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!
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
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.
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
Phone (07) 4093 7261
www.honeyhousekuranda.com
Excellence since 1959!
Our World Famous reputation for the highest quality honey has grown with us over 59 years! The area round Kuranda is home to the widest variety of flora in Australia - perfect for keeping our bees happy and your tastebuds tantalised with new varieties all year round! All our honey is personally selected for quality and taste, hand bottled and sold with a smile by our knowledgeable hosts. We only offer RAW honeys that retain the natural healing properties of our bees' hard work.
Honey House Kuranda manages six apiary sites as well as sourcing honey from other reputable, local beekeepers. You will also find Australian Manuka, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, beauty products, souvenirs and more! With almost 60 years of operation in the area, we can guarantee you will receive the highest quality product from the happiest bees!
Phone (07) 4093 7261
www.honeyhousekuranda.com
Excellence since 1959!
Our World Famous reputation for the highest quality honey has grown with us over 59 years! The area round Kuranda is home to the widest variety of flora in Australia - perfect for keeping our bees happy and your tastebuds tantalised with new varieties all year round! All our honey is personally selected for quality and taste, hand bottled and sold with a smile by our knowledgeable hosts. We only offer RAW honeys that retain the natural healing properties of our bees' hard work.
Honey House Kuranda manages six apiary sites as well as sourcing honey from other reputable, local beekeepers. You will also find Australian Manuka, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, beauty products, souvenirs and more! With almost 60 years of operation in the area, we can guarantee you will receive the highest quality product from the happiest bees!
KURANDA RIVERBOAT CRUISES
Across the Kuranda Railway Station footbridge
Phone (07) 4093 0082
Warren Clinton 0412 159 212
Melissa Clinton 0418 930 511
website link coming soon
Cruise the world's most ancient tropical rainforest!
The Kuranda Riverboat began operating rainforest cruises on the Barron River in 1982. It has cemented its reputation for providing one of the most relaxing and refreshing experiences the region can offer.
Promising wonderful opportunities to spy and snap the glorious flora and fauna of this ancient tropical rainforest environment, the cruises sail five times a day. They feature a commentary from the skipper and run for 45 minutes, departing from their riverside jetty, which is below the Kuranda Railway Station. You simply walk across the railway station footbridge and go down the stairs to the river where you will see their red flags flying.
The Kuranda Riverboat team also conducts guided rainforest walks in a secluded section of rainforest, accessible only via the riverboat, on the far side of the river. These walks are followed by tea/coffee and cake in their covered rainforest tea room.
Phone (07) 4093 0082
Warren Clinton 0412 159 212
Melissa Clinton 0418 930 511
website link coming soon
Cruise the world's most ancient tropical rainforest!
The Kuranda Riverboat began operating rainforest cruises on the Barron River in 1982. It has cemented its reputation for providing one of the most relaxing and refreshing experiences the region can offer.
Promising wonderful opportunities to spy and snap the glorious flora and fauna of this ancient tropical rainforest environment, the cruises sail five times a day. They feature a commentary from the skipper and run for 45 minutes, departing from their riverside jetty, which is below the Kuranda Railway Station. You simply walk across the railway station footbridge and go down the stairs to the river where you will see their red flags flying.
The Kuranda Riverboat team also conducts guided rainforest walks in a secluded section of rainforest, accessible only via the riverboat, on the far side of the river. These walks are followed by tea/coffee and cake in their covered rainforest tea room.
DISCOVERY TOURS AUSTRALIA
Phone 1300 32 10 19
www.discoverytours.com.au
Premium personalised tours in small group comfort!
Discovery Tours Australia is a family owned and operated touring company with over 30 years of touring experience here in beautiful Far Northern Queensland and beyond.
EScape the crowds and immersing yourself in the beauty and vastness of what Australia truly has to offer, with scheduled and private tours for families, groups of friends, individuals and businesses who want to experience Far Northern Queensland or the Northern Territory.
Discovery Tours Australia specialise in small group tours leaving no rocks unturned in this expansive country with exclusive permits to breathtaking locations! We can personalise any charter and offer private tours! Anything from 1/2, Full or Multi Day touring options.
Driver guides are passionate and the best in the business, with an excellent safety record and a proven history with countless happy customers. We supply an experienced Guide to ensure your trip goes smoothly, utilising their bush skills and imparting their wealth of knowledge. As well as being fun and informative, these tours will introduce you to the wonders of indigenous culture, fauna, flora, botany, geology and history of our totally amazing continent.
www.discoverytours.com.au
Premium personalised tours in small group comfort!
Discovery Tours Australia is a family owned and operated touring company with over 30 years of touring experience here in beautiful Far Northern Queensland and beyond.
EScape the crowds and immersing yourself in the beauty and vastness of what Australia truly has to offer, with scheduled and private tours for families, groups of friends, individuals and businesses who want to experience Far Northern Queensland or the Northern Territory.
Discovery Tours Australia specialise in small group tours leaving no rocks unturned in this expansive country with exclusive permits to breathtaking locations! We can personalise any charter and offer private tours! Anything from 1/2, Full or Multi Day touring options.
Driver guides are passionate and the best in the business, with an excellent safety record and a proven history with countless happy customers. We supply an experienced Guide to ensure your trip goes smoothly, utilising their bush skills and imparting their wealth of knowledge. As well as being fun and informative, these tours will introduce you to the wonders of indigenous culture, fauna, flora, botany, geology and history of our totally amazing continent.
DOWN UNDER TOURS
Cairns
Phone (07) 4047 9097
www.downundertours.com
A huge selection of Cairns day tours and charter services!
Nestled in mountaintop rainforest splendour just to the west of Cairns, Kuranda has been enchanting visitors for years. Accessible by train, cableway or road, the charming 'Village in the Rainforest' presents a bevy of tropical delights. From the traditional appeal of the famous Kuranda Markets to the cool sophistication of roadside cafes and restaurants, Kuranda has something to suit everybody.
Soar above the rainforest canopy in your Skyrail Gondola, be initiated into the ancient world of the Tjapukai Aboriginal people, or go back in time on the historic Kuranda Railway.
Step into the colour and excitement of the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld, be smitten by the Koalas in Koala Gardens, meander through local art galleries and Aboriginal Artefacts, or simply savour a locally made tropical fruit ice cream.
Down Under Tours offers a large variety of Kuranda Tours catering to every schedule and incorporating the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Tjapukai Cultural Park and Rainforestation.
Phone (07) 4047 9097
www.downundertours.com
A huge selection of Cairns day tours and charter services!
Nestled in mountaintop rainforest splendour just to the west of Cairns, Kuranda has been enchanting visitors for years. Accessible by train, cableway or road, the charming 'Village in the Rainforest' presents a bevy of tropical delights. From the traditional appeal of the famous Kuranda Markets to the cool sophistication of roadside cafes and restaurants, Kuranda has something to suit everybody.
Soar above the rainforest canopy in your Skyrail Gondola, be initiated into the ancient world of the Tjapukai Aboriginal people, or go back in time on the historic Kuranda Railway.
Step into the colour and excitement of the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld, be smitten by the Koalas in Koala Gardens, meander through local art galleries and Aboriginal Artefacts, or simply savour a locally made tropical fruit ice cream.
Down Under Tours offers a large variety of Kuranda Tours catering to every schedule and incorporating the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Tjapukai Cultural Park and Rainforestation.
THE BEST OF THE CAIRNS TABLELANDS - BY BILLY TEA SAFARIS
Phone (07) 4032 0077
Fax (07) 4032 0055
www.billytea.com.au
We carry travellers..... not tourists!!
With its breathtaking waterfalls, scenic vistas at every turn, impressive lakes, lush rainforest and rugged outback, the Cairns Tablelands is undeniably one of the most exciting and diverse regions to visit in Australia.
Billy Tea Safaris is a small locally owned Advanced Eco Accredited Tour Operator, which operates small personalised tours with custom built 4WD vehicles, maximum 16/20 passengers per vehicle, and your naturalist guides have extensive knowledge of flora, fauna, history of the area, together with experiencing the local lifestyle and culture of the people in the Tablelands. Your 'Best of the Cairns Tablelands' full day tour includes:
* Unlimited Coffee and Chocolate tasting for morning tea * Herberton Historic Village * Tropical fruit and local cheese tasting platter * Smokehouse platter featuring a selection of handcrafted smoke meats including crocodile and Barramundi * A main course lunch selection * Sample locally crafted beer and wines from the region * Visit the 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree * Millaa Millaa Falls
Fax (07) 4032 0055
www.billytea.com.au
We carry travellers..... not tourists!!
With its breathtaking waterfalls, scenic vistas at every turn, impressive lakes, lush rainforest and rugged outback, the Cairns Tablelands is undeniably one of the most exciting and diverse regions to visit in Australia.
Billy Tea Safaris is a small locally owned Advanced Eco Accredited Tour Operator, which operates small personalised tours with custom built 4WD vehicles, maximum 16/20 passengers per vehicle, and your naturalist guides have extensive knowledge of flora, fauna, history of the area, together with experiencing the local lifestyle and culture of the people in the Tablelands. Your 'Best of the Cairns Tablelands' full day tour includes:
* Unlimited Coffee and Chocolate tasting for morning tea * Herberton Historic Village * Tropical fruit and local cheese tasting platter * Smokehouse platter featuring a selection of handcrafted smoke meats including crocodile and Barramundi * A main course lunch selection * Sample locally crafted beer and wines from the region * Visit the 500-year-old Curtain Fig Tree * Millaa Millaa Falls
TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK
Cairns Western Arterial Road, Caravonica
Phone (07) 4042 9900
website link coming soon
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.
Phone (07) 4042 9900
website link coming soon
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.
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.TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE, directly next to the Skyrail terminal at Caravonica.
NATURE PARKS
AUSTRALIAN VENOM ZOO
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KURANDA KOALA GARDENS
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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: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.
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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MOTELS
HOLIDAY HOMES
KURANDA VILLAS
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BUSH TURKEY BUNGALOW
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BED AND BREAKFASTS
KURANDA BED & BREAKFAST
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BACKPACKERS HOSTELS
CARAVAN PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS