The "Village in the Rainforest"
as it has been affectionately known to locals and visitors alike.
This sleepy little town comes alive on the weekends with the famous
Kuranda Markets, where locals sell their wares ranging from art
& crafts to bric-a-brac & fresh locally grown produce.
There are three popular ways to travel to Kuranda, the scenic drive
through the rainforest, the charm of the Kuranda Scenic Train or
by breathtaking aerial view from the Skyrail cable cars. Which
ever way you choose, you will be touched by the unspoilt beauty
of this little town.
Most
visitors prefer to travel up to Kuranda by the Scenic Train which
departs from Cairns three times a day and returning via the Skyrail.
Bookings can be made at your hotels tour desk or any of the booking
agencies in the city.
Apart from the Markets and getting
to know the locals, the Barron Gorge is only a few minutes away,
from here you can see the spectacular view of the Barron River Falls.
The view is simply breathtaking, looking down into the Gorge you
get a sense of peace and tranquillity and feel the pre-historic
absence of man. During the Wet season, when all tropical climates
receive their deluge of monsoonal rains, the Barron Falls puts on
a spectacular show conducted by mother nature herself.
Kuranda has a lot to offer visitors apart from the
Markets, Barron Gorge and Skyrail. The town boasts excellent
shopping for such a small country town. Everything from paintings
by local artists, clothes and jewellery can be found. The
little town has undergone extensive development over the past few
years but has kept the feel of the town the same by restricting
commercialisation - so you
won't see the Golden Arches here.
Jewellers are abundant in Kuranda offering fine
quality Opals at very reasonable prices. You will find an
assortment of Opals ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand
depending on the Opal and craftsmanship involved. Gift
shopping is very easy in Kuranda with a large selection of hand
made arts and crafts. Didgeridoo's and boomerangs are the
most popular. Fluffy koalas and kangaroos are as abundant
as the real things. Glass art is also very popular with
the local craftsman displaying his skills for curious onlookers.
Glass dolphins and intricate ornaments are created before
you very eyes and crowds look in awe as a bulb of glass is transformed
into a work of art.
There are plenty of places to eat in Kuranda, restaurants
and cafes are easily found with a large selection of dining options,
whether you prefer a quiet snack on the go or a leisurely dining
experience you are assured of finding the right place in Kuranda.
The markets offer a lot of snack foods and fresh juices for the
thirsty traveller - all at reasonable prices.
How to get there
There are several
ways to get to Kuranda
Train-Skyrail
Skyrail-Train
Coach
Hire Car
each offers it own unique aspect, the
decision is always a difficult one. If you are
limited on time, then taking the Kuranda Scenic Train
up to Kuranda and returning by Skyrail is a popular
option.
Skyrail is the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience.
A 7.5km cableway, Skyrail glides just metres over the canopy
of Australia's World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforests.
Two mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls, provide the
perfect opportunity to explore and learn more about this
ancient environment on boardwalks and at the Rainforest Interpretive
Centre.
Skyrail is open every day (except Christmas Day) 8.15am
- 5.15pm.
One Way Skyrail
Return Skyrail
Skyrail /
Scenic Train
Adults
Child
Family
$35.00
$17.50
$80.00
Adults
Child
Family
$ 50.00
$25.00
$115.00
Adults
Child
Family
$63.00
$ 31.00
$ 157.00
Cabins
move continuously - please book a time for travelling. Bookings
are available in 15 minute time slots throughout the day.
Traveltrain's popular Kuranda Scenic Railway day tour is
undoubtedly one of the world's greatest day trip adventures
and an essential experience for international visitors. Climbing
more than 300 metres through dense, tropical rainforest, the
Kuranda Scenic Railway is a 90-minute journey encompassing
deep river gorges, rugged mountain ranges and spectacular
waterfalls.
Click
here for timetable
7 days
from 8:30am
(ex Cairns).
$31.00 Adults $ 15.00
(one way)
Children - Concessions Available
s
The Aviary
The Aviary
The colour of the Australian bird life is amazing.
A must do for bird watchers and bird lovers. This enclosure
enables you to see all the birds in the natural envrionment.
7 days
from 10am to 3:30pm.
$10.00 Adults $ 4.50 Children - Concessions Available
Experience the feeling of having hundreds
of butterflies fluttering around you in this truly unique
experience. The all weather enclosure allows the butterflies
to fly freely in their natural environment for visitors to
enjoy. See the brillance of the Ulysses butterfly found
through North Queensland.
7 days
from 10am to 4pm.
$10.50 Adults $ 5.00 Children
Another popular destination, the Kuranda Rainforest Station
offers an amphibious army duck ride through the rainforest
an exciting ride for anyone. The wildlife is typical
of Australia with Kangaroos and other Australian icons readily
seen. The Pamagirri Dancers perform for visitors enjoyment,
depicting the legend of the Rainbow Serpent, the creator of
the mountains and rivers. Learn how to throw a boomerang
and spears with a woomera, before enjoying a delicious tropical
lunch in the Colonial Restaurant. The Full package
tour is the best value, taking in the Army Duck Ride, Pamagirri
Dancers, Cultural Centre, Koala and wildlife park. An
attraction for the whole family.
7 days from 9am
to 4pm.
$29 Adults $ 14.50 Children ( Full Package)
Family Concessions Available
The featured attraction of the quaint little town, the Markets
attract visitors from all over the world. Locals
craftspeople display their wares everything from locally grown
produce to beautifully handcrafted souvenirs, all at very
reasonable prices. There are dozens of little stalls
displaying knick-knacks and other ornaments. Local artists
"inspired" by Kuranda offer unique oil paintings
and prints of the region. Despite being a market, all
gifts and souvenirs purchased can be packed ready for transportation
via post or air.
Every Wednesday,Thursday,
Friday & Sunday
Stoney
Creek Falls
Stoney Creek Falls
Another wonderful waterfall along the
side of the Range. These falls are best seen by taking
the Kuranda scenic train. The train will stop along,
in front of the falls, for passengers to take photographs
and witness the isolated beauty of these falls.
Prices
start from $25 Adults $13 Child
dependant upon package taken.
Barron
Gorge
Barron Gorge
The Barron Gorge is a breathtaking example of the diversity
of this part of the world. A 200 metre deep Gorge in
the middle of the rainforest offering sensational views.
Most
visitors prefer to travel up to Kuranda by the Scenic Train which
departs from Cairns three times a day and returning via the Skyrail.
Bookings can be made at your hotels tour desk or any of the booking
agencies in the city.
you
won't see the Golden Arches here. 
