{"id":487,"date":"2023-02-01T20:31:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T20:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everywhereaustralia.com.au\/?p=487"},"modified":"2023-02-13T01:27:51","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T01:27:51","slug":"things-to-do-in-kuranda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everywhereaustralia.com.au\/things-to-do-in-kuranda\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Best Things To Do In Kuranda, Cairns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Going on a Kuranda trip and want to know all the best things to do in Kuranda, Cairns? We have you covered! Below, you will find our guide to all the best Kuranda attractions to plan your ultimate trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located just above Cairns, Kuranda is surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest and known for its arts scene, markets and animal sanctuaries. I don\u2019t think anywhere else in Far North Queensland has such a concentration of attractions and activities, and there\u2019s a lot to love about visiting this part of Queensland.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Rainforestation<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A beautiful area, a trip to Kuranda involves many decisions. How will you get there, private car or via the Skyrail and Scenic Railway? Will you just go for a day trip or stay overnight? What things to do in Kuranda Queensland will you do and which will have to wait for next time?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, you will find our Kuranda travel blog with everything you need to know to answer all these questions! This includes the best Kuranda things to do options, the top tourist attractions in Kuranda as well as a guide to exactly what to do in Kuranda, Cairns for your ultimate holiday!! There is also a handy map of the best things to see in Kuranda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Top 16 Best Things To Do In Kuranda, Cairns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the best Kuranda tourist attractions. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note if you are visiting on a day trip taking the Skyrail and Scenic Railway, you\u2019ll have to be very brutal about the Kuranda activities you chose due to the lack of time. I recommend Rainforestation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Stunning Views From The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Skyrail<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The Skyrail is one of the more famous of the things to do Kuranda offers. It’s a 9 kilometre long cable car linking Smithfield, north of Cairns, with Kuranda. The Skyrail runs over some beautiful landscapes including the Barron River valley and the Barron Falls, just outside of Kuranda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gondolas, which comfortably fit four people or are a bit squishy for five or six, give amazing views of the scenery below. If you’re in a small group you may have to share a gondola, depending on how busy it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s two stops between Smithfild and Kuranda. From Smithfield, the first stop is Red Rocks where you have to change gondolas as the cable itself ends and a new one begins. You can change directly or check out the boardwalk that’s been built around the station. It takes between 5 and 10 minutes and gives you a good chance to stretch your legs. It has some amazing views.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Skyrail<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The second station is at Barron Falls, a little under 10 minutes from Kuranda. Getting off is optional. The station is just a short walk from the Barron Falls. While you get great views from the air, seeing the falls up close is something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing it as fast as you can takes about 40 minutes although 90 minutes is recommended if stopping off at both stations.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Skyrail<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The main traffic is up to Kuranda in the mornings and then back to Smithfield in the afternoon. Pre-COVID the queue to board was often quite long. However, on our most recent trip there was almost no queue at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Skyrail was a massive hit with our five year old and it’s one of the best things to do in Kuranda for kids especially when paired with the Cairns to Kuranda train in the other direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here for tickets for this and the Scenic Railway<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hop Aboard The Kuranda Scenic Railway<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Kuranda<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A thoroughly unique Aussie railway experience, the Kuranda Scenic Railway takes you through world heritage-listed rainforest – part of the Wet Tropics – that\u2019s millions of years old.  And, as you travel through this tropical paradise, you\u2019ll feel in awe of the majestic mountains, the numerous waterfalls, and be completely engulfed by sounds of the rainforest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Running from Kuranda over the Great Dividing Range to Cairns, Queensland, this tourist railway meanders through the Macalister Range.  37km in length, the ride takes approximately 2 hours, which includes a 10-minute stop at the spectacular Barron Falls Station for a glimpse of the famous falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the route you\u2019ll listen to commentary about the flora and fauna on display, plus learn how the railway was constructed more than a century ago, beginning operation in 1891.  Not an easy feat when you consider there\u2019s 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges\u2026 with the added problems of the terrain plus the climb from sea level to 328 metres up the Macalister Range!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose to take this spectacular journey in the Gold Class carriages (with refreshments and finger food) or keep things simple and enjoy the views from Heritage Standard Class.  However you travel, you\u2019ll be astounded by the picturesque ravines, waterfalls (Stoney Creek Falls is literally metres from the train!) and the scenic vistas.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Kuranda<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In fact, your adventure starts at Kuranda Rail Station, well known for its tropical gardens and historic significance – claiming to be one of the most photographed railway stations in the world!  Check out the Kuranda Railway Tea Rooms at the station before setting off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carriages are rustic – designed to look that way, keeping things in line with the original carriages.  You\u2019ll find detailed woodwork, red leather seats and feel instantly transported back in time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re riding the train in reverse, a great spot to jump on is at the Freshwater Railway Station, which has a little information centre, and a wonderful cafe that operates from the inside of an old train carriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operating every day of the year except for Christmas Day (check out the timetable here<\/a>), bookings are highly recommended.  And don\u2019t forget you can combine your journey aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here for tickets for this and the Skyrail<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover Aboriginal Culture And Ride An Army Duck At Rainforestation Nature Park<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Rainforestation<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Once you have made it to Kuranda, there are many great places to visit in Kuranda to choose from. I recommend this one as the #1 place to head!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located just outside of town, a free shuttle bus runs regularly from the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary if you don\u2019t have your own wheels. Otherwise, Rainforestation is located before Kuranda on the road from Cairns so it\u2019s best to either start or finish your time in Kuranda here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a variety of experiences at Rainforestation Nature Park and it\u2019s best to already know what you want to do before you arrive as your entry price will vary accordingly. There are basically three themes to the attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Rainforestation<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

First of all, there is the opportunity to ride around the rainforest on a World War II Army Duck. These awesome vehicles can take you around the rainforest on dry land then drive straight into a lake for a tour by water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The driver stops regularly to share information about the local rainforest flora and fauna. It\u2019s fun, but I was surprised by just how much it stopped. At least half the time we were stopped during the 45 minutes tour whereas I had expected they would talk while driving us around. I still think it\u2019s great but it\u2019s good to have the right expectation especially if you are travelling with younger kids who may get bored.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Rainforestation<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Next up is a variety of Aboriginal experiences to select from. We chose the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience which I highly recommend. We watched a traditional dance performance which was very good. It was educational as well as watching the dances and it was a good length of time at around 30 minutes including time for anyone who wanted to go on stage and learn some moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We then watched spear and didgeridoo presentations before learning to throw a boomerang! Again, the presentations were a good length of time and very interesting to keep even short-attention-spanned kids interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I especially enjoyed the demonstration of how they put different animal sounds into their didgeridoo playing and the boomerang throwing. I just wish the groups were a little smaller so we could have had a couple of turns of throwing the boomerang. One turn is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Rainforestation<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Finally, there is also a koala and wildlife park including dingoes, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils and more. There\u2019s the opportunity to feed wallabies and kangaroos. We personally did not do this part of Rainforestation, preferring to use the time to visit the animal experiences in Kuranda instead, so I can\u2019t give a personal opinion. However, if it\u2019s as high standard as the other attractions here, I\u2019m sure it\u2019s great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to learn more about the animals here before you go, here is a guide to Australian animals.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All in all, this is an educational and fun place to visit to learn more about the original culture in this area, the animals and the rainforest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can buy tickets here<\/a> or buy a tour for here combined with the Scenic Railway and Skyrail above<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick A Local Souvenir At Kuranda Rainforest Market<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Kuranda<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Kuranda in the 1960\u2019s was an alternative-lifestyle destination, set amongst the lushness of the rainforest.  Residents came to town seeking a change of pace, choosing to grow their own food, create art and music and hand-build homes of brick and timber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the following decade, the region flourished, meaning by the 1970\u2019s the community was in full flight, with an open-air market selling locally grown produce, handmade wares\u2026 Alongside buskers and fortune-tellers delighting visitors!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever since, Kuranda has been renowned for its markets organised by friendly village people with artistic and imaginative minds.  And tourists flock to Kuranda to discover today\u2019s markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n