Top 10 Things to do in Kuranda, Australia

August 2, 2017 Margarita Chappel

Discover the best top things to do in Kuranda, Australia including Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, AJ Hackett Cairns, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Birdworld Kuranda, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Barron Falls, Rainforestation Nature Park, The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum, Kuranda Koala Gardens.
Restaurants in Kuranda

1. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

8 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda, Queensland 4881, Australia +61 7 4093 7575
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

The largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia - an all weather experience in the heart of the Kuranda village. Home to over 1500 magnificent butterflies, youll be enchanted by the arial dynamics of these elusive wonders of nature as you wonder through the aviary's rainforest Gardens.

Reviewed By Liz M - Brisbane, Australia

A chance to see a beautiful range of butterflies in natural environment. Lush greenery and informative tour guide. Experience the growth of the butterfly, from caterpillar, pupae stage to butterfly. The labs are working labs, and provide information to those asking.

2. AJ Hackett Cairns

McGregor Road, Smithfield, Queensland 4878, Australia
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 337 reviews

AJ Hackett Cairns

As the innovators of modern day Bungy, AJ Hackett prides itself on developing and running the world's most exciting, adrenalin pumping challenge for any thrill seeker. Set in lush tropical rainforest of North Queensland, AJ Hackett Cairns, the ONLY Bungy site in Australia, has been Bungy Jumping for over 25 years and even offers a jump menu of 16 different styles that tests the most hardcore adrenalin junkies!In keeping with the AJ Hackett spirit of stretching limits, the Minjin Jungle Swing was created to allow 1,2 or 3 people to experience extreme speed and acceleration together. The only multi-person Swing in Australia swoops through the jungle from 45 metres down to 1 metre in 3.5Seconds, reaching speeds up to 120km/h. But don't think this is a show ground ride - you have the control! You're pulled up 45 metres until you're lying horizontally above the rainforest then it's all in your hands.....All you have to do is pull the self release....AJ HACKETT CAIRNS - EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF

Reviewed By LovetheOrient - New York City, New York

We did the Minjin swing with kids (11 and 9yrs) and we all loved the whole experience!
Operationally, everything was smooth. They picked us up from our hotel on the Esplanade and dropped us back after the activity. Their location is a 20-minute drive from Cairns towards Port Douglas. Check-in took 10-15 minutes and we were ready to go! Staff is super friendly and lively.
Kids loved the Minjin swing so much that we availed of their offer of a discounted price for repeat swings while we’re still tied up after our first swing. Kids went by themselves for a third time, they loved it so much! I was concerned that they might be scared given the height (the swing goes up to almost the height of the bungee tower), but it was absolutely amazing fun for them!
They don’t allow you to wear your own GoPro, but they do provide one of their own strapped to your wrist. They also have cameras that record you in action. You can review and purchase the videos and pictures from them once you’re done with your activity.
We had to wait around 20-30 minutes for our ride back, and we sat there watching others bungee jump during this time.
Overall an awesome activity, we’re so glad kids loved it so much. If you’re in Cairns, this is a must-do activity for you!!

3. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Captain Cook Hwy, Palm Cove, Queensland 4879, Australia +61 7 4055 3576
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Located just 40 minutes north of Cairns and 25 minutes south of Port Douglas, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is simply the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. With over 2100 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways leading you on a journey of discovery through woodlands and rainforest where you can see an array of wildlife, including beautiful tropical birds, reptiles, insects and other native fauna.Enjoy our entertaining and educational wildlife presentations including snakes, cassowaries, koalas, crocodiles, quolls and much more. Take a boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon to see crocodiles and other wildlife on our melaleuca wetland. Learn about sustainable use and conservation on our Crocodile Farm tour. The newly opened Gondwana Gateway is an innovative addition to Hartley’s where you can learn about the evolution of Australian wildlife in a beautiful forest setting surrounded by living descendants of Australia’s ancient past. Enjoy a delicious snack in Lilies Restaurant overlooking Hartley’s Lagoon and find that perfect gift, including crocodile leather products, in the Paperbark Gift Shop. Open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm, this multi-award winning eco-adventure attraction is located just 100 metres off the Captain Cook Highway on the spectacular scenic drive between Cairns and Port Douglas.

Reviewed By Bobbie D - Dallas, Texas, United States

Our tour group visited Hartley's on a hot, humid day in Feb. We walked paths that were mostly paved and got to see Koalas, Kangaroos and large crocodiles. The kangaroos were hopping around in a open area and would come right up to you and let you touch them. The Koalas were up in trees sleeping and pretty much protected from visitor contact. However, with the help of one of the workers, we were able to get our photo taken with a Koala while she held her. For an additional $20 we could have actually held the Koala but they cautioned that they are very fragile and you have to be careful not to hurt them. We opted not to hold the Koala. We also saw the crocodile "show" while we were there. This was VERY entertaining. The trainer who interacted with the croc had a great sense of humor and the show was really GREAT. After the show we rode around the water in a boat and saw even more croc's - some right up next to our boat. Our group got to experience a delicious Aussie barbecue dinner before we departed. There was a LOT of food and no one left hungry. Our table was served a platter with chicken and steaks for the main course. My husband and I both chose steak (which sadly was WAY overcooked for our taste). None the less it was tasty. There were potatoes and salad for sides and a desert was offered . All in all we spent a very enjoyable afternoon here and would highly recommend it.

4. Birdworld Kuranda

Heritage Markets, Kuranda, Queensland 4881, Australia +61 7 4093 9188
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 562 reviews

Birdworld Kuranda

Home to the largest single collection of free flying birds in Australia (some 500 of them!), Birdworld Kuranda in the Australian highlands of the Atherton Tablelands displays no less than 75 species of the most spectacular birds from all corners of the planet - as well as from the earth’s fast diminishing rainforests.Visitors are free to wander through the lush, tropically landscaped bird sanctuary to observe the birds in their own specific - yet natural - habitats. Two lakes connected by a tumbling waterfall for example are home to waterbirds such as stilts, herons and Australia’s own unique Black Swan. In Birdworld's rainforest canopy overhead, blue, gold and scarlet Macaws dazzle with colourful brilliance as they soar above the tree tops. One outstanding Birdworld denizen not to be missed is that rare avian giant, the Cassowary - an Australian bird now officially enlisted as endangered.Designed to "create a centre where birds would be showcased in their natural environment without the barriers of cages coming between them and their admiring public", Birdworld Kuranda is a photographer's paradise. (And without those barriers, visitors often find a feathered friend nestling on their shoulder - a golden photo opportunity!) Birdworld Kuranda can provide guided tours for all group bookings.

Reviewed By Julie T - Sydney, Australia

This is a wonderful experience. Those Macaw's were the highlight for me..I loved that some are so tame that you can have them on your hand, be careful what you wear as they will chew anything including your bag! We found the interaction with the...MoreRecommendation is always our best from of advertising. Really appreciate this review Julie and 'yes' our parrots do like to nibble things but you can always leave a bag or something else with our staff at the front if you are concerned.

5. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield, Queensland 4878, Australia +61 7 4038 5555
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Embark on a fascinating journey of discovery over and through the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on earth. Enjoy a truly unique perspective of Australia's World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest as you glide just metres above the pristine rainforest canopy before descending to explore the forest floor at Red Peak and Barron Falls Station and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas in the world. Explore Kuranda, the village in the rainforest known for its markets, cafes, art galleries and wildlife parks. Return via the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to complete your rainforest day tour. Combine one of Cairns other leading attractions with your experience including Rainforestation Nature Park, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the Kuranda Wildlife Experience. Consistently voted as one of the best things to do in Cairns - discover, encounter and immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Reviewed By Reklaw252 - Battleford, Canada

We took a return trip to Kuranda on the Sky Rail and the ride, the time in Kuranda including the koala experience and the two stops along the way were a perfect day of touring.

6. Kuranda Scenic Railway

Kuranda, Queensland 4870, Australia
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Kuranda Scenic Railway

The original Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of World Heritage Listed rainforest, steep ravines and picuresque Waterfalls within the Barron Gorge National Park. This famous railway winds its way from Cairns to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. Constructed between 1882 and 1891 it is considered an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. Hundreds of men were employed to build the 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 Bridges that stand as a monument to the pioneers of tropical North Queensland

Reviewed By George G

It was fun riding this old railroad through the hills and past Waterfalls to Kuranda and the Scenic gondola trip back was great too. Kuranda has become a tourist town, mostly tourist shopping but the walk through the rain forest was nice. Worth the tripHi George, Thank you for sharing your feedback! We're delighted you enjoyed our vintage-refurbished train and the relaxing meander up the mountain :) We hope you took plenty of photos as a reminder of your Kuranda experience and, we wish you safe onward travels!

7. Barron Falls

Barron Gorge National Park, Kuranda, Queensland, Australia +61 7 4051 3588
Excellent
43%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 770 reviews

Barron Falls

Reviewed By retireeVancouver - Vancouver

There were good upclose views of Barron Falls from the Skyrail cable car stop at this location. It is the waterfall and its steep treeless cliff that is most evident at this viewpoint as the muddy wide river that the cable car passes overhead closer to Kuranda is not visible. On our visit, the waterfall was not spectacular. However, the trickle that dropped did emphasize the height and steepness of the black rock face it fell over. The river that continued below the Falls into a canyon appeared miniscule and muddy. Green leafed rainforest trees grew on both sides of these sloping canyon walls.The bare black rock of those Falls reminded me of mountain sides that have been cleared right to the rockbase after a landslide. Perhaps, here, it is the energy of gushing water that has cleared this rock to its present width. One can see why this spot would be useful for building a dam. An information board at the lookout provided facts about the construction of a dam at this point. When using the Skyrail Cable Car or the Kuranda Scenic Train, the Barron Falls lookout is a good photostop.

8. Rainforestation Nature Park

Kennedy Highway, Kuranda, Queensland 4872, Australia +61 7 4085 5008
Excellent
45%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 453 reviews

Rainforestation Nature Park

Situated in the midst of World Heritage Rainforest in Kuranda, the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park with three unique experiences. Board a World War II Army Duck for a tour on both land and water through the rainforest. Watch the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience with traditional dance Performances and Dreamtime Walk with boomerang throwing, spear throwing and didgeridoo playing. Visit our iconic Australian animals in the Koala & Wildlife Park, now home to the endangered Tasmanian Devil species. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and also have your photo taken cuddling a Koala.

Reviewed By travellerIndian - Chandigarh, India

After an enjoyable train journey from the plains of Cairn, we had an enjoyable time going on the Army Duckback tour, where we could go through the rainforestation park, admire the trees with the helpful guidance of out tour guide cum driver.
This was followed by a tour of the wildlife enclosure where we came across typical Australian animals not found elsewhere. The Kangaroos were quite friendly, having been evidently domesticated by countless visitors before us.
It was a good day out.

9. The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum

2 Skyrail Dr, Queensland 4878, Australia +(61)4038 1665
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 280 reviews

The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum

We are dedicated to the collection, preservation, restoration and display of Armoured Vehicles and Artillery from the 1800's to the present day. Our collection includes armoured vehicles and artillery from both world wars with a particular focus on WWII.

Reviewed By Ryan H

I took a group of youth for an excursion to the museum. We were absolutely amazed by the collection.
The best part of the experience was being approached by Paul who offers educational tours on Saturday mornings. Paul was super entertaining and intimidatingly knowledgeable of all aspects of World War II, and the artillery and armament used during those battles.
The tour lasted for almost an hour and at no stage did it get boring. Thanks Paul.

10. Kuranda Koala Gardens

Clifton Beach, Kuranda, Queensland QLD 4879, Australia +61 7 4093 9953
Excellent
46%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 659 reviews

Kuranda Koala Gardens

Kuranda Koala Gardens is situated in the heart of Kuranda and gives you the opportunity to see some of Australia's most unique wildlife up close.We have a variety of wildlife for you to see including:-Koalas: Lots of opportunity to observe our koalas doing what they do best - eating, sleeping and looking adorable. Fossil evidence shows that koalas originally lived in rainforest environments. As Australia became drier, they adapted to eat Eucalypt leaves, which replaced much of the country's rainforests.Koala Photos: Take the opportunity to 'Cuddle a Koala' and receive a great souvenir digital photo (extra cost). Kuranda Koala Gardens is one of only a handful of places in the world where you can actually cuddle a koala. Our adherence to a strict "Government Code Of Practice" ensures the health and wellbeing of our furry friends.Freshwater Crocodiles: Another Australian native - perhaps not as endearing as the Koala but a fascinating part of the eco system, is the Freshwater Crocodile. This is one of the two Australian saurians - the other being the Saltwater Crocodile. The Saltie does not function well in the cooler climes of the mountain regions but is on display at Cairns Tropical Zoo and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.Kangaroos & Wallabies: Australia has a large variety of these macropods and you will see swamp wallabies, parma wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos and red legged pademelons amongst others. Snakes: Australia is home to many snakes, both deadly and harmless. Enjoy a unique 'up close' experience with pythons when you enter their domain in Australia's first 'Walk Through Snake House'.Wombats: This quaint marsupial is an Australian favourite. They are often playful and quick to learn. However, as they sleep quite a lot, their intelligence is often underestimated! They lay claim to being the world's largest burrowing animal and can dig up to two metres of burrow in one night.Lizards, Monitors and other Reptiles: Australia is home to an amazing selection of reptiles and there are lots on display. See Dragons and Monitors with their long forked tongues, and much more. Many of these creatures have great camouflage techniques - see what you can spot in their enclosure!Kuranda Koala Gardens is part of the Freeman Family owned and operated Wildlife Tropical North Queensland Group. Other wildlife experiences under this banner include Cairns Night Zoo, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and Cairns Tropical Zoo.

Reviewed By Lina333 - Tampa, Florida

Can take Skyrail up and train back to Cairns. We took the skyrail kn the morning and had a nice breeze and the train was muggy and hot coming back. Aside from the koala Gardens fee you have to pay an additional fee to hold a koala and get a souvenir pic. Once they take your picture the staff is really nice about letting others join in and take pics with your phone. You can also pet and feed the kangaroos and wallabies.

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