Kuranda Village
The mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is nestled into the world's oldest living tropical rainforest, just 25 kilometres northwest of Cairns. The tiny town is a vivid mix of quirkiness, interesting characters and natural beauty all perched atop a mountain. The colourful village is accessible by either driving up the mountain range, travelling up in the Skyrail Cableway, or winding through the Barron Gorge on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Once you are here, there are a range of things to experience. To get your fix of retail therapy, head to the Kuranda Markets and quaint stores throughout the village. Experience the surrounding nature on a river cruise, and get friendly with the local wildlife at the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda.
Wildlife Experience with Kuranda Scenic Railway
Experience this scenic journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the 'village in the rainforest'. Your day begins in Cairns as you board the train for a morning departure. Travel through unsurpassed views of World Heritage-listed rainforest and waterfalls, including Stoney Creek Falls and the breathtaking Barron Gorge. You will wind your way through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges on your journey before reaching Kuranda, where you will have several hours to explore the village. Visit the award-winning attractions Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. In the afternoon you will board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a journey up and over the rainforest canopy, back to the Skyrail terminal where you will be transported back to the Cairns railway station.
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Admission
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia. It offers a range of experiences that are guaranteed to delight! See butterflies take their first flight at the daily butterfly releases at approximately 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Learn about these magical creatures with an educational exhibits. It is an all-weather experience in the heart of Kuranda. Explore the enchanted tropical rainforest aviary and be surrounded by 1500 free-flying local rainforest butterflies, including the vibrant green Cairns Birdwing.
Big Nature Package with Rainforestation Nature Park
Rainforestation Nature Park is an all-weather attraction, home to the Army Duck Rainforest Tours on land and water, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and the iconic Australian animals in the Koala & Wildlife Park.
Board an amphibious World War II Army Duck for a unique rainforest tour on both land and water, where your guide will identify and explain fascinating plants and wildlife as you pass by. Then meander through the Tropical Fruits Orchard, with over 40 different species of exotic tropical fruit trees. After that, you will learn about the indigenous culture with the interactive Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Watch a traditional dance performance in a rainforest amphitheatre, then join the Dreamtime Walk which includes boomerang throwing, spear-throwing and didgeridoo playing. You can enhance your Indigenous Experience with the Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout. Join your guide as he shares his personal insight into his culture and learn about traditions, totems, rainforest survival and more. In addition, experience the Koala and Wildlife Park with native Australian species, such as crocodiles, wombats, dingoes, snakes, lizards and cassowary. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and meet the only Tasmanian Devils in Tropical North Queensland.
Kuranda Riverboat Cruise with Kuranda Riverboat Tours
Cruise the calm, tranquil waters of the World's most ancient tropical rainforest along the Barron River and bask in the peaceful, tropical scenery. Commentary by your guide highlights impressive features of the surrounding forest, species of river wildlife in the area, and the history of Kuranda. The river is home to a diverse range of wildlife including, turtles, snakes, water dragons, and freshwater crocodiles which you are likely to see relaxing in the waters. Keep your eye out for the elusive cassowary on the far side of the river and keep your camera handy to take advantage of the great photographic opportunities.
Paradise Guided Rainforest Walk with Kuranda Riverboat Tours
This guided tour will take you across the Barron River on the Kuranda Riverboat to a secluded clearing in the tropical rainforest. Your guide will accompany you on an established forest trail on the historical Paradise trail. Along the way they will point out different types of lush vegetation and teach you about the abundant wildlife that lives in the area, and the history of tourism on the trail back to the 1920's. Keep an eye out for the native cassowary as you take a moment to sit and bask in the beauty of the area and chat to your guide before returning to the riverboat.
Rainforest Experience with Kuranda Scenic Railway
Experience this scenic journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the 'village in the rainforest'. Your day begins in Cairns as you board the train for a morning departure. Travel through unsurpassed views of World Heritage-listed rainforest and waterfalls, including Stoney Creek Falls and the breathtaking Barron Gorge. You will wind your way through 15 tunnels and over 37 bridges on your journey before reaching Kuranda, where you will have several hours to explore the village and visit Rainforestation Nature Park. Here there are over 100 acres of parklands to explore where you can also enjoy an Army Duck tour and the Pamagirri Aboriginal experience. In the afternoon you will board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a journey up and over the rainforest canopy, back to the Skyrail terminal where you will be transported back to the Cairns railway station.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Return Journey
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tranquillity of one of the world’s most botanically fascinating areas that have remained relatively unchanged for 130 million years.
Enjoy a truly unique perspective of this ancient landscape with unsurpassed panoramic views of Barron Gorge and Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, en route to explore Kuranda, the village in the rainforest, before descending 327 metres back into Cairns on your return journey.
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