Kuranda
Perched on the Atherton Tableland just 25 kilometres north west of Cairns is the picturesque Kuranda Village. Referred to as the ‘Village in the Rainforest’, this mountain retreat is surrounded by tropical rainforest and the World Heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park.
The region is filled with natural beauty and a vibrant arts and craft culture. In the heart of the village you’ll find two unique local markets; the Original Markets and the Heritage Markets. Stop and meet the colourful characters as you browse the Original Market for local handcrafted jewellery and indigenous art. The Heritage Market is the perfect place to pick up opals, boomerangs and authentic and locally painted didgeridoos. Enjoy a free lesson and try your hand at playing one!
A must-see while in Kuranda is the mighty Barron Falls. There are three ways to view the gushing falls; on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and off the highway.
On board the award-winning Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, you’ll be taken on an unforgettable journey over and through the pristine rainforest. Take in spectacular views of the rainforest, Cairns, the Coral Sea and the lush Cairns Highlands. The Skyrail has two mid-stations, Red Peak and Barron Falls where you can set down to explore the amazing forest floor via the boardwalks and scenic lookouts.
The authentic timber carriages of the Kuranda Scenic Railway will take you between Kuranda and Cairns. Journey into a lush green paradise, through tunnels, across bridges and through the majestic Barron Gorge with a stop at the Barron Falls lookout.
At the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park, you can enter the unique tropical rainforest on both land and water on an amphibious World War II Army Duck. See fascinating plants and wildlife and watch the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers. Learn to throw a boomerang, play the didgeridoo and have your photo taken cuddling a koala.