Kuranda

Half the fun of visiting the quaint mountain town of Kuranda is getting there! Jump aboard the historic scenic railway, ride the skyrail, or hire a car and take a splendid drive through the winding hills from Cairns.

Kuranda offers a feast of artistic, wildlife, shopping and dining pursuits. Order local seafood at a palm-shaded outdoor cafe, then visit the Original Kuranda Rainforest Market for incense and hippie chic. The Kuranda Arts Co-op specializes in locally crafted artworks and pottery, the Heritage Markets has jewelry and opals, and the New Kuranda Markets sells didgeridoos, boomerangs and other souvenirs of indigenous Australia.

Croc-spotting cruises head out from Kuranda along the Barron River, signed walking trails lead through the rain forest, and all sorts of animals are corralled in these parts – cuddle a koala, spot flutterbys at the butterfly sanctuary, see big cats at the wildlife reserve, or hang out with feathered friends at BirdWorld.

Practical Info

Kuranda is 25 km (15 miles) northwest of Cairns. You can drive here in around 15 minutes, or take the 90-minute Skyrail or the Scenic Railway, which takes just under two hours. For a less spectacular but cheaper option, catch a Kuranda shuttle bus from Cairns' transit center.