Kuranda

Kuranda is known as the village in the Rainforest.  Located about 38 kilometres above Cairns, it is surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest. Kuranda was once an alternative lifestyle village, but now boasts a myriad of markets, shops and nature based activities to suit everyone. Kuranda is the gateway to the Northern Tablelands.

Things to do

Jum Rum Creek Jungle Walk

Starting at the Visitors Centre this is a 3km (approx one hour) circuit walk through the rainforest in Kuranda Village. It winds through rainforest, crosses Jum Rum Creek, and then climbs to Barron Falls Road, connecting to the Jungle Walk and then the River Walk beside Barron River. The River Walk follows the riverbank to the railway station where a staircase links the walk to Coondoo Street. Information Centre.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

The largest all weather butterfly enclosure in Australia, this is home to some 2000 tropical butterflies. The sanctuary is located at 8 Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda and is open from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week.

Australian Venom Zoo

Even for the faint hearted, this is an experience not to miss. Australian Tarantulas, Scorpions, Centipedes and spiders, can be seen with a guided tour by the experienced animal handlers. Located on Rob Veivers Drive/Coondoo Street. Open 7 days from 9am to 5pm.

Birdworld

Huge free flight aviary has over 45 Australian bird species, 25 exotic species and also Cassowary. Located in the Heritage Markets on Rob Veivers Drive. Open 9am to 4pm, seven days a week.

Koala Gardens

Walk among the kangaroos, visit the koalas, reptile enclosure, crocodile and lizards. Located on the corner of Therwine and Thoree Streets. Open from 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week.

Batreach

Display of flying foxes currently in care and education to the public about wildlife rescue. Located at the start of Jungle Walk on Coondoo Street. Open 10.30am to 2.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Markets

There are 2 markets to choose from. The Heritage Markets have 90 stalls with a range of handmade local crafts, Australian opals, gemstones, leather goods, food and more. They are located on the Corner of Rob Veivers Drive and Therwine Street and are open 7 days a week from 9am to 3pm. The Original Markets have a variety of market stalls and shops selling local craft, produce and other goodies, are located just around the bend on the corner of Therwine and Thoree Streets. These are open from 9am to 3pm.

Kuranda Candy Kitchen

Watch the demonstrations of how old fashioned rock candy, get your own candy made for gifts etc or just purchase ready made packs. Located in the Village Centre, the shop is open from 10am to 3pm and demonstrations are held twice daily.

Kuranda Scenic Rail

The train travels through dense rainforest, across spectacular waterfalls and 15 hand carved tunnels. Railway station is located at Lower Coondoo Street.

Best option is to do both the train and Skyrail. Most people take the train up from Cairns/Freshwater in the morning, and take the skyrail back down. However the reverse trip can be done from the Tablelands. Take the Train from the Kuranda station at 2pm, heading down the valley to the Freshwater Station. Transfer by bus to the Skyrail Terminal and glide over the canopy for arrival at the Kuranda Terminal at 5pm. Best to book if you take this option. Phone for reservations 07 4085 5502.

Skyrail

Travel just metres above the treetops of the World Heritage Barron Falls National Park in enclosed gondolas. Stop off at the different display stations to learn more about the rainforest and its flora and fauna. Best option is to do both Skyrail and the train. Located at Lower Coondoo Street, near the Railway Station.

Kuranda River & Rainforest Tours

Informative and relaxing , experience the magnificent tropical environment of North Queenslands World Heritage Rainforest. Located by the river below the Kuranda Railway Station. Cruises take 45 minutes and depart at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm.

Rainforestation

An all in one attraction where you can do Army Duck tours, Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, Dreamtime walks, koala and wildlife park, learn to throw boomerangs & spears and learn to play the didgeridoo. Located on the Kennedy Highway at Kuranda.

Dining

There is a wide selection of eateries in Kuranda but please keep in mind that most of them are open only from 8am to 4pm. There are bakeries, cafes, Garden Bars, German food, Indian food, Hotels and other restaurants.

How to get here

Kuranda is located at the top of the Kuranda Range. It can be your first stop on your tour of the Tablelands if you are coming from the North of Cairns, and is 15 mins from Smithfield.

History

It first became attractive due to the huge amounts of good quality timber, like red cedar, hickory, maple and kauri pine. It was also a very convenient stopover area for access to mining sites west of the range. In 1882, miners were in desperate need of a supply route back to civilization, and thus started a commission on the three stages of the Kuranda Railway. The sheer drops of up to 330 metres and slopes as steep as 45% were death traps for workers. After 9 years of difficulties and lack of modern equipment, the workers had moved 2.3 million cubic metres of earthworks, built 15 tunnels, 93 curves, dozens of bridges and 75 kilometres of track. 30 years later, the first car managed to drive up the range. Kuranda was first surveyed by Thomas Behan in 1888. Originally, the land was used for growing coffee, but was short lived with a severe frost occurring in 1901, wiping out the entire crop. Timber then became the main source of income, followed by some dairying. Kuranda then became increasingly popular for day tours and as a travelers rest point, people flocked to enjoy the beauty of the new magical forest town. Tourism had its foundation in the early 1920s and reached its peak in the 1930s due to the commencement of the Second World War. In the 60s, hippies were lured by the tropical by the tropical sunshine and cheap lands. During the 70s, the hippies were followed by alternative lifestyle people who had imagination and artistic talents. Kuranda soon gained the reputation of being an area in which people could live with ease, and one where the people could survive easily. They built simple and unusual homes from local brick and timber, and practiced their arts and crafts. The village community grew again. Then in the 70s, a new kind of Kuranda resident arrived, the Cairns Commuter. These were people who were tired of the noisy suburbs and were willing to make the daily trips, just for the pleasure of living away from it all in the peace and quiet of the rainforest village.

The first market commenced in Kuranda in 1978 when a dozen or so traders opened stores. This proved so popular that in a very short time, the number of traders grew to 160. The volume of visitors coming up to see the markets has lead to the village now offering a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, specialty shops and attractions. Kuranda now heavily relies on tourism revenue.

Services