Kuranda, the ‘village in the rainforest’, is a 25km journey northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland. This scenic mountain retreat is surrounded by the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest and makes for the perfect day tour from Cairns. At 330m above sea level, Kuranda offers a cool mountain climate and has been a favourite retreat in the tropical north since the early 1900s.
In the 1960s, Kuranda was particularly popular with the hippie crowd. Their musical and artistic touches are still evident today. Visitors come to Kuranda to shop in the bustling market for locally crafted clothing and jewellery, take a Dreamtime walk at Rainforestation, and enjoy alfresco dining. Make sure you take a trip to this colourful village atop a rainforest-clad mountain.
There are plenty of things to do in Kuranda village, and if you’re after more than shopping and dining, there are several Kuranda tourist attractions well worth a visit.
Embark on an adventurous Kuranda quad bike and buggy tour to see exotic fruit orchards and meet local cassowaries. Visit the Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary and discover rare creatures native to the tropical north. Or take a Dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide to learn about local Indigenous culture at Rainforestation. Other Kuranda rainforest tours include a hike to Barron Falls, making for an especially spectacular sight during the wet season.
We have several Far North Queensland holiday packages that include visiting beautiful Kuranda. We'll ensure you don’t miss a thing when you tour this iconic mountain village.
Kuranda is the gateway to the Atherton Tablelands and is just a hop, skip and jump from Cairns.
Getting to Kuranda couldn’t be easier; there is a mode of transport for every traveller! It’s an easy 25km drive from Cairns to Kuranda Village, but why take the road when more adventurous options are at hand? The serene Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a fascinating 90-minute journey that takes you just metres above the rainforest canopy before descending so that you can explore the rainforest up close. Another option is to wind through Barron Gorge alongside the jungle’s pristine waterfalls on the 100-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway.
However you arrive, be prepared to find a colourful and quirky village perched atop a mountain.
Kuranda’s dry season from May to October is generally considered the best time to visit, as the weather is mild with lower humidity and little rain. The dry season offers great opportunities for outdoor activities such as exploring the rainforest and visiting wildlife parks, but it is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds.
The wet season (November to April) is hotter, more humid, and you guessed it, wetter. However, there are two great reasons to visit in this season - the vegetation is vibrant and there are less people visiting.
Kuranda is home to diverse wildlife, and there are plenty of opportunities to see native animals. The Rainforestation Nature Park offers experiences like the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and has the Koala & Wildlife Park, where you can see koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, and other Australian wildlife up close. Birdworld Kuranda is a fantastic place to observe a wide range of bird species, including colourful parrots, Southern Cassowary, and cockatoos.
Yes, there are hiking trails in and around Kuranda that allow you to explore the stunning rainforest and its natural beauty. The Barron Gorge National Park offers various trails, including the popular Barron Falls Lookout Track and the Wrights Lookout Track. These hikes cater to different fitness levels so be sure to check the trail information before setting off.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
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