"Kuranda in the Cairns Rainforest" Top 5 Page for this destination Kuranda by Kate-Me

Kuranda Travel Guide: 63 reviews and 181 photos

Kuranda in the Cairns Rainforest - Kuranda

There are several ways to get to Kuranda from Cairns - bus or car approx 40 mins from the city, but the most popular ways are by Skyrail over the mountain, rainforest, valleys, rivers and waterfalls, and by scenic diesel tourist train through tunnels and around the mountain (note: in Australia, 'tourist scenic train' often means the train will be steam, or it could be diesel, but regardless, be prepared it probably won't go much faster than 20 - 40 km hr, and this one is no exception, but it IS very scenic)

Many people choose to take one way of transport TO Kuranda, and another on the way back, to have both experiences.

I'd read a lot about Kurana and I know so many many tourists go there on a daily basis - I didn't want to be part of a 'swarm' of people (and it was school holidays) but I went along anyway, because there are other things to see there besides the touristy town centre (and actually I was pleasantly surprised - to locals it may be 'over touristy' compared to what it once was, but we found it vibrant without being too overcrowded or bustling.
All in all, we had a really enjoyable day in Kuranda and I really recommend it (particularly if you like wildlife.....I wouldn't have missed the various wildlife parks we visited here for the world, as they are impressive and rather unique, even to an Australian.

Pros and Cons

Pros:You can shop to suit your budget, so many more things to see in town
Cons:Maybe one too many market stalls....even if the quality is good
In a nutshell:Great scenery, nice town, great Wildlife attractions

Last visit to Kuranda: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Jan 11, 2007
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Reviews (11)

Aboriginal ship? Local Customs (2)

This appeared to be a kind of Aboriginal Co-op (and probably souvenir shop) in the main street of Kuranda, which was... more travel advice

Aboriginal Dancing Local Customs (2)

This was an impromptu performance we came across, put on by some Aborigines to entertain the wandering shoppers and... more travel advice

Skyrail Transportation (6)

And you also pass over waterfalls, gorges and this river. Bear in mind that this is the dry season, and the region has... more travel advice

Skyrail 2 Transportation (6)

And more rainforest far below you... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
German food

Things to Do (2)
See All Bird World

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (13)

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victorwkf Jul 14, 2006 at 12:27 AM

Kuranda is a nice place, you photos and information brings back good memories of my visit in 1996. Hope to return one day :)
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Laura_Mexico Feb 9, 2005 at 8:23 PM

Wow, lovely pics, and you say you took them with your digital camera!? Tell me what brand & resolution it is, I want one of those! LOL... Congrats.
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liqdstar Sep 18, 2004 at 3:39 PM

those are the cutest parrots!!! is that a sun conure in the midlle?
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JetlagCity Jul 7, 2004 at 11:20 AM

Outstanding colorful pictures! I'd love to visit this place!
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Sharrie May 30, 2004 at 7:30 PM

Lovely pix of the butterfly!
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Ewa-Monika May 18, 2004 at 12:27 AM

Absolutely gorgeous picture!
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karin_kamphuis Mar 7, 2004 at 11:06 AM

nice pics!!!! love the birds and we're heading to kuranda in september this year! We also want to take the train and skyrail (does it matter in which rank?) thanks! greetings!!!
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850prc Feb 19, 2004 at 10:17 AM

More lovely birds, Kate. You would SO love Tambopata, Peru. That clay lick thing is awesome. Nothing like a tens of thousands of macaws and parrots descending on you in the early morning. : )
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nepalgoods Feb 18, 2004 at 7:58 AM

Lovely birds! I like the bathing bird very much. So colorful!! Great page!
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MalenaN Jan 10, 2004 at 12:50 AM

The butterflies are really beautiful! Nice to see you managed to get o picture of the Blue Ulysses!