Discover rainforest attractions, fun activities and vibrant markets in this guide to the best things to do in Kuranda.
Kuranda is a quaint rainforest village located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. It’s nestled within the tropical surrounds of the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth with a peaceful ambiance that I’ve never felt anywhere else in Australia.
As you might expect, there are loads of reasons to visit Kuranda, with natural attractions including the Skyrail, nature parks, the Scenic Rail and of course, checking out the mighty Barron Falls! I’ve visited Kuranda more times than I can count and in this guide, I’ll share my list of the best things to do for first-time visitors!
Best Things to Do in Kuranda
If you're in a rush, I recommend all first-time visitors to Kuranda check out Barron Falls and browse through the Kuranda Markets! Below I'll detail many more fun ideas for your trip.
Tip: For a unique day trip from Cairns, I recommend taking the Skyrail cable car from Smithfield and returning via the Scenic Rail. Below are three surprisingly affordable bookable tours & activities you can book right now.
1. Skyrail & Scenic Rail Combo
Experience Kuranda on an epic day trip from Cairns via the famous Skyrail cableway and return via the historical Scenic Rail through the rainforest.
2. Kuranda Army Ducks Unique
Travel deep into the rainforest around Kuranda on World War II Army Ducks on this unique full-day trip. Travel on both land and water and spot unique wildlife with a professional guide.
3. Friends of the Rainforest Budget
Save money & time with this combined entry ticket to both Kuranda Koala Gardens & Birdworld.
1. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Experience
The most exhilarating way to get to Kuranda from Cairns is to jump on board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Smithfield (15 minutes from Cairns). While you can drive to Kuranda, if you're planning to visit on a day trip, this is by far the best way to do it.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5-kilometre gondola stretching over the pristine rainforest canopy. I'd say that it's definitely more of an experience than a ride.
The best part is, you can book a combined ticket for a self-guided day trip to Kuranda (below), which includes:
- Hotel pickup and transport to the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal
- Skyrail ticket to Kuranda (with stops and free, optional Rainforest tour)
- Time to explore the Kuranda attractions at your own leisure
- Kuranda Scenic Rail ticket back to Cairns
- Transport back to your hotel
Book: Combined Skyrail & Scenic Rail
2. Kuranda Scenic Rail
Truthfully, the Kuranda Scenic Rail, also known as the Kuranda train, is easily one of the most popular things to do on a day trip to Kuranda.
The Scenic Rail offers a convenient (and epic) transport solution to and from Kuranda. However, it's also an experience, passing through the incredible Barron Gorge, offering opportunities to hop off and enjoy the pristine view at places that are difficult to reach by foot (like the Scenic Rail Waterfall).
Again, if you're spending a day trip in Kuranda, the most cost-effective and convenient way to book a Scenic Rail ticket is to combine it with the Skyrail.
I'd recommend taking the Skyrail first (earliest possible) and taking the Scenic Rail back to Cairns. This way you'll maximise the time you can spend exploring the village.
3. Barron Riverboat Tour from Kuranda
One of my favourite tours and attractions in Kuranda is the Barron Riverboat tour running from the jetty beside the Scenic Rail station. A fun fact is that the local operator really lucked out on a tour license decades ago and now is the only person allowed to run tours up the Barron River.
What I really love about this trip is that although he has a monopoly, he's still kept the price at just $25 for a 45-minute guided riverboat tour– what a legend!
These trips are truly awesome, with great opportunities to spot native wildlife including crocs, cassowaries, turtles, snakes, water dragons and freshwater rainforest fish.
Book: Barron River Boat Tour ($25)
4. Kuranda Markets (Heritage & Original)
The Kuranda markets are perhaps the most iconic attraction in the rainforest village. In fact, Kuranda Village is world famous for its markets and is featured in several documentaries and travel guides. If you're up for something free to do in Kuranda, make sure to head down to the stalls!
There are two main markets in Kuranda, the Original Rainforest Markets and the Kuranda Heritage Markets.
The Kuranda Original Markets had their humble beginnings back in 1978 when a group of local hippy artists set up stalls in the rainforest to sell to passengers aboard the Queensland rail. In many ways, the Original Markets are still much the same as back in the early days. Stalls sell unusual, handmade souvenirs and crafts, buskers fill the air with sounds of flutes and drums and local harvesters offer tastings of their organic produce.
The Heritage Markets offer more modern stalls, selling aboriginal art and artifacts, handmade leather goods, jewelry and delicious tropical fruit ice cream.
5. Barron Falls
Barron Falls is the natural highlight at Kuranda and the Barron Gorge National Park. This 125-metre tall waterfall is a really impressive sight and in my opinion, one of the most epic waterfalls in Cairns and the Tropical North!
There's a 2-hour return walking track from the Kuranda Visitor Centre and leading to a lookout over Barron Falls. However, if you decide to take the Skyrail and Scenic Rail, you'll get ample opportunity to witness its might at various viewpoints including "The Edge" Glass Floor" that is inaccessible on foot.
6. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary at Kuranda
As you can see, there's a general theme for the paid attractions in Kuranda– they all cost just $22 per person! The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary breeds and releases several native rainforest butterflies and is open for visitors to explore. In fact, it's the largest open-air butterfly aviary in Australia!
This was a fun thing to do in Kuranda for me as I got to try out my new lens and practice some macro photography. As a result, we spent roughly an hour learning about and taking photos of the butterflies in the sanctuary which I thought was a great value-for-money experience.
Book: Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Entry
7. Birdworld Kuranda
Another one of the $20 entry activities in Kuranda is the famous Birdworld. This natural rainforest atrium replicates the natural habitats and is a sanctuary to 60 native species, including a cassowary!
Book: Birdworld Entry Ticket
8. C-47 Skytrain Plane Wreck
You might be surprised to discover the remains of a C-47 Skytrain right next to the Heritage Market in Kuranda! This particular plane was built in the 1940s in the first era of Australian civil aviation.
No, the plane didn't crash here in Kuranda, but found its home here to rest as a display after a long and interesting history including its role in the 1984 flick Sky Pirates.
Visitors looking for attractions and free things to do in Kuranda, stop by the wrecked Skytrain and snap some shots!
9. The Ted Elliott Mineral Collection
Hidden among the several stalls and market vendors in Kuranda is a little-known free mineral collection exhibit known as The Ted Elliot Collection.
This collection contains over 4500 specimens of fossils, jewellery and minerals and is the largest in Australia! You'll find the collection pinned on Google Maps under the same name.
Tip: This is a free attraction!
10. Koala Gardens
Among the top wildlife attractions that you might want to visit in Kuranda is to visit the Koala Gardens. The Koala Gardens is another sanctuary housing Australian wildlife such as koalas, wallabies, wombats and freshwater crocodiles.
The Koala Gardens also has a nocturnal exhibit where visitors can get the opportunity to see some nocturnal rainforest marsupials including the endangered Greater Bilby and Mahogany Glider.
Book: Kuranda Koala Gardens Entry
11. Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park
Just a little bit out of the main village, visitors will find the Rainforestation Nature Park. This nature park features three unique experiences; an army duck rainforest tour, a Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and a Koala & Wildlife Park.
The Rainforestation Nature Park is a very popular thing to do in Kuranda as it provides a very holistic coverage of all the things that make the rainforest village so special. The inclusion of a Pamagirri Dance Show & Dreamtime Walk is great as it incorporates aboriginal rainforest culture and teaches visitors the culture and way of life from the first custodians to the land in Kuranda.
Book: Kuranda Rainforest Nature Park
12. Rainforest ATV Experience (Quad Bikes)
The final paid attraction in Kuranda is the very popular rainforest ATV experience. This one-hour guided tour takes you on a ride through the vibrant rainforest to the top of Barron Falls.
The trip drives through private property, which has been preserved in its natural state and follows the footpaths of ancient loggers.
Book: Kuranda ATV Tour
13. Unwind With a Barron Riverside Walk
There are many short walking tracks and calming, secluded spots in the rainforest surrounding Kuranda. To unwind, head down past the Scenic Rail station and continue down to tracks following the Barron River.
Here, you'll find many great spots to sit down and enjoy the serenity. Also, keep an eye out on the edge of the river. There are often native freshwater turtles and crocodiles basking on the banks. We even spotted a cassowary on the other side of the river!
14. Check Out the Jumrun Creek Conservation Park
For longer hikes and rainforest walks, check out the Jumrun Creek Conservation Park. There are signs around Kuranda indicating the way, but you'll also find useful maps at the Visitor Centre.
Taking a boardwalk stroll through the Jumrun Creek Conservation Park is one of my favourite free things to do in Kuranda. This stretch of rainforest surroundings is absolutely pristine and offers great opportunities to spot wildlife in the forest and the creek.
15. Kuranda Arts Coop
The Kuranda Arts Co-operative is central to the local art scene in the village and was founded by artists from the Kuranda area.
It showcases a wide array of artwork, including paintings, ceramics, glasswork, and textiles, all produced by regional artists. This venue allows travellers to interact with the artists, gain insight into their techniques, and purchase unique art pieces.
If you're up for supporting the local art community then this co-operative provides an excellent opportunity to do so and buy some meaningful souvenirs or gifts.
Where to Stay in Kuranda
Staying overnight is a great way to explore this region in more depth and gives you more time to check out the waterfalls, trails, and markets.
Luckily, there are a few Kuranda accommodation options available. Below are my hand-picked favourites.
1. Kuranda Ngorongoro Lodge Popular Pick
Located amongst the lush jungle with an outdoor swimming pool this is a great place to relax and listen to the surrounding sounds of the oldest rainforest in the world.
2. KUR-Cow Farm Epic Experience
Located on a picturesque farm this is a great choice to stay if you're looking to escape the city. You'll have cows free roaming and the silence will have you craving more time here.
3. Honeybee House Group Choice
A great option for families or small groups. It is hidden amongst 5 acres of tropical rainforest with an outdoor BBQ and just a 10-minute drive to Kuranda.
How to Get to Kuranda
It takes roughly 30-40 minutes to drive to Kuranda from Cairns following National Route 1 (Captain Cook Highway) and the Kennedy Highway turnoff from Smithfield towards the Atherton Tablelands.
Distance from Cairns: 28 km (30-40 minutes)
Distance from Port Douglas: 70 km (1 hour 15 minutes)
As I mentioned at the start of this article, the way that I recommend all travellers to get to Kuranda is via a combined Scenic Rail and Skyrail ticket. This ticks off some great Kuranda attractions while also providing you with the most convenient way to get to and from the village.
Keep in mind that Kennedy Highway climbs the MacAlister Range on the way up to Kuranda and is a little steep and winding in certain sections!
Related: The Great Barrier Reef Drive
Car Rentals in Far North Queensland
Cairns is one of the most popular travel destinations in Australia and car rentals quickly book out! I recommend booking well in advance. I always use DiscoverCars as they compare the widest range of rentals across dealerships in the Far North.
Is Kuranda Worth Visiting?
The answer is definitely! As you can see from this blog, there are many fun things to do in Kuranda from scenic rail journeys to rainforest walks and amazing waterfalls.
In fact, I consider a trip to the rainforest village a must for anyone visiting Cairns and the Tropical North!
The Kuranda Information Centre
For more information about Kuranda, its history and indigenous heritage, stop by the Information Centre. You'll find it centrally located adjacent to the markets.
The Information Centre is open on most days. Also, the staff are super helpful and will give you a hand-picking attractions, highlights and activities in Kuranda that are suited to your travel style and preferences.
More Cairns & FNQ Travel Blogs
That wraps up this comprehensive travel guide to the best things to do in Kuranda, Australia. I really hope it has inspired you to add this to your Cairns itinerary and provided you some useful tips on what to do in this beautiful slice of the Tropical North.
Before you head off, make sure you check out some of my other travel guides and blogs. I've spent a great deal of time documenting and photographing many awesome things to do in the region and I'm sure you'll find something new!
- 60+ Things to do in Cairns - my ultimate Cairns and FNQ travel resource covering the best activities, hidden gems, and unmissable experiences.
- Cairns Hiking Guide - a huge list of epic rainforest, waterfall, and lookout hikes in Cairns.
- Cairns Waterfalls - a huge list of epic waterfalls that I've visited in Cairns and the surrounding tropics.
- Cairns Islands - discover my favorite Great Barrier Reef islands near Cairns and Port Douglas.
- Cairns Tours - my roundup of the best tours you can book in Cairns and FNQ, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest.
- Cairns Packing List - tips on what to pack for a trip to Far North Queensland.
- Top Things to Do in Port Douglas - a comprehensive guide to the sleepy Far North Queensland town of Port Douglas.
- Epic 5-Day Cairns Itinerary - my suggested adventure itinerary if you only have 5 days to spend in Cairns.
- Cape Tribulation Travel Guide - discover where the rainforest meets the reef at one of my favourite places in Australia.
- Best Things to do in the Atherton Tablelands - my guide to one of Far North Queensland's most underrated adventure destinations.
- Accommodation Resources: Discover where to stay in Cairns, the best hotels in Port Douglas and my Cape Tribulation accommodation guide.
