Colourful and quirky, Kuranda is the place to find art, tropical handicrafts and jewellery made by local artisans. The Village in the Rainforest is one of the gateways to the Atherton Tablelands, where you can be entertained by buskers, dine at an array of restaurants, enjoy walking trails or a river cruise and experience the region’s iconic nature-based attractions.
Kuranda
Kuranda rainforest and village
The journey is part of the experience, with visitors arriving by road or aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
The picturesque mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is just 25km northwest of Cairns and attracts travellers from all over the world who enjoy its superb wildlife attractions, walking trails, river cruises, souvenir shopping and artists’ galleries.
Initially people came to admire the mighty 125m Barron Falls, while artisans were attracted to the region’s natural beauty and decided to call it home, creating a vibrant arts and craft culture.
Kuranda wildlife and culture
Allow plenty of time to visit some of Kuranda’s world renowned attractions and activities. Encounter koalas, butterflies, native and exotic birds, kangaroos, reptiles, some of the world’s most venomous snakes, and even come face to face with a huge life size replica of an Allosaurus Dinosaur.
Watch traditional Indigenous dance performances, voyage on a riverboat along the spectacular Barron River, get your photo taken holding a koala, feed wallabies and explore an amazing gemstone museum, all amongst the beautiful rainforest that envelops the town.
Kuranda has evolved into a superb place to shop. There are bargains to be had, as well as exquisite artisan pieces at the other end of the spectrum.
Kuranda markets
Kuranda’s markets are diverse and have been a feature of the village for decades, open all year round except Christmas Day. Best Kuranda buys are the hand-made local products and quality Australiana such as opals, wood-art, didgeridoos and other authentic Indigenous artefacts. You’ll find delightfully soft and supple kangaroo skins and leather products, and for that souvenir t-shirt for anyone back home, you can’t go past Kuranda’s range and prices.
Historic buildings now house a variety of upmarket eateries and bars to enjoy and relax in. Dine indoors in air-conditioned comfort, or take an alfresco table surrounded by the vistas and sounds of Kuranda at one of the many quality hotels, restaurants, cafes, bar and grills in this exciting village.
Things to do
ExploreAustralian Butterfly Sanctuary
8 Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda, Queensland 4881
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia. Home to over 2,000 magnificent tropical butterflies…
NatureBarron Gorge National Park
Barron Falls, Kuranda, Queensland
Rugged peaks, steep gorges, tumbling waterfalls, lush rainforest, varied wildlife, easy access, a colourful history and a range of recreational…
ExploreCeti Bath Shop
4/25 Coondoo Street, Kuranda, Queensland 4881
Ceti Bath Sop is a Kuranda local business specializing in handmade soap, bath products, a range of natural skincare products…
ExploreDidi La Baÿsse Art Studio and Gallery
Shop 3, Kuranda, Queensland 4881
Art studio, gallery and antiques,…
ExploreHartley’s Crocodile Adventures
4019 Captain Cook Highway, Wangetti, Queensland 4877
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in the North. 2500 metres of boardwalks…
NatureJumrum Creek Conservation Park
Jumrum Creek Conservation Park, Kuranda, Queensland
This park features a pleasant walk on boardwalks and graded paths through vine-entwined rainforest to a small creek. Climbing palms…
ExploreKur-Cow Farm
112 Barnwell Road, Kuranda, Queensland 4881
Looking for a fun day out for the family? Welcome to KUR-Cow Barnwell Farm – a working cattle station located…
ExploreKuranda Birdworld
Kuranda Birdworld, Kuranda
Immerse yourself in one of the most unique wildlife attractions of Tropical North Queensland. Join the birds in their beautiful…
ExploreKuranda Koala Gardens
2-4 Rob Vievers Drive, Kuranda, Queensland
Kuranda Koala Gardens is Kuranda's newest wildlife attraction!…
ExploreKuranda Original Rainforest Markets
Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets, Kuranda, Queensland 4881
Located in the World Heritage Rainforest of Kuranda.
ExploreKuranda Scenic Railway
126-144 Bunda St, Cairns City, Queensland 4870
Take a unique railway journey through ancient world heritage listed rainforest.
ExploreKuranda Wildlife Experience
Kuranda, Queensland
3 PARK WILDLIFE PASS - Australian Butterfly Sanctuary | Birdworld Kuranda | Kuranda Koala Gardens…
ExploreRainforestation Nature Park
1030 Kennedy Highway, Kuranda, Queensland 4880
The award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park is a 100 acre (40 hectare) tourist attraction set in the midst of World Heritage…
ExploreSkyrail Rainforest Cableway
6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield, Queensland 4878
Enjoy a unique perspective of Australia’s World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest, glide above the canopy before descending to explore. Learn about…
NatureSpeewah Conservation Park
Speewah Conservation Park, Queensland
The 1.5 klm return (1 hour) track at the Speewah camping and day use area is just a 6.5 klm…
Where to stay
Map
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Travel with our app
Keep it real: you’re not going to see it all in one go. Download the Discover Atherton Tablelands app for an on-the-ground guide to exploring waterfalls, food trails and small towns like a local.
