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
The price is ¥26,569 per night from Oct 17 to Oct 18
¥26,569
¥29,226 total
Oct 17 - Oct 18
includes taxes & 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! (1,008 reviews)
"Very comfortable and in a great location with views across the water. Very close to the reef ferry terminal and a short stroll to the main drag. Has a slight air of tropical decay, but everything was clean and the service excellent."

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
The price is ¥11,283 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
¥11,283
¥12,411 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & 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! (1,021 reviews)
"Overall I had a pleasant experience with this Resort. At night it was a bit of noisy. People were talking loudly and playing music up to very late and sometimes kids running on the walkway loudly as well. But other than that staffs were friendly, all the facilities are great. My kids love it. Both ..."

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is ¥14,726 per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
¥14,726
¥16,362 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"10 min from the airport and a 20 min walk from the central shopping / restaurant area along the lovely esplanade. The staff was super helpful storing our bags when we arrived early and when we were leaving late on the back end of our stay. The rooms were clean and nearly all have balconies. The pool ..."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
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.
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! (1,569 reviews)
"Pools were great 👍"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Coral Sands Resort

Coral Sands Resort

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Trinity Beach Rd & Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (770 reviews)
"Great pool, quiet, safe. I enjoyed having the gardens and large apartments. Free wifi very handy."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Coral Sands Resort
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! (1,270 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

Mantra Trilogy
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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