KURANDA
Kuranda is known as the "village in the rainforest", a charming, romantic little mountain town, surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest, and just 40 minutes drive from Cairns. It's a cool retreat from the heat and humidity of the coast, and the vibrant main street is packed with colourful markets of all kinds. But they say life's a journey, not a destination, and getting to Kuranda is half the fun!
USE THE LINKS ABOVE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE RANGE OF ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS, TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN KURANDA, OR SCROLL DOWN TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THIS SPECTACULAR DESTINATION.
Very few travellers visit Tropical North Queensland without making a trip to Kuranda. It's an ideal day trip from Cairns, or there's a range of tranquil hideaways in and around the town if you choose to stay longer. Kuranda's town centre is easy to negotiate on foot. Just pick up a visitors' guide and map at the Skyrail terminal or Kuranda Scenic Railway station when you arrive. The main street is just a five minute walk from the Skyrail and KSR stations, but it is uphill so if it's hot (or you're just feeling lazy) take advantage of the shuttle buses waiting at both stations.
Kuranda is a sleepy little town that has become a buzzing tourist destination. It has undergone extensive development over recent years but has kept the feel of a typical North Queensland town. The town itself is most popular for its huge range of markets, selling everything from fresh locally grown produce to fine arts and crafts, didgeridoos and boomerangs, jewellery, hemp products, and of course the ubiquitous fluffy koalas and tacky t-shirts. Gift shopping has never been easier!Apart from the shopping, Barron Gorge is only a few minutes away, with views of the spectacular Barron River Falls. During the wet season, when the area receives over 80 percent of its annual rainfall, the Barron Falls are positively thunderous.
Accommodation in Kuranda caters for all sized families and budgets. The style of accommodation has been largely influenced by Kuranda's eco-town philosophy. There's no shortage of dining options in Kuranda either, with a large number of restaurants and cafes nestled in and around the main street.
ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO SEE AND DO - KURANDA
It is difficult to know where to start when it comes to things to see and do in Kuranda. There are too many and probably not enough time if you are trying to fit them all in just one day. That's why we recommend that you overnight in Kuranda in one of the many lovely bed and breakfasts available.If you are in love with markets, then you will be in heaven here, as there are numerous markets open every day of the week, where you can find real bargains to take home. However, Kuranda is much more than markets and there are also wildlife attractions, cruises and tours and nature walks to name a few.
KURANDA HOMEMADE TROPICAL FRUIT ICECREAM
7 Therwine Street, Kuranda Markets, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 8981 / Mobile 0419 644 933
www.kuranda-icecream.com.au
The RED ICECREAM VAN next to Kuranda Markets Arcade!
Open 7 Days 9am - 4pm
Delicious homemade ice creams, with all natural ingredients, no preservatives or chemicals, artificial food colouring or additives. Try flavours such as custard apple, pumpkin and nutmeg, avocado, ginger, and jaboticaba, as well as the old favourites... chocolate, strawberry, coconut, pineapple and many, many more. Now available in soya milk!

THE HONEY HOUSE
7 Therwine Street, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 7261
www.honeyhousekuranda.com
Celebrating 50 years in 2009!
Established in 1959 to showcase and promote the many distinctive honeys from North Queensland, Honey House Kuranda continues the tradition working with 5 major apiarists in the region (and many smaller ones) to bring you the best range of honeys North Queensland has to offer!
Only the highest quality, raw honeys are chosen - no heat treatment, no blending, no over filtering - so you receive the freshest product straight from the hive!! Open 7 days 9am - 3pm

THE SAVANNAHLANDER
Phone (07) 4053 6848 / Fax (07) 4053 6818
Tollfree 1800 793 848
www.savannahlander.com.au
The Outback rail experience!
The Savannahlander is a relaxed way to travel on the scenic Kuranda Railway. An early start and small groups allows the pace to be a little slower, so time can be taken to take in the view. Arriving early in Kuranda means you can enjoy the village atmosphere without the crowds.
The Savannahlander does continue further, another 393 km to the outback town of Forsayth which is reached on the following day. If you only have time for a day trip, you can continue on the train to Mareeba and transfer to a coach for the trip back to Kuranda (or Cairns). After enjoying the attractions on your return to Kuranda you can head down the hill by Skyrail, train or bus.
The Savannahlander departs Cairns on Wednesdays at 6.30am and arrives in Kuranda just after 8am. The Savannahlander departs Kuranda for Cairns at 5pm on Saturdays.

TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK
Kamerunga Road, Smithfield (MAP)
Click here to check availability and book online
See Australia's culture through our eyes!
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park offers a showcase of indigenous culture, allowing visitors to learn the traditional culture and customs of the Tjapukai people.
Seven separate arenas allow visitors to experience every facet of the rainforest people's culture - from the provocative History Theatre to the inspiring Creation Theatre, the Dance Theatre and the interactive Cultural Village, where visitors can learn how bush food is used to create medicinal remedies, learn how to play a didgeridoo, and throw a boomerang and spear.
When night falls, Tjapukai by Night offers dramatic special effects to create a compelling show in which the audience meets Gadja, a Dreamtime spirit, and is encouraged to participate in an ancient corroboree ritual. Guests are then treated to a beautifully presented buffet style dinner featuring modern Australian cuisine, while watching the world famous Tjapukai Dancers.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is located at Caravonica, near Smithfield, at the base of the Skyrail cableway. If you want to combine a visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, with a SKYRAIL RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE, and even a ride on the KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY, Cairns Unlimited can arrange an economical package deal, even including return transfers from your Cairns hotel.

KURANDA RIVERBOAT CRUISE
Kuranda Rail Station (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 7476 / Mobile 0412 159 212
www.kurandariverboat.com
Informative, relaxing, tropically beautiful.
The calm waters of the beautiful upland Barron River provide great photographic opportunities whilst your local guides share their vast knowledge of this unique area.
The river is home to a host of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, snakes, water dragons and fish together with over 100 species of tropical birds.
Kuanda Riverboat is conveniently situated, only a few minutes walk below the Kuranda Railway and Skyrail Stations on the Esplanade of the Barron River. Access to their departure jetty is "over the railway footbridge and down the stairs." The Esplanade extends approximately two kilometers along the river front and offers panoramic views of the forest areas in which they operate their river cruises. Suitable for all ages


SKYRAIL RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE, KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY and the SAVANNAHLANDER are without a doubt some of the top 'things to do' in Kuranda. We discuss them in more detail in the GETTING TO KURANDA section.
Especially if you're travelling to (or returning from) Kuranda by Skyrail, you might want to include a visit to the TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE, directly next to the Skyrail terminal at Caravonica.
NATURE PARKS
AUSTRALIAN VENOM ZOO
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CAIRNS WILDLIFE SAFARI RESERVE
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TOURS
As you have already realised, nature is a big part of Kuranda's every day life. When you visit, don't miss going on any of the numerous tours the area offers to discover the region from other points of view. There's also a wide number of companies that offer day tours to Kuranda, including some of the attractions of the area. For a comprehensive list of all these companies, please visit our TOURS pages. Among the tours available in Kuranda, these are worth mentioning:
NATURETOUR AUSTRALIA
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BUSHWALKING
But if you want to see the rainforest at your own pace, the walking tracks are very impressive and helpful. Some of them are very easy, some of them are strenuous, so it is up to you to decide which one suits you. For more details of these and all the other wonderful National Parks in Tropical North Queensland please visit our NATIONAL PARKS page.BARRON GORGE NATIONAL PARK
Barron Gorge National Park is about four kilometres away from Kuranda and offers some of the most spectacular scenery and walking tracks you can find in the region.
DAVIES CREEK NATIONAL PARK
Davis Creek National Park also provides visitors with a true Australian bushland experience with its bushwalking tracks and lookouts over the valley.
LOOKOUTS
Kuranda is jam-packed with lookouts. However, we must mention Barron Falls Lookout, in Barron Gorge National Park. Possible the most famous waterfall lookout in Tropical North Queensland, and one of the most viewed sites in the World Heritage area, the 230 metre Barron Falls are at their best during the rainy season, when they are a torrent of rushing water. During this season, you may be covered by a cloud of mist from the cascades. The lookout offers one of the best views of the falls and it is located above the Barron Falls railway station. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway or the Skyrail Rainforest experience to get there, it is impressive, no doubt!.
MARKETS
KURANDA HERITAGE RAINFOREST MARKETSRob Veivers Drive, Phone (07) 4093 8060.
Kuranda Markets offer visitors a bit of everything: souvenirs to take back home with you, arts and crafts, food and drinks and entertainment. And, surprisingly, natural wildlife, as Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and the Koala Gardens are all located in the markets. Ninety different stalls and shops are here to ensure that you'll find anything you may want to enjoy your vacation. No need to worry about the weather, the market is located in a covered market-mall.
The markets are open daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm and, to make it more comfortable for you, you can catch one of the free courtesy coaches from the Skyrail and Scenic Railway Terminal. A very convenient way to get to the markets without any hassle.
KURANDA NEW MARKETS
Coondoo Street
Located in Coondoo Street, the New Kuranda Markets offer a wide range of stalls and shops, including Aboriginal art shops, restaurants and the Kuranda Theatre. No worries about the weather here either, the markets are conveniently located in an undercovered complex, just a short walk from the train and Skyrail terminal and are open seven days a week.
KURANDA ORIGINAL MARKETS
Corner of Therwine & Thoree Street. Phone (07) 4093 8612
Kuranda's famous Original Markets operate seven days a week. The markets are located in the rainforest behind Kuranda Market Arcade. You will find stalls and shops, selling local craft, offering massages, coffee, local produce and other goods.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
KURANDA AMPHITHEATREBarron Falls Road, Phone (07) 4093 7633.
Don't leave withouth checking if there is something going on at the Kuranda Amphitheatre. It is an awesome venue and whatever is happening there will be made even more enjoyable by the atmosphere that surrounds you. Opened in 1979 by a dedicated bunch of local performers, musicians and some eccentric individuals, the Kuranda Amphitheatre is a completely natural setting where no special effects or lighting are used. Over the years, this venue has attracted some of the world's finest and best known performers.
The venue sits 3,500 people but make sure you keep an eye on events well before they're planned. It is a very popular place.
EVENTS
KURANDA ROOTSKuranda Roots is an annual, contemporary roots and world music festival focused on Kuranda Amphitheatre. Importantly, the event strives to capture the true essence of Far North Queensland's true music and cultural roots.
Yummy food, arts market ambience, diverse and contemporary programming, and a family friendly atmosphere will establish Kuranda Roots as the ideal outdoor music event.
KURANDA SPRING FESTIVAL
During three days in September, Kuranda celebrates its Spring Festival along with its unique and diverse community. Local artists display their works; there will be markets stalls and buskers, food and drinks, art and photography competitions, live music, races, a grand parade and much more for every one.
For more details of special events throughout the year, please check out our TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND EVENTS CALENDAR.
ACCOMMODATION - KURANDA
Your choice of accommodation in Kuranda is limited only by your imagaination. Kuranda accommodation includes luxurious rainforest resorts, spas, and eco-lodges, as well as affordable hotels/motel style accommodation. There is a choice of bed and breakfast accommodation, as well as farm stays, and even a Kuranda backpackers hostel. There is also a caravan park with self contained accommodation units and shady private sites for caravans or camping. Scroll down or use the buttons on the right to choose your style of Kuranda holiday accommodation.
HOTELS AND RESORTS
CEDAR PARK RAINFOREST RESORT
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KURANDA RESORT AND SPA
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MOTELS

KURANDA HOTEL MOTEL
2-4 Arara Street, Kuranda, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 7206 / Fax (07) 4093 8340
email link coming soon
website link coming soon
* Opposite Sky Rail
* Ideally situated in Kuranda
* Opposite the Rail line
Affordable motel accommodation with a great family atmosphere. Dine at O'Reillys,enjoy a Famous Guinness Pot Pie or enjoy a swim in the pool and then relax in your well appointed unit. Great Food, Cold beer, Fantastic Deck, Kids Room, Famous Guinness Pot Pie, & Cold Pint of Guinness, Friendly Staff see you here!!
HOLIDAY HOMES
KURANDA VILLAS
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BUSH TURKEY BUNGALOW
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BED AND BREAKFASTS

MIJU RAINFOREST RETREAT
47 Bangalow Place, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 9304 / Fax (07) 4093 9505
www.mijurainforestretreat.com
Look, listen, explore, relax...
Mike and Julie welcome you to Miju Rainforest Retreat Bed & Breakfast, exclusive, self-contained accommodation just 25 minutes from Cairns. At 400 metres above sea level, and surrounded by rainforest, Miju Rainforest Retreat provides a cooler alternative to staying in Cairns. Miju Rainforest Retreat is central to some of the best tourist destinations and close to many bushwalking tracks. Just five minutes away are the famous markets of Kuranda, Skyrail, the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and Rainforestation.
Miju Rainforest Retreat offers two bedrooms, each with a queen size bed, with a single bed and/or cot available on request; verandah for guest use only, providing quiet access to the tropical rainforest gardens and wildlife and a 12 metre swimming pool.
Stay at Miju Rainforest Retreat and listen to the voices of the rainforest, feed the wallabies and scrub turkeys, and explore and enjoy the one acre tropical gardens that back onto fifteen acres of rainforest reserve.

CASSOWARY HOUSE
Blackmountain Road, Kuranda
Phone (07) 4093 7318 / Fax (07) 4093 9855
www.cassowary-house.com.au
Rainforest Lodge for birders and naturalists!
Cassowary House is ideally sited on the edge of the Atherton Tablelands in the cooler, hills above Cairns. Entirely surrounded by rainforest and adjoining Kuranda National Park our property is home to a wide range of wildlife. With Cassowaries visiting most days, Red-necked Crakes, Victoria's Riflebirds and many more this is a birdwatchers paradise. Mammals which can be seen include pademelons, bandicoots, striped possums and the endearing musky-rat kangaroo and we mustn't forget the platypus in the creek.
Our elevated decks offer excellent photographc opportunities for birds and butterflies including the spectacular Cairns Birdwing. With easy access to all the major local birdwatching sites including the Barrier Reef we offer a variety of accommodation packages. Contact us for further information.
Cassowary House is owned and operated by Sicklebill Safaris, specialists in birdwatching tours to New Guinea, Australia and throughout the Pacific Region.
CADAGHI COTTAGE
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SUNBIRD CABIN
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BACKPACKERS HOSTELS

KURANDA BACKPACKERS HOSTEL
6 Arara Street, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 7355 / Fax (07) 4093 7295
email link coming soon
website link coming soon
Need to escape and have a holiday?
Want to wake up to the birds singing?After a great nights sleep. Want personalised old fashioned service, rarely seen these days? Then a visit to the family run Kuranda Backpackers is a must. This spacious Queenslander built in 1907 has stunning leadlight windows, rooms to cater to everybody's needs and is set on 1 ½ acres of spectacular tropical gardens with a relaxing pool.
CARAVAN PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS

KURANDA RAINFOREST ACCOMMODATION PARK
88 Kuranda Heights Road, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone / Fax (07) 4093 7316
email link coming soon
website link coming soon
This lovely caravan/accommodation park is situated in the mountains, 25 km above Cairns. Lodgings consist of fully self-contained accommodation, shared accommodation as well as camping, caravan sites and renowned restaurant, Kuranda Balcony.
DINING - KURANDA
The warm climate and casual atmosphere of Tropical North Queensland are perfect for leisurely outdoor dining. Kuranda has a number of excellent restaurants, with comfortable surroundings and charming views. Classic Queensland cuisine features heavily along with a variety of European and Asian influenced dishes.
KURANDA RAINFOREST VIEW RESTAURANT
28 Coondoo Street, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 9939 / Fax (07) 4093 9688
www.rainforestview.com.au
270 degree rainforest views!
* Open 7 days a week 8:00am to 4:00pm
* All Weather Dining, Open Deck & Air Conditioning
* 270 degree views of the Rainforest in the heart of Kuranda!
Kuranda Rainforest View Restaurant is located in the heart of Kuranda only 5 minutes from Kuranda Station and Skyrail. A licensed, air conditioned restaurant with one of the best views in Australia with indoor-outdoor seating capacity for 250. The restaurant offers wheel chair access and a changing facility for babies.
International dining experience with high standard of cuisine and friendly staff in a relaxed atmosphere. Kuranda Rainforest View Restaurant offers seafood, grill, pasta, pizza, crocodile and kangaroo dishes, continental or light meals at competitive prices.
CAFE BANJOS BAR AND GRILL
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FOREST FUSION
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GETTING TO KURANDA

There are a number of ways to get to Kuranda from Cairns. If you have your own car, it's a pleasant 40 minute drive, and there are local bus services and tours. But even if you have your own vehicle, we thoroughly recommend leaving it behind and experiencing the rainforest in a way that can only be done by combining SKYRAIL RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE with either KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY or THE SAVANNAHLANDER. Most visitors choose to ascend the range on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and then return to Cairns by Skyrail. The Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail co-ordinate to put together economical packages to cover a number of sightseeing options. The Savannahlander travels from Cairns to Kuranda early Wednesday morning, and from Kuranda to Cairns on Saturday afternoon. For more details of the Savannahlander's schedule, please visit our dedicated SAVANNAHLANDER page.
SELF DRIVE
If you do decide to drive to Kuranda, it's not a difficult drive. Just head north out of town on the Captain Cook Highway to the suburb of Smithfield, and follow the signs. Be aware that the mountain road has some very sharp curves. If wet, the surface can become very slippery, so take it easy. The drive itself is very pleasant, a scenic drive through thick rainforest, alongside rocky waterfalls and the buttress roots of giant trees. Every now and then you'll find a breathtaking panorama of the coastal plain through a gap in the trees. But try to keep your eyes on the road and if you feel the urge to stop for a photo opportunity, only do so where it is absolutely safe.





Kuranda has a taxi service. Phone (07) 4093 7119.







