The best things to do in Kuranda, Cairns’ mountain village

Want to ditch the car for a day? Jump on board the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns and you’ll feel the humidity give way to cool mountain air as you ascend into the forest to reach Kuranda. Grab a window seat: it’s a spectacular two hour journey that’ll chug you past rainforest, dramatic ravines and waterfalls on this historic railway built by Queensland pioneers.

Get a bird’s eye view on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Soar through and above the World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest canopy on a thrilling journey suspended by just a wire. The views from here are just the beginning of your adventure: touch down on the forest floor and you can spend the day exploring the boardwalks and scenic lookouts, wander through the immersive Rainforest Discovery Zone, and marvel at Barron Gorge and the falls from The Edge Lookout.

The Skyrail departs from Smithfield Terminal, about 15 minutes’ drive outside of Cairns, and takes around 90 minutes to reach Kuranda. For an action-packed day, combine your ticket with the Scenic Railway and you can go to Kuranda on the Skyrail, then return on the train (or vice versa).

Explore Barron Gorge National Park

Step into ancient land at one of Queensland’s most popular national parks; where rugged rainforest-clad mountains meet deep gorges, tumbling waterfalls and thriving wildlife.

Barron Gorge National Park stretches from the coastal lowlands of Lake Placid to the high reaches of Atherton Tablelands, within the protected Wet Tropics area – and Kuranda is one of the easiest access points. From here, feel the rush of the Barron River and steep gorge that surrounds it, and hear the thunder of Barron Falls (at its most dramatic during summer months).   

Keen hiker? Short and long walks are accessible from Wrights Lookout and the Speewah Conservation Park campground. Tread carefully, you’ll be walking on historic trails that are sacred to the Djabugay people.

Have a cultural experience at Rainforestation Nature Park

Head into a classroom where teachings have been passed down for 50,000 years, to learn about local Indigenous culture at Rainforestation’s immersive Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Join a Dreamtime walk for an introduction to boomerang skills, spear throwing and didgeridoo, and watch traditional dance performances.

While you’re here, board an amphibious World War II Army Duck for a unique rainforest tour that tackles both land and water, where your guide will identify plants and Aussie wildlife along the way. Don’t leave without handfeeding the kangaroos and wallabies.

Shop local at Kuranda Markets and Kuranda Village

There’s a little something for everyone at Kuranda’s markets and colourful village, nestled into the rainforest. Whether that’s picking up a local souvenir or Aboriginal art, perusing the local galleries (Kuranda Arts Co-operative is a non-profit that’s staffed by the artists themselves), or grabbing a scoop of tropical fruit ice cream, it’s worth spending a little time here on your day in Kuranda.

Hit the water with Kuranda Riverboat Tours

Cruise the calm waters of the Barron River and you might just feel like you’re the only group in the rainforest. But look closely and you’ll see you’re not alone: this is the perfect guided tour to spot freshwater crocodiles, snakes, water dragons, turtles, fish and tropical birds.

Rev your engine

Want to explore the area with a little more horsepower? Kuranda Rainforest Journeys adds an extra dose of thrill to sightseeing, as you ATV through their property, learning local history, tasting local fruits and spotting wild cassowaries along the way.

Seek peace at the Butterfly Sanctuary

Take in the rainforest’s quiet charm on a calm stroll through Australia’s largest butterfly flight aviary. It’s an enchanting experience, surrounded by 1500 free-flying tropical butterflies – with plenty to learn about along the way.

Tip: wear white, red or pink clothing to increase the chance of butterflies landing on you.

Meet the locals

These Kuranda residents might not talk back, but it’s definitely still worth the effort to say hello. Kuranda Koala Gardens is your chance to get cuddly with a koala, plus spot plenty of other Aussie wildlife. While you’re here, check out the Noctarium to see rare species like bettongs and gliders.

Nearby, Birdworld is home to the largest single collection of free flying birds in Australia. Wander through the lush aviary to see some of the 60 species of birds from all corners of the globe, and stop at the lakes to watch herons and black swans enjoy their day.

Where to eat and drink in Kuranda

No matter what flavour you’re craving, you’ll find satisfaction in Kuranda: this village is bursting with places to dine and drink. Go for a classic Aussie staple at Wotta Bout Fish N Chips, or spice things up at Thai Kai Café. Frogs in Kuranda Koala Garden is the go-to for craft beer and casual fare, with hits like the barramundi burger and crocodile curry. Grab a pub feed at Barron Falls Hotel, Aussie café favourites at Riley’s, locally sourced dishes and organic coffee at Café Mandala, or crepes at The Petit Café. Locals head to Café Azur for the jaffles and omelettes, while vegans will find raw bites and nourishing smoothies at Fruibies.

And to finish? Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with eucalyptus dumplings and matcha at Hayabusa of Kuranda Japanese Sweets.

Kuranda weather check

Kuranda has been the cool-climed escape for north Queenslanders since the early 1900s, but how cold is it really? Average daytime temperatures are between 26 and 29.5 degrees in June-October, and 28 - 31 degrees in the summer (November-May). 

Eager to see more? Here's how to hit the road from Cairns to Undara.