Things to do in Kuranda – a wonderful day trip from Cairns

Kuranda is the perfect day trip from Cairns – it might be overshadowed by some of the other trips you can do from the city – Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest, but here is why you need to make sure to add a visit to Kuranda to your list of things to do in Queensland. This post covers all of the top things to do in Kuranda which will make you fall in love with it’s charm.

Kuranda is a quirky and picturesque rainforest village located in the Atherton Tablelands. It is about 30KM from Cairns and nestled in one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. With a laidback and peaceful vibe, it is unlike any other places you might visit in Australia. It isn’t a large place, so once you arrive all of the attractions are easily accessible on foot.

What makes this day trip even more special is that getting there and back is part of the experience and one you won’t want to miss.

How to get to Kuranda

There are a few ways to get to Kuranda:

• Drive around 35 minutes from Cairns
• Take the Trans North Bus between Kuranda and Cairns
• Cairns Skyrail (one way or return)
• Kuranda Scenic Railway (one way or return)

From this list there are two in particular that stand out. The Skyrail and the Scenic Railway are the best way to travel to and from Kuranda, as they form part of an amazing experience. On any day trip you can choose take one on the way there and one on the way back. As well as decide which way around you want to take them, both arrive and depart from Cairns. More details below, as travelling there is definitely one of the top things to do in Kuranda!

Things to do in Kuranda

Things to do in Kuranda – Travel there and back

As mentioned, the first of the things to do in Kuranda is the act of actually getting there! With this day trip, if you choose to travel by the Skyrail and the Scenic Rail then the journey is just as much a part of the experience as the destination.

Top Tip: To make the most of your day trip to Kuranda I recommend getting the Skyrail Rainforest Cable on the way there, and the Scenic Rail back. Why not try this package!

Skyrail

The most exciting way to get to Kuranda is to jump on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway from Smithfield, which is a 15 minute drive from Cairns. You can book a ticket that will include a transfer from the railway station to take you to the beginning of the cable car.

The cable car offers an incredibly unique experience to soar over the treetops of the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest. The experience takes around 1.5 hours and there are two stops along the way that you should definitely take advantage of.

The first stop of these from Cairns is Red Peak, which is the highest point on the Skyrail. From here you can even take guided tours with one of the rangers along the boardwalk. The second stop is Barron Falls, which is a self guided walk to go and see the impressive waterfall. There are three different view points where can you take in the majestic sights. It is definitely worth getting off at both stops.

Scenic Rail

Taking the Scenic Rail back to Cairns is undoubtedly going to be one of the best things to do in Kuranda, and often why most people make the day trip. It is an absolutely fascinating experience and one that should not be missed.

The railway hugs and travels along the side of the mountain, through the rainforest and will be one of the most special rail journeys you can take. There is commentary on the route, which is far from overbearing and provides a really interesting insight into the history of how this railway came to be.

When you purchase your ticket you will be given a train time, so keep that mind when planning your day in the village.

Skyrail and Scenic Train prices:

The prices for the Skyrail and Scenic railway including the bus transfer to the cable car, as of February 2025, are below. Do check the Skyrail website for the most up to date prices, and other options.

• Adult: $135.00
• Child: (4-14 years) $73.50
• Family: (2 Adults + 2Children) $343.50

There is also the option to upgrade to a diamond package. For this your gondola will have a clear floor, allowing you an even better view of the canopy below.

Things to do in Kuranda when you arrive

Heritage Market

There are two main markets in Kuranda, and these are perhaps the most iconic of the attractions in Kuranda. The first of these is the Heritage Market. This market is packed full of stalls and a great place to pick up souvenirs. It also sells aboriginal art, handmade leather goods and jewellery. There are lots of independently owned stalls, so a great place to support small businesses.

Original Market

The Original Market began in 1978, when a group of hippies set up some stalls to sell goods to tourists arriving into the village on the Queensland Rail. It definitely retains this spirit, and is a warren of stalls showcasing eclectic art, culture, and local craftsmanship. All nestled in the background of the rainforest.

It is also the perfect place to come and grab some food, with local stalls selling all types of cuisine from Spanish tapas to Japanese as well as ice cream. It is my favourite place in Kuranda and I could have spent hours walking around.

Kuranda Koala Gardens

The Kuranda Koala Gardens will be among the top wildlife attractions you might want to visit in Kuranda. Home not only to Koalas, but wombats, wallabies, freshwater crocodiles and snakes. As well as a nocturnal area, where you can see some of Australia’s wildlife that only appears at night.

The rules on how you can interact with wildlife in Australia varies from state to state, and as such you cannot hold a koala in many of the states. However, in Queensland you are allowed to hold a koala under strict regulations. Kuranda Koala Gardens is one of these places, and visiting here also gives you a chance to tick holding a koala off your bucket list. An incredible experience.

Birdworld Kuranda

Birdworld is another of the top things to do in Kuranda for wildlife lovers. This natural rainforest atrium replicates the environment of the rainforest in which Kuranda is located. It is home to over 350 birds, of 60 species. Including the very rare cassowary.

It is created as a free flight aviary, so visitors can walk among the birds in the tropical environment filled with waterfalls and rainforest plants. Many of the birds are friendly and may land on visitors, perfect for bird lovers!

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

This is the largest butterfly aviary in Australia, and home to over 1500 butterflies. Again the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is designed to replicate a rainforest setting, and you can walk among the butterflies which a chance to see species such as the vibrant Ulysses butterfly and the striking Cairns birdwing.

Top Tip: If you into wildlife, why not try this combo ticket to visit all three wildlife attractions – Koala Garden, Birdworld and the Butterfly Sanctuary

C-47 Skytrain plane wreck

Located right next to the Heritage Market is the rather surprising plane wreckage of a C-47 Skytrain. It was built in 1942 as part of the U.S Airforce, before being converted to a passenger plane for in 1946Trans-Australia Airlines. It didn’t actually crash in Kuranda, so how did it end up here?

It was later used as a movie prop in the 1986 film ‘Sky Pirates’, so it was never actually involved in a plane crash. After it’s starring role it was acquired by Kuranda and moved to it’s current location where it has been a tourist attraction ever since. With the rainforest growing around it, it is hard to believe it was placed there deliberately!

Barron River Walk

The village of Kuranda sits on the banks of the Barron River, and having seen it from the Skyrail, make sure to take the time to walk along the beautiful banks. You can pick up the track from just behind the Original Market, and it finishes right by the train station to take you back to Cairns, so the perfect activity to end your time in Kuranda.

Here you will find a tranquil and peaceful walk along the river bank. Take your time to find a spot to sit down and enjoy the serenity.

If you have more time, you can also join this section with the Jungle Walk, and Jumrum Creek Trail. Collectively these three create a 3KM loop.

Top Tip: If you have the time you can also explore the Barron river by boat. Why not try this trip to have a chance of spotting local wildlife.

Where to stay in Kuranda

You might want to extend your time in Kuranda and enjoy the laid back vibe for a little longer. Luckily there are plenty of accommodation options available. Below are some of my favourites.

WHERE TO STAY IN KURANDA:
Kuranda Ngorongoro Lodge – Nestled among the rainforest with an outdoor swimming pool. It is the perfect place to relax and listen to nature.
Studio in the rainforest – Private accommodation with a sun terrace and a pool
KUR-cow farm escape – A perfect escape from the city, with cows roaming the farm and a chance to cosy up by a fireplace.

Is Kuranda worth visiting?

Definitely yes! With so many things to do in Kuranda, you won’t get bored. Plus the unique, laid back charm of this village means that it will be a very different destination for you to add to your list of places to visit in Australia. There is something for everyone, no matter what you are into – nature, food, history or arts.

Kuranda definitely needs to be added to your Australia itinerary!

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