Things To Do In Kuranda
Kuranda is a gorgeous village located in the Atherton Tablelands just 25km northwest of Cairns. It is known as the 'Village in the Rainforest' and is full of fun and amazing things to see and do. Many visitors travel here from Cairns by driving up the Kuranda Range, riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway, or taking the gondola, all of which offer a different perspective of Kuranda and the surrounding area.
While the village itself has a small population, it has a huge personality. Thousands of visitors flock to Kuranda every week to enjoy its quaint beauty and stunning surroundings. Kuranda has much to offer visitors who are in the area and looking to have a beautiful day in this picturesque part of Queensland. Here are the top things to do in Kuranda when you visit!
The 8 Best Things To Do In Kuranda
From waterfalls and markets to wildlife and art, here are some of the best things to do in Kuranda! This adorable and colourful village is the perfect easy day trip from Cairns, so don't miss the opportunity to explore outside the city. Whether you're visiting Kuranda on a guided tour or you've rented a car and you're just exploring the rainforest around Cairns, these fun activities are sure to make you fall in love with Kuranda.
Here are some of the top Kuranda experiences!
1. Check out Barron Falls
Also known as Din Din, Barron Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands. A sought after destination by many, visitors arriving by train or skyrail will get to see this beautiful landmark on their way to Kuranda, with the chance to get out and look around see the waterfalls for yourself. The falls are 125m tall are are lined with beautiful green trees and forest vegetation, emulating a lush tropical paradise. The falls are best visited in wet season or shortly after a big rainfall, since in dry season the water tends to flow less.
2. Visit Kuranda Heritage Markets
The Kuranda Heritage Markets have been around for about 20 years and are one of Kuranda's most notable destinations. They are open daily from 9:30am - 3:30pm, and sell everything from souvenirs, arts and crafts, food and handmade goods. They are worth visiting, even just to browse around and see what local gems you might be able to find among all the stalls and vendors. The atmosphere is quirky and fun, with winding paths, friendly people and awesome finds.
3. Cuddle a koala at Kuranda Koala Gardens
Another one of the best things to do in Kuranda is mingle with the local Australian wildlife, including adorable koalas. There are several wildlife attractions and sanctuaries located within the village, with Kuranda Koala Gardens being one of the top places to visit. Guests can interact with some of the iconic Australian animals and even sign up to cuddle a koala!
4. Admire the birds at Birdworld Kuranda
For animal lovers, make sure you add Birdworld Kuranda to your itinerary! Home to over 350 species of exotic birds from Australia and around the globe, this unique attraction offers a remarkable opportunity to observe these feathered wonders up close in a naturalistic setting. There are opportunities to hand-feed friendly lorikeets, meet majestic cassowaries, and marvel at the graceful flight of colorful parrots.
5. Ride on the Kuranda Skyrail
The Kuranda Skyrail runs above Barron Gorge National Park between Cairns and Kuranda. With 360-degree, picturesque views, it is the perfect way to travel to Kuranda! Where else in Australia can you say you're taking a cableway over waterfalls, gorges and the rainforest to visit a village in the mountains? It's an enchanting, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
6. Visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Another one of the coolest things to do in Kuranda is getting up-close with technicolour butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Home to over 1,500 free-flying butterflies belonging to various species, including the iconic Cairns Birdwing and the delicate Ulysses butterfly, the sanctuary offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the intricate world of these delicate creatures. With knowledgeable guides and immersive exhibits, the Butterfly Sanctuary offers a truly captivating experience!
7. Engage with the Indigenous Community
Like most places in Australia, Kuranda has a rich and ancient Aboriginal history and culture. The area around Kuranda has been home to the Djabugay people for over 10,000 years and their traditions continue to be celebrated by indigenous Australians the area. An excellent way to engage with the area's history and culture is with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, which includes an art workshop, a rainforest tour, and lots of insights from your indigenous guides.
8. Venture into the rainforest
Because Kuranda is surrounded by jungle, one of the best things to do in Kuranda is explore the forest! Whether it's going for a hike, having a picnic out in nature, or taking an army duck tour of the waterways, immersing yourself in these ancient rainforests is mesmerising. Rainforestation Nature Park is one of the best places to learn about the flora and fauna of this stunning area!
Is Kuranda Worth Visiting?
Kuranda is absolutely worth visiting thanks to its heartwarming atmosphere and gorgeous natural beauty. With rainforests, culture, epic views, and lots of wildlife and attractions, Kuranda is a great place to visit if you're staying in the Cairns area and are looking for a day trip outside of the city. It is full of attractions to keep you busy, as well as restaurants, walking paths, amazing street art, a boat cruise and so much more to fill up your day. It's family friendly with something for everyone and is a must-do when visiting Tropical Northern Queensland!
