There are lots to see and do in the quaint mountain village of Kuranda in Queensland as it is located in a lush World Heritage Rainforest filled with delightful stops for nature and wildlife appreciation. You can also find charming shops offering souvenirs, crafts, and jewellery in the village.
It’s only a 33-minute drive from Kuranda to Cairns, making it a popular weekend destination for families and tourists alike. Hopping on the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns is also a popular mode of transport and touring. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Macalister Range, spectacular falls, and Barron Gorge.
If you want to reconnect with nature on your next visit, here are the best things to do while in Kuranda:
- Hug a koala at the Kuranda Koala Gardens
- Take a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class
- Meet the colourful avian life at Kuranda Bird World
- Go on the Ultimate Kuranda Tour with River Cruise Experience
- Experience the Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Rail Self-Drive Day Trip
- Dine at Kuranda’s Restaurants and Cafés
- Shop at Kuranda’s Heritage Markets
- Appreciate nature at the Kuranda walking trails
1. Hug a koala at the Kuranda Koala Gardens
Like the friendly staff, take a pic with fluffy koalas! Image credits: @kurandakoalagardens on Instagram
Koalas are the stars of the show at Kuranda Koala Gardens. Catch them climbing, sleeping, and eating in their natural habitats as you go around this scenic park. You can even hold and cuddle them as you snap a souvenir pic!
Aside from these adorable marsupials, you’ll also see the other well-known Australian animals such as wallabies, wombats, smiling quokkas, and the first bilbies in North Queensland!
Watch the koalas climb, eat, sleep, and play in the Koala Gardens. Image credits: @kurandakoalagardens on Instagram
Kuranda Koala Gardens has a slew of Aussie reptiles for you to meet, from large crocs and pythons to slithering snakes! If you want to see more wildlife, you can bump up your ticket to include Bird World and Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary admissions.
2. Take a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class
Enjoy a relaxing train ride as you witness the area’s natural beauty. Image credits: @kurandavillage on Instagram
A ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway is not just a way to get to the mountain village from Cairns. It’s also an immersive learning and sightseeing experience. Along the way, you’ll pass by spectacular views of the waterfalls, Barron Gorge, Macalister Range, and the quaint suburbs of Stratford, Freshwater, and Redlynch.
Enjoy all the sights and stops with your family
When you book your Kuranda train tickets on Klook, you’ll board the Heritage Carriage made of refurbished redwood reminiscent of classic, rustic trains. It’s sprinkled with some modernity with its onboard audio commentary, informing passengers about the passing locations. There’s also free WiFi at the Freshwater railway station so that you can update your Instagram ASAP!
3. Meet the colourful avian life at Kuranda Bird World
Check out the colourful and friendly birds at Kuranda Bird World! Image credits: @aquaventurefishing.com.au on Instagram
Are you a lover of all things avian? Then you can’t miss a trip to Kuranda Bird World, where you’ll see over 60 species of birds. You’ll be in awe of the sheer variety and the vibrant colours adorning their feathers as they perch, feed, and fly about the vicinity. They can even perch on your finger or shoulder for a fun photo op!
You’ll see various species such as the Alexandrine Parakeet. Image credits: @danfromcairns on Instagram
Here you can see the rare southern cassowary, Australia’s largest flightless bird, as well as Amazonian macaws, red-breasted galahs, king parrots, and different species of chatty cockatoos. You’ll also learn more about Bird World’s conservation efforts in response to the diminishing nesting sites in the world’s forests.
4. Go on the Ultimate Kuranda Tour with River Cruise Experience
This tour will take you to all the hotspots in town! Image credits: @kurandavillage on Instagram
On this whole-day tour, you’ll experience many of the highlights the Kuranda Scenic Railway and its stops have to offer. All the while, you’ll hear stories and fun facts from a knowledgeable guide. A popular stop is Kuranda Koala Gardens, where you can have close encounters with adorable koalas and other native Aussie animals.
Enjoy a scenic cruise along Barron River
You’ll also stop by Barron River for a scenic cruise around the pristine waters and lush greens. Sit back and relax on the comfy boat while snapping pics and enjoying the views with your friends and family!
5. Experience the Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Rail Self-Drive Day Trip
Enjoy the view of Kuranda from above on Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Image credits: @mikekenworthy on Instagram
Another great way to explore Kuranda from Cairns is through this self-drive trip you can book on Klook. You can drive from Cairns to the village using a rental car then explore the verdant area via the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
The historical train will take you through lush vegetation and past calming rivers and waterfalls. Meanwhile, the cableway will take you above for a breathtaking aerial view of the rainforest village.
Catch up with friends during this relaxing trip
During the trip, you’ll have time to explore the stops at your own pace and take as many stunning photos as you want. We recommend a visit to Heritage Markets so you can shop for souvenirs and trinkets to commemorate your journey.
6. Dine at Kuranda’s Restaurants and Cafés
Frogs Restaurant is one of the oldest in the village, going 40 years strong! Image credits: @kurandavillage on Instagram
The rainforest village of Kuranda abounds with several quaint restaurants and cafés that make for great stops to recharge during the day. A lot of them are for outdoor dining, which is great for appreciating the surroundings as you enjoy local and international cuisine. You might even catch some live performances!
Re-energize with some comfort food and a cup of joe at Kuranda’s many restaurants. Image credits: @kurandavillage on Instagram
One restaurant you can try is Frogs Restaurant, which was established all the way back in the 1980s. Here you can taste some healthy plates of salads and beer-battered fish and chips with freshly brewed coffee on the side. You can also enjoy the healthy and fresh smoothies and juices from Sprout Juice & Coffe bar!
7. Shop at Kuranda’s Heritage Markets
Gift yourself with some souvenirs from the Kuranda’s Heritage Markets. Image credits: @kurandavillage on Instagram
For over 30 years, the Kuranda Heritage Markets have been filled with local arts and crafts. This unique market in the rainforest is lined with colourful stalls where you can marvel at the pieces, from trinkets to jewellery, even articles of clothing that commemorate your trip to Kuranda.
Crafts from local artists and artisans abound at Kuranda’s Heritage Markets. Image credits: @kurandavillage on Instagram
It’s only 15 minutes from the railway station and a few walks away from the restaurants and attractions such as the Koala Gardens and Bird World. It’s the perfect stop in between destinations where you could shop and explore the local arts scene.
8. Appreciate nature at the Kuranda walking trails
Breathe in the fresh rainforest air at Kuranda’s walking trails. Image credits: @kurandavillage on Instagram
Kuranda’s rainforest is laden with many safe walking trails that are great for any fitness level. You can explore the canopies of the rainforest with the canopy walk, or go on an easy walk along Jumrum Creek and Barron River. Even your little ones can enjoy these scenic walks!
Walk along the forest trails and riversides of Kuranda. Image credits: @kurandavillage on Instagram
Kuranda Lookouts are also popular spots to check out the falls and rock formations from the best vantage points possible. The stunning photos you’ll take here will also surely impress your Instagram friends! If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you can try the more challenging Douglas and Smith’s Tracks, which go through the dense forest and steep grades.
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