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Exploring Kuranda Village – A Day Trip from Cairns, QLD

Exploring Kuranda Village – A Day Trip from Cairns, QLD
Acknowledgment of the Country:
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Country throughout Queensland and recognize their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and ask that during your travels you respect these cultures, peoples, and land.


*****

You can spend the whole year or so in Australia and trust me, you can never run out of places to see. 
One of the destinations that I truly enjoyed is during our vacation in Cairns Queensland. We usually don’t have a specific itinerary laid out, just trusting our Google Map app and stopping at any places along the way. 

Located in the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest, 330 meters above Cairns lies the picturesque village of Kuranda. Renowned for its delightful mix of quaint village shops, colorful characters, and natural beauty, Kuranda is one of Tropical North Queensland’s must-see destinations. 
From our Airbnb rental in Cairns, it took as only less than 40-minutes of driving to the famous Kuranda Village, a small village known for its great markets, relaxed atmosphere, tranquil setting, with lots of attractions to enjoy by most ages. 

Parking spaces are readily available but expect the huge crowd during weekends and school holidays. 





Birdworld Kuranda

Birdworld Kuranda
Birdworld Kuranda has one of Australia’s largest collections of free-flying birds, with over 350 feathered friends roaming in an enclosed but natural habitat. It’s also home to one of the rainforest’s most iconic residents, the endangered Southern Cassowary.


Birdworld Kuranda

This is a place where you are literally surrounded by living colors from the moment you enter. Flying around you are species from the vanishing rainforests of the world, including some of Australia’s most precious and beautiful birds. As well as the Cassowary there are brilliant Amazonian macaws, cheeky rainbow lorikeets, vibrantly colored parrots, galahs, cockatoos, and many more. Most birds have regular contact with humans and as a result, are very tame, so don’t be surprised to find a feathered friend taking a ride on your shoulder!

I had a very funny and interesting experience when one of the super-friendly parrots rode on my shoulder and started grooming my hair! 




Before entering the open enclosure, I removed all my jewelry (as advised by the local staff), but I missed removing my hair ties (which turns out to be super colorful). I managed to be very cautious not to frighten the birds (even though I am quite nervous) and collected all the broken hair ties to avoid getting swallowed. 

They are so adorable, and you can tell that they are all well-cared.

Naturally landscaped with waterfalls, ponds, and exotic and native plants, Birdworld Kuranda replicates the natural habitats of the almost 80 species that roam this unique rainforest immersion exhibit. It is truly a photographer’s delight and is sure to delight bird enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers.
Guided tours are available and all visitors to the bird sanctuary are given a free copy of a very helpful and informative bird guide, with colored pictures of birds to help with identification. Hand feeding and photo opportunities are available.




Check out the talking galahs, too! These little locals are very charming.


Birdworld Kuranda has been a locally owned and family-operated company since 1980. The attraction is conveniently located in the Kuranda Heritage Markets and is open daily from 10am to 4pm. This wildlife attraction will excite and delight visitors of all ages.


Admissions:
Adult$20
Child [4-15 yrs]$10
Family [2A + 2C]$50
Bird seeds - $3 per bag





Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia and the southern hemisphere. This is an all-weather experience in the heart of Kuranda, only a short walk from Skyrail and the Kuranda Scenic Railway station.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary - Tourism Australia
Photo credit: Tourism Australia


Home to over 1500 magnificent tropical butterflies, you’ll be enchanted by the aerial dynamics of these elusive wonders of nature as you wander through the aviary’s rainforest gardens. Guided aviary tours are available at no extra cost throughout the day, detailing a butterfly’s life cycle and behavior. Be sure to wear something bright (red, white, or hot pink) and let these beautiful and colorful creatures flutter all over you as you wander through including the majestic green and yellow Cairns Birdwing and the Monarch butterfly.




As well as walking through the aviary, your visit now includes a “behind the scenes” tour of the breeding laboratory which houses 4000 caterpillars. This interesting and educational experience provides an opportunity to view the caterpillars in their varying stages of development. After the tour, see butterflies from around the world in the museum exhibit.


The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is open 7 days a week from 9.30am to 3.30pm. It can also host events & functions, including weddings, corporate events, and parties. 

Admissions:
Adult$20
Child [4-14 yrs]$10
Family [2A + 2C]$50
*Includes guided aviary and laboratory tours





Kuranda Koala Gardens

Kuranda Koala Gardens
Kuranda Koala Gardens is home to many of Australia’s iconic animals including wallabies, wombats, snakes, lizards, gliders, and Australia’s freshwater crocodiles. Of course, it is also home to several koalas, and everyone loves a koala! Whether they are eating, sleeping, or just looking adorable they are undoubtedly one of this country’s most iconic and cuddly creatures. Double bonus – Kuranda Koala Gardens is one of the few places where you can hold a Koala for a souvenir photo (extra cost).

You also have the opportunity to pat and hand-feed swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, and red-legged pademelons. Meet the loveable wombats, which are fast becoming Australia’s favorite marsupial. See the rare greater bilby, the northern bettong, mahogany glider, and more in the new ‘Nocturnal Wonders’ exhibit.

Another Australian native you will safely see at Kuranda Koala Gardens is a collection of Freshwater Crocodiles. They are enclosed in a large habitat where they are free to swim and sunbake. Some other reptiles include water dragons, lizards, monitors with their long-forked tongues, and much more. Camouflage is the key to survival, so take your time and try to find them in their enclosure! See and learn about a range of snakes, both deadly and harmless endemic to the local tropical rainforest and dry woodlands.



Kuranda Koala Gardens is operated by the decedents of one of Kuranda’s pioneering families and you can learn more about the local history at our historical display. This award-winning boutique wildlife attraction is located in the Kuranda Heritage Markets and is open from 10am to 4pm daily.

Admissions:
Adult$20
Child [4-15 yrs]$10
Family [2A + 2C]$50





Kuranda Scenic Railway

Kuranda Scenic Railway - Tourism Australia
Photo credit: Tourism Australia


The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls within the World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park.




This famous railway winds its way on a journey from Cairns to Kuranda. The journey to Kuranda takes approximately 2 hours, which includes a 10-minute stop at the spectacular Barron Falls Station for a bird’s eye view of the Barron Falls. Passing through 15 hand-carved tunnels, 37 bridges, spectacular waterfalls, and into the stunning Barron Gorge.

For tours and pricing, check the rates here.





Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Tourism Australia
Photo credit: Tourism Australia


You can also enjoy the fascinating view of the world’s oldest rainforest with an aerial view through the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

If you don’t fancy driving from Cairns to Kuranda, this option is also a great idea. 

TOUR OPTIONS:
Return (round-trip) or one-way Skyrail experience departing from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal or Kuranda Terminal.
Choose to spend as little as a few hours, half a day, or a full day.

START LOCATION:
Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal: 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield (15 minutes north of Cairns and 50 minutes south of Port Douglas).

For guests in Cairns, Beaches, or Port Douglas you will start your experience at the Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal.

Kuranda Terminal: Arara Street, Kuranda.
For guests in Kuranda or on the Atherton Tablelands, you will start your experience at the Kuranda Terminal.

GETTING HERE:
Drive yourself or book a bus transfer from Cairns City.
Bus transfers are not available for Kuranda departures.

TIMINGS:
 One-way Skyrail: 1 ½ hour
 Return: 2 ½ hours

For tours and pricing, check the rates here - https://www.skyrail.com.au/plan/skyrail-rainforest-cableway/





Kuranda Markets

Kuranda Markets - Tourism Australia
Photo credit: Tourism Australia


Kuranda is world-famous for its markets. The Village in the Rainforest has two market locations, the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets (https://goo.gl/maps/ABBJzRBiTr3kKfEM6) and the Heritage Markets. Stalls offer a wide range of Aboriginal artifacts, handmade leather goods, wood, and jewelry. Stallholders are happy to explain their craft and overseas posting is not a problem. Entertainment from wandering buskers may also be enjoyed.

Stalls accept Cash and EFTPOS.


Other amenities in Kuranda:
Readily available parking spaces
ATM machines
Public toilets 
Restaurants and cafes
COVIDSafe approved


I can’t wait to visit Tropical North Queensland again, very soon!


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19 comments :

  1. Joaquin Eli BacodMay 4, 2022 at 10:40 AM

    Waahhhh must visit sa mga ganitong place . Npka ganda and tlga ma eejoy natin ung mga mkikita natin . Tlga nkakatuwa ung ganda ng ibon lalo na ng mga paro paro . Thank you for sharing this ! ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After this trip, I've been eager to get a parrot as a pet! kaso baka mag selos mga pusa ko :D

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  2. Thank you for sharing complete details po sarap mamasyal jan sana soon po makarating din ako jan ang ganda ng view and yung skyrail ang gusto na experience kasi mas kita yung buo paligid. Mukhang perfect din mamili sa market jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The only market that is licensed to sell original Aboriginal products.

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  3. Breathtaking!
    All wonderful things around
    Glimpse of everything here,how majestic place it was ! Worth to read , beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a beautiful place to visit. Very amazing place and has beautiful view. It would be a great experience to visit this kind of place. ❤️ My son will love this place since he really love birds and other animals. I want to experience to see the skyrail ❤️🥰

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have one of those boomerangs! My boss sent me one years ago! It must've been because he went to QLD that time.

    Funny bird digging into your hair. Did it hurt?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It didn't hurt me, but I feel anxious not to hit my eyes!

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  6. its the butterfly garden and koala for me! but im sure id definitely enjoy the skyrail and who wouldnt love shopping?!

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  7. I want to bring my whole family here too! I can still remember when we went to northern Luzon and visited a safari or zoo there. I just hope my father is strong enough to travel far places so they can enjoy this experience with me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, there is a safari park somewhere in Ilocos Region. I haven't been there.

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  8. Whooa! Kuranda Village reminds me of the client of my travel concierge client na nagpunta here and ang dami nyang picture sa parrot na yan :D HAHAHA tuwang tuwa eh! Sana magka cableway na rin yung Pinas. I haven't heard such thing na may ganto sa Pinas tourism.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. we need to encourage more private investors for this kind of infrastructure for tourism!

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  9. I love birdsss! You seem to have such a fun time over there and i wish that i visit the place for myself some time!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The Koala is so cute and I would love to visit the Kuranda Scenic Railway too! I wish I can visit these places too.

    ReplyDelete

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