If you are travelling to Tropical North Queensland, you may be searching for the best day trips in the area. The below guide offers planning advice and tips for a Kuranda Day Trip.
Tropical North Queensland is one of the most popular destinations to visit for families. Not only is the weather perfect all year round for enjoying the great outdoors, but visitors have many choices of how they can spend their time.
Palm Cove, located north of Cairns, is one of our favourite holiday destinations, and I am regularly asked about recommendations on what to do with kids around this area.
One of the highlights in north Queensland and undoubtedly on the list of best day trips from Cairns with kids is visiting the village of Kuranda. Nestled amongst World Heritage rainforest, 1000 feet above Cairns not only will you come to love the charm and activities that are available in this town, but the journey to reach Kuranda makes the trip extra memorable.
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Planning a Kuranda Day Trip
There are a couple of travel options for when you are visiting the colourful village of Kuranda. With your form of transportation, you can drive to Kuranda and experience the beauty of the rainforest, stopping along the way at the lookouts to admire the views. However, for a unique travel experience, I would recommend the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; two of the most popular attractions in tropical north Queensland, and how we travelled to and from Kuranda.
How to Get to Kuranda
Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal is a 15-minute drive from Cairns and 50-minutes south of Port Douglas and is where you will find the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. If you have a vehicle and will be self-driving, there is ample parking available.
If you are choosing to start the tour via the Kuranda Scenic Railway a one-way bus transfer is included in your booking to transport you to Freshwater Railway Station 7 kilometres away.
Alternatively, if you have no form of transportation, Skyrail also operates bus transfers to the terminal from major destinations around the area.
Kuranda Scenic Railway Train
The famous Kuranda Railway Train winds its way through the ancient rainforest which is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. As the train meanders along the 34 km track, you will pass waterfalls, travel through 15 handmade tunnels, and cross 37 bridges, including the famous Stoney Creek Bridge. Rising from sea level to 328 metres, you will stop along the journey for photo opportunities at Barron Falls Lookout.
Barron Falls is a magnificent spectacle during the (wet) season, December through to March. Don’t be dismayed if you travel outside this time, as you will still appreciate the natural scenery and popular tourist destination.
Tip: After reading reviews how people travelled to and from Kuranda, we opted to travel on the train from Cairns to Kuranda, and return via the Skyrail.
Class Options on the Kuranda Scenic Railway Train
The Kuranda Scenic Railway has two fare options for travellers with both offering audio commentary of the railway history and surroundings.
Within Heritage class, you will be comfortable in charming vintage carriages refurbished for comfort. The large windows give you a perfect view of the beautiful outdoor surroundings.
KSR Gold Class offers the same journey will added luxuries from morning or afternoon tea, individual lounge-style chairs, optional exclusive tours, and welcome drinks.
Tip: Explore Kuranda at your own pace and book a great value self-drive package here, including a journey on the Scenic Railway and Skyrail.
Kuranda Skyrail
What goes up must come down, and the best way to make your descent back to Cairns is on the Kuranda Skyrail. A world-first in environmental tourism you’ll soar for more than seven kilometres high above the World Heritage-listed rainforest canopy in an enclosed gondola.
There are options to disembark at two rainforest mid-stations; Red Peak Station deep within the forest and also Barron Falls. At either station, you can immerse yourself in more of the ancient rainforest by wandering the boardwalks and stopping at the lookouts.
One of the most magical sights along the journey is descending to the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal, where you will witness picturesque views overlooking Cairns and the Coral Sea. Ending the day with these views and marvelling at the ancient ecosystem in all its glory is one of the reasons I suggest returning via the Skyrail.
Kuranda Day Trip Tip
The Kuranda Skyrail and Train only operate at certain times during the day, and due to the popularity of the attraction, I would suggest planning your day and booking the journeys in advance to avoid missing out. Find tickets and information below to book this epic experience.
Book the Journey to Kuranda
Option 1: Explore Kuranda at your own pace and book a great value self-drive package here, including a journey on the Scenic Railway and Skyrail.
Option 2: Staying in Cairns? Explore Kuranda on this full-day trip, including a Cairns hotel pickup and drop-off and the journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail.
Top Things to Do in Kuranda
Kuranda is somewhere you can connect with nature, appreciate the natural surroundings, discover interesting attractions and enjoy many wildlife experiences.
1. Kuranda Village Markets
If you are searching for a trinket to take home to remember your time in the rainforest village of Kuranda, you may want to visit the world-famous Kuranda markets. Set in two different areas of Kuranda the markets specialise in handmade arts and crafts, locally designed and produced fashions, hand-crafted jewellery, art, gems stones, wood and leather workers.
2. Eating Out
Sample local coffee, tropical fruits, homemade ice-creams, coconuts, macadamia nuts, and stop at one of Kuranda’s restaurants or cafes where you’ll enjoy dining in a laidback atmosphere.
3. Rainforest Walks
Take a walk through the village of Kuranda along the art trail, a stroll through the cool temperate rainforest of Jumrun Creek Conservation Park, gain a birds-eye view on the spectacular rainforest canopy walk or hike to Barron Falls Lookout. There are many opportunities for every age and fitness level to explore the ancient Queensland rainforests.
4. Birdworld
Birdworld is the best place to see some of Australia’s native and also exotic birds. With over 60 species of birds from around the world, Birdworld is home to the largest single collection of free-flying birds in Australia. You will join the birds in an environment that mimics their natural habitats and watch as the amazing animals soar overhead. Birdworld’s design and aviary creates an interactive experience to get up close to the birds.
Practical Information: Open daily from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
5. Koala Gardens
Kuranda’s newest wildlife attraction, Koala Gardens, presents the opportunity to see iconic Australian animals. There are up-close encounters with freshwater crocodiles and other reptiles. For those who like the cute and cuddly, you will encounter wombats, wallabies, and of course koalas.
Practical Information: Open daily from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
6. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Kuranda
Home to over 1500 tropical butterflies the Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly aviary and exhibit in Australia. The aviary was created to mimic a natural rainforest environment, with lush tropical plants, a running stream and waterfall. Butterflies are incredibly delicate and have a short life span, which is why all of the butterflies you will see have been bred in the breeding laboratory. For an educational experience take the guided tour which details the life cycle of the butterfly.
Practical Information: Open daily from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
Tip: The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary recommends to wear bright clothing, such as red or hot pink if you would like to attract the butterflies.
Money-Saving Hack
Buy a 3 in 1 wildlife encounter when you visit Kuranda. Visit Birdworld Kuranda, Koala Gardens and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary for one low price. Purchase the tickets here.
I hope you enjoyed the above guide on Kuranda! If you need further assistance with planning your Queensland holiday, check out our other articles as well. Below are some of our travel guides that may help.
- Ultimate List of Things to do in Palm Cove
- The Perfect Cairns Itinerary
- 16 Top Things to do in Port Douglas
- North Queensland Road Trip Guide
Do you have any questions about Kuranda? Pop them in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which may reward us with a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through them.Thanks for supporting the blog in this way as it allows me to continue sharing helpful content with you.
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2 comments
An art trail in a rainforest?! Sounds like bliss. And that train journey looks amazing. One for the bucket list, I think.
It certainly is a bucket list trip, Jenny. A spectacular way to enjoy tropical north Queensland.