, five times a day, at 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm.

- Experience the local Aboriginal culture at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, a tour that offers a chance to learn from the Pamagirri people, the traditional owners of the land, about their customs and ceremonies. You can watch a dance performance, join a Dreamtime walk, see a boomerang and spear throwing demonstration, and even try your hand at playing the didgeridoo. The tour departs from the Rainforestation Nature Park, three times a day, at 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm.

- Explore the rainforest and the village on one of the many walking trails that Kuranda has to offer. You can choose from different levels of difficulty and length, from easy to challenging, from 30 minutes to 3 hours. You can discover the rainforest, the river, and the waterfall, as well as the public art and the Indigenous heritage of the area. Some of the most popular trails are the Jumrum Creek Walk, the Barron Falls Lookout Walk, and the Cassowary Art Trail.

Photo of Kuranda 3/5 by
(C) Google

Where to eat and drink in Kuranda

Kuranda has a wide range of restaurants and cafes that cater to different tastes and preferences, with outdoor dining as a popular option. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Kuranda:

- Frogs Restaurant, a casual and colourful restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy dishes such as eggs benedict, burgers, salads, pizzas, and pastas, as well as a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. The restaurant is open every day from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, and is located at the Heritage Markets.

- Petit Cafe, a cosy and charming cafe that serves authentic French crepes, both sweet and savoury, as well as coffee, tea, and smoothies. You can try flavours such as ham and cheese, spinach and feta, Nutella and banana, and lemon and sugar, as well as gluten-free and vegan options. The cafe is open every day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and is located at Coondoo Street.

- The Kuranda Hotel, a historic and iconic pub that serves lunch and dinner, with a menu that features Australian classics such as steak, fish and chips, chicken schnitzel, and pies, as well as a range of drinks, from draught beer to spirits. You can also enjoy live music, trivia nights, and karaoke nights, as well as a pool table and a dart board. The pub is open every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, and is located at Therwine Street.

Photo of Kuranda 4/5 by
(C) Google

Where to stay in Kuranda

Kuranda has a variety of accommodation options, from hotels and motels, to lodges and cabins, to campgrounds and caravan parks. Here are some of the best places to stay in Kuranda:

- Cedar Park Rainforest Resort, a boutique resort that features spacious and comfortable rooms that overlook the rainforest, with amenities such as air conditioning, TV, fridge, and kettle. You can also enjoy a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a library, as well as activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and yoga. The resort is open every day, and is located at Cedar Park Road.

- Kuranda Rainforest View B&B, a bed and breakfast that offers cosy and clean rooms that have private balconies, with amenities such as air conditioning, TV, DVD player, and Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy a continental breakfast, a shared lounge, a garden, and a barbecue area, as well as a friendly and helpful host. The B&B is open every day, and is located at Mason Road.

- Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park, a campground and caravan park that provides powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabins and villas, with amenities such as electricity, water, shower, and toilet. You can also enjoy a swimming pool, a camp kitchen, a laundry, and a kiosk, as well as activities such as mini golf, volleyball, and table tennis. The park is open every day, and is located at Rob Veivers Drive.

Photo of Kuranda 5/5 by
(C) Google

Conclusion

Kuranda is a wonderful destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and diversity of tropical north Queensland. You can enjoy the scenic journey to the village, the amazing attractions and activities in the village, the delicious food and drink in the village, and the comfortable and relaxing accommodation in the village. Kuranda is a place that will make you fall in love with the rainforest and the people who live there.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Kuranda today, or explore more resources and information on Tripoto.

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