Kuranda

Kuranda, the Village in the Rainforest

• Location: 16.81675, 145.64313
• Elevation: 330 metres
• Area: 110.9 km²
• Established in 1888
• Postcode:  4881

Kuranda is a vibrant village in the Rainforest 25 kilometres northwest of Cairns in North Queensland.    Famous for markets and a happy hippy vibe.

Attractions

• Butterfly Sanctuary - The largest butterfly sanctuary in Australia.
• Birdworld with over 350 birds.
• Rainforestation Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance and animals
• Koala Gardens - Pictures and cuddles with koalas.

Kuranda Markets

• Original Rainforest Markets
• Heritage Markets

Visitors will find stalls full of handmade leather, wood, jewellery and Aboriginal artefacts.

•  Heritage Markets operates on Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 3:30 pm.
• Original Rainforest Market operates on Thursday through Monday, 9.30 am to 3 pm.

The Kuranda markets have a great assortment of fun and exciting stores.  Next, visit local art galleries Australis Art and Kuranda Arts Co-op Gallery. Then sample a delicious pie from Annabel's Pie.  There is a tasty assortment on offer.    Next, see your futures with a  tarot card reading. There is music playing; request your favourites and observe the portrait artist's skilful hand at work.

Barron Gorge

Enjoy panoramic views of Australia's Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and Barron Gorge. Between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, glide metres above the magnificent rainforest canopy.  Explore the Rainforest up close at Red Peak and Barron Falls.

Skyrail

Then take in the incredible views as the Skyrail ascends the MacAlister Range en route to Kuranda. Next, take the Skyrail over the top of the World's oldest tropical Rainforest. There are stations to stop at to explore the Rainforest along the way. This World Heritage rainforest has remained mostly untouched for 130 million years. Skyrail's Smithfield Station is 50 minutes south of Port Douglas and 15 minutes from Cairns City by car.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Visitors can ride the train up or down from Cairns to Kuranda. We recommend visitors take the Skyrail up and explore the stations in the morning. Then after a full day of exploring, sit back and relax on the journey back to Cairns. This renowned railway travels over winding terrain from Cairns. Along the way, enjoy a ten-minute stop at the  Barron Falls Station and the fantastic view of Barron Falls. Then sit back and relax as the train passes across 37 bridges and 15 hand-carved tunnels. Visitors can choose between Heritage and Gold Class trips to experience this railway journey. The Kuranda Scenic Railway runs every day of the year except for Christmas Day.

Train timetable

• Starting at Cairns Station at 9:30 am.
• Freshwater Station 9:55 am.
• Kuranda at 10.25 a.m. and 11.25 a.m.
• Kuranda at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

This train journey returns to Freshwater at 3:32 and 5:02 pm.  During this journey, sit back and relax in the 100 years old carriages.  At the same time, listen to the history of this railway.

Kuranda Accommodation

• KUR-cow Barnwell Farm.
• Ngorongoro Lodge.
• Platypus Springs Rainforest Retreat.
• Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park.