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 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, the days when markets operate. But if you'd rather have a more tranquil day without the crowds the markets bring, then any other day of the week is for you. There are wildlife attractions, cruises and tours, nature walks and much more.

AUSTRALIAN BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY
8 Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 7575 / Fax (07) 4093 8923

www.australianbutterflies.com

   HOME OF THE ULYSSES BUTTERFLY

Have you every been surrounded by more than 1,500 colourful tropical butterflies..... including the electric blue Ulysses? At the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, you have the opportunity to wander through a beautiful rainforest environment especially designed with the needs of butterflies in mind. As well as the Ulysses, there's Australia's largest butterfly to marvel at - the majestic Cairns Birdwing, as well as myriad other tropical butterflies. Wear bright red, pink or white to encourage the butterflies to land. Participate in an optional guided tour (at no extra charge) and learn how to attract butterflies to your garden. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary situated in the heart of Kuranda, has been providing a truly unique experience for over a million visitors for over 19 years.
Open every day except Christmas Day from 9.45am to 4.00pm.
A visit to Kuranda is not complete without visiting the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK
Kamerunga Road, Smithfield (MAP)
Phone (07) 4042 9900 / Fax (07) 4042 9990

www.tjapukai.com.au

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.

THE HONEY HOUSE
7 Therwine Street, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 7261

www.honeyhousekuranda.com

Open 7 days 9am - 3pm

Established in the late 1960's 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!!

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

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.

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.

AUSTRALIS ART Shop 8, 40 Coondoo Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 8572 / Mobile 0427 763 047 The philosophy of the gallery is to reflect the surrounding tropical beauty, as seen through the eyes of celebrated Australian and International artists. Paintings, sculptures, glass work, email cloisonné, pottery (stoneware, raku, Cape York Porcelaine, Anagama), prints. DOONGAL ABORIGINAL ART & ARTEFACTS 14-22 Coondoo Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 9999 / Fax (07) 4093 9003 Doongal Aboriginal Art showcases the finest collection of authentic Aboriginal art and artifacts. Doongal only sells the finest quality art, made by local artists and only the items that meet their high standards will subsequently be on display within their shops.

KANGAVENTURE Lot 44 Mt Haren Road, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7418 Kangaventure offers half day Hummer 4WD Safaris through Rainforest & Eucalyptus Forest. Visit Strangler Fig Tree and Giant Termite Nest, try boomerang throwing and whip cracking and enjoy views from the Henry Ross Lookout. RAINFORESTATION KURANDA Kennedy Highway, Kuranda Phone (07) 4085 5008 Open from 8:30am to 4:00pm everyday (except Christmas Day) The Rainforestation Nature Park is a 40 hectare tourist attraction. Whether it is just for an offsite dinner and outings or for the whole family, Rainforestation offers three main attractions, that represents a great experience for everyone.

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 8 Coondoo Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 8905 Australian Venom Zoo has a great collection of animals here from the world's most venomous spider, to Australia's 5 most venomous snakes, to a variety if scorpions, centipedes, reptiles and insects. BATREACH Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre Coondoo Street, Kuranda, (at start of Jungle Walk) Phone (07) 4093 8858 Open Tuesdays to Fridays and Sundays from 10:30am to 2:30pm If you are in the neighbourhood, visit BatReach, a 'hospital' for injured and sick bats. Contrary to what many people think, bats are not horrible animals that suck your blood, actually, most of them are vegetarian. Come and learn a lot about Flying Foxes. BIRDWORLD KURANDA Rob Vievers Drive, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 9188 Home to more than 75 different species of birds from all over the world, Birdworld Kuranda can proudly admit being Australia's largest collection of free flying birds. Some of the diverse Australian species include bright regent bowebirds, stilts and, of course, the endangered Cassowary.

CAIRNS WILDLIFE SAFARI RESERVE Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7771 Set amidst 200 acres of dry Savannah and where the rainforest meets the Outback of Australia, Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve has the largest lion pride in Australasia. The zoo offers a wide array of experiences for adults and kids alike, including an African night. KURANDA KOALA GARDENS Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 9953 Open every day from 9:00am to 4:00pm You want to cuddle a koala, don't you? But Koalas are not the only inhabitants of these gardens. Fresh water crocodiles, lizards, pythons and other animals also live here. And get an insight into some of the early history of European settlement in the Kuranda region.

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 Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7287 / Fax (07) 4093 8231. With NatureTour Australia you can choose to embark on a night tour, spending a night in the Rainforest while enjoying a beautiful barbecue, listening to the sounds of the forest as it awakes and discovering the nocturnal world that inhabits this precious wilderness.

AUSTRALIAN ATV TOURS Phone (07) 4041 2744 Take a 4 Wheel Motorcycle Tour in Kuranda. ATV Tours provides all styles of tracks which follow many different types of terrain. Their tracks are designed for all levels of riders. From beginners to the advanced, no license required! Morning and afternoon tours departing from Cairns.

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 MARKETS
Rob 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 AMPHITHEATRE
Barron 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 ROOTS
Kuranda 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

KURANDA RESORT AND SPA
3 Greenhills Road, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 7556 / Fax (07) 4093 7567

www.kurandaresortandspa.com

Revitalize, explore, excite, refresh, rejuvenate!

Reflecting the essence of the world heritage Kuranda Rainforest, Kuranda Resort and Spa will remind you what it is to truly relax and unwind. Revitalise your soul amidst the tranquil surroundings, rejuvenate your body with luxurious spa treatments and enjoy the tropical ambience of Northern Queensland... Relax beside one of the fours pools with a book, ride the Skyrail through the rainforest, cruise along the Daintree River or discover the famous Great Barrier Reef. At Kuranda Resort and Spa the choice is yours to be as active or to relax as much as you please.

Kuranda Resort and Spa offer different types of accommodation, from individual one bedroom rainforest villas to beautiful appointed self-contained apartments.

CEDAR PARK RAINFOREST RESORT Clohesy River Road, Kuranda Phone / Fax (07) 4093 7892 Cedar Park Rainforest Resort is situated in a picturesque setting on the edge of Ganyan Creek. This nature retreat provides a unique style of accommodation, featuring gothic arches reminiscent of an old European monastery or castle.

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 12 Barang Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 0082 There are two villas nestled in their own private gardens. Villa 1 has two bedrooms, which will sleep up to six people. Villa 2 has three bedrooms, which will sleep up to seven people. This Kuranda accommodation has been tastefully furnished and the kitchens are well-equipped.

BUSH TURKEY BUNGALOW 63 Barron Falls Road, Kuranda Mobile 0414 683 244 Located only 800 metres from the beautiful Barron Falls, Bush Turkey Bungalow offers good accommodation in Kuranda.

BED AND BREAKFASTS

KOAH BED AND BREAKFAST
(aka KURANDA HOMESTAY)
Lot 4 Koah Road via Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 7074 / Fax (07) 4093 7074

www.kurandahomestay.com

Designed and built to be entirely wheelchair friendly!

The Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, Cairns and other world-class attractions - all are less than an hour's drive from our Homestead. Use Koah Bed & Breakfast as a launchpad for exploring - or just relax in your informal home from home! Friendly, comfortable accommodation. Wake to birds and wallabies on 10 acres of bushland.

Confined to a wheelchair himself, Greg Taylor, propietor and owner-builder of Kuranda Homestay, designed and built all accommodation to be wheelchair friendly. Accommodation facilities at Kuranda Homestay are approved by the Paraplegic & Quadriplegic Association of Australia. Certified carers can be provided by prior arrangement and we can arrange vehicle hire facilities for visitors with special needs.

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 135 Stoney Creek Road, Kuranda Phone / Fax (07) 4093 0352 Secluded, self contained luxury cottage adjacent to World Heritage Rainforest. Self catered, full breakfast provisions, spa bath, wood fire. Ideal romantic getaway for couples.

KURANDA BED & BREAKFAST 28 Black Mountain Road, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7151 / Fax (07) 4093 8012 Kuranda Bed & Breakfast offers two beautiful, brand new king size rooms, fully screened with fans, air-conditioning, private bathrooms and private verandahs overlooking tropical gardens. It is the ideal choice for those interested in nature.

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 Veranda.

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 VERANDA
88 Kuranda Heights Road, Kuranda (MAP)
Phone (07) 4093 9320 / Fax (07) 4093 7316
email link coming soon
website link coming soon

Kuranda Veranda is situated high in Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park and specializes in a tantalizing asian influenzed menu. Breakfast Sunday and Live music Sunday afternoons.

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CAFE BANJOS BAR AND GRILL 17 Thurwine Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 9399 Cafe Banjos' extensive menu offers delicious foccaccias, burgers, salads, pizzas and more, prepared from fresh local produce. There is also a children's menu. Delicious coffee and homemade biscuits as well as organic foods. CHILLI'S PIZZA PASTA CURRY Shop 5, 24 Coondoo Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 8444 Chilli's Pizza Pasta Curry offers good food in a great atmosphere. Well known for their fast friendly service. CEDAR PARK RAINFOREST RESORT 250 Cedar Park Road (20 mins from Kuranda) Phone / Fax (07) 4093 7892 Dine on the rainforest deck overlooking a stream. Restaurant is open to the public on weekends. FANNY O'REILLYS IRISH BAR AND GRILL Kuranda Hotel, Cnr Arara and Condoo Streets Phone (07) 4093 7206 / Fax (07) 4093 8340 Enjoy a meal alfresco soaking up the tropical setting, or cool off in the comfort of air conditioning in the dining room. An impressive selection of Beers also awaits. Dinners Mon - Sat. FITZPATRICK TAVERN - BILLY'S GARDEN BISTRO Crn Coondoo and Thongon Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7203 At Fitzpatrick Tavern you can enjoy alfresco or inside dining. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Their extensive menu also includes coffee and Devonshire teas. KURANDA RAINFOREST VIEW RESTAURANT 28 Coondoo Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 9939 / Fax (07) 4093 9704 Open 7 days a week 8:00am to 4:00pm International cuisine, seafood, grill, pasta, pizza, light or continental meals and buffet with hot and cold dishes, competitive prices. Ideal for tour groups or individuals. All weather dining.

FOREST FUSION Kuranda Resort & Spa 3 Greenhills Road, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7556 / Fax (07) 4093 7567 Forest Fusion restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Perfect for intimate dinners, parties or large groups. The inhouse bar provides fantastic cocktails, an excellent variety of spirits, and a great selection of wines and beers. FROGS RESTAURANT 11 Coondoo Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7405 Open 7 days a week 10:00am to 3:30pm Famous, friendly, historical. Hamburgers Gourmet Pizzas. Sandwiches, Barramundi, Prawn salad. Also, select from our chef's al a carte menu. GERMAN TUCKER Therwine Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7398 German Tucker specializes in authentic German wurst (sausages) as well as other German dishes. KURANDA TRADING POST RESTAURANT 15 Coondoo Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7166 / Fax (07) 4093 8999 Open 7 days a week, from 9:00am to 3:30pm Licensed Garden restaurant, sidewalk café, Aus souvenirs, cottage gifts and crafts. Foreign Currency Exchange. Internet LAN'S VIETNAMESE CUISINE Shop 9, Market Mall, Therwine Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 7399 Lan's Vietnamese Cuisine is a must if you like Asian food. The restaurant specializes in Southern Vietnamese cuisine. TRUE BLUE BARBECUE 21 Coondoo Street, Kuranda Phone (07) 4093 8175 True Blue Barbecue is the place to try real Aussie cuisine. The restaurant offers fish, steaks and chicken as well as healthy lunch alternatives and a kids menu. There is also a bistro menu and a salad bar.

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.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE BEST DEAL ON A RENTAL CAR IN CAIRNS, PLEASE VISIT OUR CAIRNS CAR HIRE PAGE.

THE SAVANNAHLANDER
Phone (07) 4053 6848 / Fax (07) 4053 6818
The Savannahlander departs Cairns every Wednesday at 6.30am and arrives at Kuranda only 90 mins later. On its way back to Cairns, The Savannahlander departs Kuranda on Saturdays at 5pm, arriving in Cairns around 6.40pm.

PUBLIC BUS SERVICES

The route between Cairns and Kuranda is serviced by two local shuttle services. This is how the local residents get to and from work and school, but it's also a very economical way for cash strapped travellers to visit Kuranda. If it's busy, you should purchase a return ticket in the morning to ensure your place on the bus in the afternoon. This local bus service can drop you at the Cairns Airport on your way back from Kuranda, but does not go via the airport on the upward journey.

Whitecar Coaches run at least three daily services to Kuranda, leaving Cairns from Bus Stop "D", in the City Mall. Their Kuranda stop is at 15 Therwine Street. You can find their latest timetable and information about their fares on their website.

Kuranda is also on Whitecar Coaches' daily Cairns to Atherton route..

COACH TOURS

Experiencing Kuranda by tour bus would not be our first recommendation. The town itself is so easy to navigate, with everything centrally located, and getting there by Skyrail or Kuranda Scenic Railway is so much a part of the whole adventure. But if you want an informative guide to tell you about Kuranda, and you just want to sit back and relax, we can certainly point you in the right direction. Kuranda is well serviced by the many bus and coach companies that operate in the region.

At Cairns Unlimited, we can help you with whatever you need. If you just want a bus to pick you up from your Cairns hotel and drop you at the train station in the morning, and collect you from the Cairns Caravonica Skyrail terminal at the end of the day, we can arrange that. If you'd like an interesting and informative guided tour of Kuranda, that's no problem either.

Or if your time is precious, and you want to do everything in one day, we can get you on the ULTIMATE CAIRNS DAY TOUR!, a full day of pure adventure exploring the rainforest and reef in total luxury! Your day will begin with a 7:30 pickup from your Cairns City or Cairns Beaches accommodation. You'll ride the famous Kuranda Train, and glide across the top of the rainforest aboard the Skyrail Cableway. Then you will fly to the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter! Yes, we're serious! Have lunch then swim, snorkel or enjoy the marine life aboard a semi-submersible. At the end of the day, you will be returned to your hotel, exhausted but exhilarated.

It is important when selecting your tour to establish that it allows you adequate time to take in the many attractions Kuranda has to offer. Visitors are sometimes disappointed when they end up with inadequate time in the Kuranda itself, due to their tour incorporating too many other activities outside the village. Let us know what you want, and we will make sure to match you with the tour that is perfect for you. And do we have to say it again... YOU'LL NEVER PAY A PENNY MORE WHEN YOU BOOK THROUGH CAIRNS UNLIMITED!

SKYRAIL RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Cnr Captain Cook Hwy & Cairns Western Arterial Rd
Smithfield, QLD 4878
Phone (07) 4038 1555 / Fax (07) 4038 1888
Skyrail Rainforest Experience is a unique rainforest experience taking you on an unforgettable journey through Australia's World Heritage rainforests. Open 8.15am - 5.15pm daily (except Christmas day).

BOOKINGS / ENQUIRIES

Skyrail is an experience unique in the world, the most popular tourist attraction in Tropical North Queensland, and you will see why the moment you step aboard. More than just a cablecar, Skyrail provides an opportunity to experience the 135 million year old World Heritage listed rainforest in a way that would otherwise be impossible. Stretching 7.5 kilometres from the coastal fringe of the rainforest all the way to Kuranda above Barron Gorge National Park, Skyrail is the world's longest gondola cablecar. Your gondola glides silently just metres above the rainforest canopy, and in places where there are natural breaks in the vegetation, you're so close that it feels like you're amongst the treetops.

As you sweep inland, and the panoramic views of Cairns and the coastal islands disappear, the vegetation below becomes thick and lush. Massive tree ferns, surely weighing hundreds of kilos, can be seen in the upper limbs of towering rainforest trees. The dense green is punctuated every so often by the bright red shout of a flame tree, an unusual species in that it has chlorophyll in its branches, so doesn't require green leaves for photosynthesis, just a sudden screaming blast of red disappearing back into the greenery as our gondola passed by.

Along the way, you can stop at Barron Falls station, with stunning views over the falls, and at Red Peak Station, where park rangers gives educational tours of the rainforest via a specially constructed boardwalk. In the photo above, Ranger Billy is demonstrating how the roaming barbed vines of this rainforest palm led to the palm earning the nickname of 'wait-a-while'. (Because if you run into it, you have little option but to wait a while!) He may also point out a prickly bush bearing small red berries. These berries, if ingested, will cause complete but temporary blindness. A matter of hours later, the victim will regain their sight with no side effects. Another plant you might see produces a fruit which although perfectly edible, could cause complete, irreversible blindness if the hairy skin of the fruit was to come in contact with your eye. And there's yet another which was traditionally used by Aborigines for fishing. If the leaves of this plant are crushed up and dipped into a small pond or a slow flowing steam, any fish unfortunate enough to be in that body of water will be stunned, and float to the surface. Billy is quick to point out that once the Aborigines had collected as many fish as they needed, they would remove the leaves from the water and the fish would slowly come back to life and swim away, probably losing any recollection of the whole experience... as fish do!

An important role of Skyrail is to educate people about the rainforest, and make them interested in protecting it. The original plan to build Skyrail in 1987 was met with fierce opposition from conservationists. This area is after all, a prized and unique piece of rainforest, and the concern was that the construction of a 'ride' would cause a lot of damage to the fragile ecosystem. But building the cableway was done largely without disturbing the forest flora or fauna. The numerous towers -the tallest one over forty metres high- were placed in existing clearings, and were lowered in by helicopter. Workers hiked in each day on foot. Of course, the last thing Skyrail wanted was to have a huge road running through the forest!

Besides the 'Best Major Tourist Attraction' award at the Australian Tourism Awards, Skyrail has been presented with a number of environmental awards, including the British Airways 'Tourism for Tomorrow' ecotourism award, and the EIBTM for Most Environmentally conscious Visitor Attraction.

Don't forget to check out the Kuranda Scenic Railway, below. And you might want to combine your Skyrail experience with a visit to the TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE, next to the Skyrail terminal at Caravonica.

KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

The famous Kuranda Scenic Railway is a relaxing one-and-a-half hour journey between Cairns and Kuranda through tropical rainforest of Barron Gorge National Park, and past the spectacular Barron Falls. Combining the wonders of the natural world with marvels of human achievement, the trip is a scenic and educational adventure. Along the way is a commentary that describes the hardships faced by the pioneers to the area.

BOOKINGS / ENQUIRIES

Over the course of the 34 kilometre journey, the century old railway curves around 98 bends, climbs more than 300 metres, passes through 15 tunnels, and crosses more than 40 bridges! The train stops along the way for photo opportunities. If you're leaving frm Cairns, the first stop is at Freshwater Connection Railway Station, a heritage style train station that houses a museum and an award-winning restaurant. The old train creaks to a halt again for a view of the bridge stretching over the Stoney Creek Falls, the most impressive sight (and most photographed) of the journey.

Upon arriving at Kuranda Railway Station you will find that it looks more like a tropical botanic garden than a railway station, and is an attraction in its own right.

The Kuranda train journeys from Cairns to Kuranda (and vice-versa), stopping at Freshwater and Barron Falls Stations along the way. Two Kuranda trains depart Cairns daily with two return journeys, but only one train on Saturday. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of Cairns' most popular attractions, and most visitors would not leave the area without having experienced this trip.

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


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KURANDA RESORT AND SPA

• ATHERTON TABLELANDS

• SKYRAIL
• KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY
• SAVANNAHLANDER

EMERGENCY SERVICES

In case of emergency only, dial 000. In all other cases, phone the local service :

Ambulance (07) 4093 9257
Hospital (07) 4050 6333 (Cairns)
Police (07) 4093 7356