The village of Kuranda lies just 25 kilometres northwest of Cairns, popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
It's probably true that most visitors to Cairns think only of the Reef as their destination, swimming, sailing, snorkeling, diving in the clear blue waters of one of Australia's most popular aquatic sites.
Easily, Kuranda could be missed. And yet the village has its own unique attractions — train and cablecar travel, wildlife parks, handicraft and opal markets, Aboriginal culture and dance, rainforest tours and a butterfly sanctuary — and getting there could be an adventure in itself.
1. Kuranda Scenic Railway
Boarding the train on the Kuranda Scenic Railway © Tourism Queensland
Try going by rail. The train on the Kuranda Scenic Railway departs from Cairns or Freshwater stations and meanders through the ancient rainforest that surrounds Kuranda. Two trips to Kuranda are available in the morning and two trips in the afternoon make the return trip to Freshwater and Cairns. Travel to Kuranda may be made by Scenic Railway and return to Freshwater by Skyrail with shuttle buses operating between the Caravonica Skyrail terminal and the train stations at Freshwater or Cairns.
2. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Above the trees on the Kuranda Skyrail © Tourism Queensland
The Skyrail Cableway takes in the rainforest between Cairns and Kuranda, providing bird's-eye views of the mountains, valleys, gorges and waterfalls along the way. The Skyrail cablecar journey starts at the Caravonica terminal located at the corner of Cairns Western Arterial Rd and Captain Cook Highway in Smithfield, some 15 minutes by road from Cairns city. The Skyrail journey to Kuranda takes about an hour and a half with stops at two rainforest mid-stations, where guided boardwalk tours may be taken. It is essential to book Skyrail trips.
3. Kuranda Markets
At the original Kuranda Markets © Tourism Queensland
For numerous Kuranda visitors, the Kuranda experience is not complete without a visit to the shops and markets. Here, you will find handcrafted goods, didgeridoos and other Aboriginal items and artefacts, opals and opal jewelry. There are coffee shops and restaurants as well.
4. Butterfly Sanctuary
Kuranda visitors at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary © Tourism Queensland
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, located next to the Kuranda markets, is home to more than 1500 hand-reared tropical butterflies, including local rainforest species such as the iconic Kuranda butterfly, the electric blue Ulysses butterfly, and the fluoro green and yellow Cairns birdwing. Guided tours are conducted daily through the buttefly aviary and laboratory, providing insights into the butterfly's life cycle and behavior.
5. Kuranda Wildlife
Cuddling a koala at Reforestation Nature Park © Tourism Queensland
6. Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
Pamagirri Dancers at Rainforestation Nature Park © Tourism Queensland
Recognising the importance of preserving and sharing Australia's centuries-old indigenous culture, Rainforestation Park immerses visitors in the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show and the Pamagirri-guided Dreamtime Walk providing insights into the customs and ancient traditions that are kept alive in the rainforest of Kuranda, in tropical North Queensland.
7. Army Duck Tour
Army Duck takes to the water © Tourism Queensland
Also at Rainforestation Nature Park, visitors can join amphibious Army Duck tours through the rainforest on land and water, taking in a visit to the tropical fruit orchard. The Army Duck is actually the DUKW, an amphibious truck used in World War II, later modified for use as a tourist craft in marine environments in much the same way as the LARC, another World War II amphibian, has been used in, say, the Queensland town of 1770.
