Kuranda

Travel Guide

Cairns and Northern Beaches which includes signage
Kuranda featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people
Kuranda showing tranquil scenes, a river or creek and a bridge
Kuranda which includes cafe lifestyle and food
Kuranda which includes tranquil scenes, a river or creek and landscape views
Known for its natural beauty and creative locals, the Village in the Rainforest is the place to browse galleries and markets, and ride on the scenic railway.

The town of Kuranda is 1250 feet (380 meters) above sea level on the Macalister Range, in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforests. It’s known as the “Village in the Rainforest” and is renowned for its thriving arts community.

Artists originally flocked to Kuranda for its natural beauty. The tiny town is surrounded by World Heritage-listed rain forest, mountains and gorges. Today, Kuranda’s streets are lined with shops and galleries that display and sell local art. The town is also well known for its markets, where you can buy arts, crafts and souvenirs. Pick up leather-work, indigenous paintings and handmade jewelery at two different markets. The Heritage Markets is open every day, while the Original Markets are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Wander the town’s streets to soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Many of the houses have quirky gardens filled with trinkets and brightly painted walls. Sit at tables under the trees at one of the village’s restaurants or cafés.

There are a number of attractions around Kuranda, including the Koala Garden and Birdworld. Butterfly Sanctuary is home to more than 1,500 winged beauties. Take a walk into the rain forest on any of the marked trails that leave from town.

Don’t miss a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway that travels through the rain forest, past waterfalls and over the Barron Gorge. The railway was built in the 1890s and its trains are made up of authentic timber carriages. The Kuranda station is famous for its gardens. The station is more than 1,000 feet (330 meters) above seal level and is said to be one of the most photographed railway stations in the world. The train trip takes about two hours between Cairns and Kuranda.

Travel to Kuranda by car, on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway. Free parking is available in the center of the village. There are also regular bus and shuttle services that operate from Cairns

Hilton Cairns
Hilton Cairns
5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
$183 nightly
The price is $201 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$201 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Great location - very handy for day trips from Marina. Lovely rooms and view. Kids enjoyed pool but hot tub needs to be cleaned and warmer."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
4 out of 5
209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$126 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$139 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Very clean property with great facilities. Great location - lovely walk along the Esplanade to the city centre."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
$92 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$102 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Farm Stay! Fun activities for the whole family-35 minutes from Cairns CBD
Farm Stay! Fun activities for the whole family-35 minutes from Cairns CBD
Kuranda
Stay at this cabin in Kuranda. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Myola Palm Nature Refuge and Cairns Paintball are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Perfect getaway
"This farm stay was exactly what I wanted for my daughter who loves horses. She loved being able to feed and pat them whenever she liked, as they roamed around the farm. Beautiful scenery and Amber was fantastic at sharing information about the animals."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Farm Stay! Fun activities for the whole family-35 minutes from Cairns CBD
Mantra Trilogy
Mantra Trilogy
4 out of 5
101 - 105 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,241 reviews)
"As expected comfortable and well located. Car parking is of concern as there is not enough on site and alternative is 3-4 block walk away - not idea for female guest in evening. No valet option either"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Mantra Trilogy
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,547 reviews)
Home away from home
"Great location and facilities, just a bit dated. From 2024 to 2025, they have updated the tv set up. Shopping centre is a 2 min walk and centre of town takes 5 mins, prominade about 10 mins. Has a set of three pools where only one is heated. Great for the hot days!! Cooking facilities are always ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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