Words and Photos by Belinda Moore
Kuranda, the quaint village nestled in the lush rainforest of Far North Queensland, is a picturesque destination for a family adventure. Whether your kids are keen on animal encounters, experiences, or enjoying the great outdoors, Kuranda has something to delight everyone. Kuranda is about half an hour from Mareeba, and around 45 minutes from Cairns city.
The Kuranda Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point for your family adventure. Stop in to pick up maps, gather tips on the best family-friendly spots, and chat with the helpful staff. There are several types of maps available to help you find the township’s attractions, you can download the Explore Kuranda app to help navigate nature tracks, public art, and historical sites.
If you drive to Kuranda, there is easy free parking in the centre of town, especially if you arrive early. The IGA supermarket is nearby if you need to stock up on snacks or any other essentials. Possum Corner Op Shop adjacent to the public car park is run by the Anglican Church and offers all sorts of goods at old-fashioned op shop prices. It is open most mornings and the volunteers are lovely!
Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
For some, getting to Kuranda can be an adventure in itself! Take a journey aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, where the whole family can enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest, steep ravines, and Dindin (Barron Falls). The historic train ride is a unique and accessible way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Book via ksr.com.au or 1800 577 245.
Another alternative is to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Gliding above the treetops, this experience offers breathtaking aerial views of the ancient rainforest. Book online at skyrail.com.au.
Kuranda Markets: Heritage and Original
There are two market locations in Kuranda. The Heritage Markets are open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 3:30pm, and the Original Markets are open 7 days from 10am to 3pm. [BM1] Both offer a variety of shopping and eating experiences – we recommend the authentic sushi, superb coffee, delicious Vietnamese food, and handmade ice-cream! There are many options to buy handcrafted, ethical, and unique gifts.
Magical Lane: A Quest with Fairy Jenny
Don’t miss this magical adventure in the heart of Kuranda. For six years Fairy Jenny has led children on an exciting quest through Magical Lane, where they embark on a scavenger hunt filled with wonder and learning. It’s a whimsical and engaging experience that sparks the imagination, encourages sustainable and authentic living, and is sure to be a highlight for young adventurers. As well as quests, Jenny offers enchanted tea parties and walk-throughs.
Emu Ridge Gallery: Fossils and Crystals
Just upstairs from the Original Rainforest Markets, facing Therwine Street, is Emu Ridge Gallery. This gallery and store features an extensive collection of fossils, gemstones, and crystals to captivate young minds. As well as being a shop selling beautiful jewellery and other creations, the huge dinosaur skeleton peeking through the stairs encourages a detour to learn about prehistoric creatures and Earth’s natural wonders in a free underground museum!
Just Gorgeous
There are many tempting shopping options in Kuranda, with unique clothes, homewares, art and gifts on offer throughout. Just Gorgeous has it all under one roof! It is situated in one of the only remaining Queenslander buildings in the main street and there truly is something for everyone here. With an accent on Australian designed and made products, Jill tries to source as much as possible from local artists and designers, with a variety of antiques, special pieces from around the world, and quality vintage and recycled clothing. Just Gorgeous caters for special occasions including formal and race wear, hats, fascinators, bridal wear and accessories for the entire wedding party!
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld
Kuranda is home to some fantastic up-close wildlife attractions including Kuranda Koala Gardens, where guests can cuddle a koala, hand-feed wallabies, and check out a wide variety of other Australian animals, including a unique nocturnal exhibit. Just next door is Birdworld, where visitors can walk among vibrant, free-flying birds from all over the world – from cheeky parrots to the endangered Cassowary.
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary: A Kaleidoscope of Colour
Head to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary to see over 1,200 tropical butterflies. This sanctuary delights visitors who wander among butterflies and moths and learn about their life cycles. Wear bright clothing to attract the colourful creatures at this educational and mesmerising attraction.
Dinner: Wotta Bout Fish n Chips
This place is popular with the locals and it’s an easy option because it’s always open – restaurants can be tricky to find in Kuranda in the evenings! It’s located beside the service station as you enter Kuranda township, and just a short walk to the playground to enjoy a take-away picnic. The food is fresh, and the staff are cheerful and efficient.
Accommodation: Holiday Park Comfort
After a full day of exploring, we decided to unwind at the Kuranda Rainforest Park. This caravan park offers parking for vans, camping, cabins, units and bunkhouse options. There’s a lovely pool and a fantastic café – perfect to recharge for more adventures ahead. There are other accommodation options in and around Kuranda including Airbnb properties, rustic camping, hostels, and for singles or couples – check out Spring Haven, a private retreat just 5 minutes from town.
Breakfast: Café Mandala
This was a wonderful find as we wandered the streets looking for breakfast. The juices were freshly squeezed, coffee was perfect, and the breakfasts were fresh, generous, and tasty. Diners can sit indoors or outside, and staff were very attentive.
Rainforestation Nature Park: Wildlife and Culture
Rainforestation Nature Park is a family-friendly attraction that offers a mix of seeing wildlife and cultural education. The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience offers a chance to learn about the local Indigenous culture, with interactive dance performances, fascinating walking tours, and boomerang or spear throwing. It’s an unforgettable experience that combines nature and culture. The WWII Army Duck Rainforest Tours are fascinating and fun, with capable staff to guide you through ancient rainforest over land and water in these amphibious vehicles. There is a shuttle bus from town throughout the day, or plenty of parking on site. Book online at rainforest.com.au so you don’t miss any of the options.
Kuranda Riverboat Cruise: Tranquil Nature Views
A highlight of a visit to Kuranda is the peaceful Riverboat Cruise. Hop on board for a relaxing journey along the Barron River, where you’ll spot local wildlife like freshwater crocodiles, turtles, and a variety of birds. There are five tours daily and your guide will share a variety of interesting facts about the rainforest, wildlife, history, and the hydro power project.
Scenic Walks: River Walk and Jumrum Creek Walk
Kuranda offers some great, easy walks that are ideal for families in between seeing the attractions. The Kuranda River Walk is a gentle stroll along the Barron River, offering stunning views and a chance to stretch your legs and marvel at the giant paperbarks. It’s easy to access near the railway station before or after a riverboat cruise. The Jumrum Creek Walk took us through the lush rainforest from the centre of town, providing a deeper connection to nature as the kids explored and ran free. The picturesque creek was a lovely spot to stop and listen to the birdlife and cool down. Other walks include the Art Trail through town, and the Rainforest Canopy Walk and Barron Falls Lookout about 4km by road in the Barron Gorge National Park.
Many of the world-class attractions in Kuranda offer a locals discount of up to 20% – be sure to check when booking if you’re eligible. For us, Kuranda is a perfect destination for a family-friendly adventure on the Tablelands for a weekend away or during the school holidays. We enjoyed two full days and could easily have added another day or two to the itinerary to enjoy more walks, delicious food, and shopping. Booking online allowed us to make the most of our time in Kuranda, and enjoy the atmosphere between planned experiences.
