Things to Do in Kuranda

by Kate-Me
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one of the multitude of
colourful parrots

I absolutely recommend a visit to the bird park at Kuranda. To describe it as a walk through aviary is selling it too short, but neither is it an open park. A bit of a cross between the two. It is basically a small rainforest with trees up to about 12 feet tall, all covered over with unobtrusive wire, and inside the rainforest there is a small waterfall, little ponds, free food for the birds, they have their own hollows in trees for nests or they can build their own, they can wander among the visitors on the ground, or watch them from their tree perches. They can land on visitors, but only if they choose, and the birds themselves look extremely healthy and happy. This would have to be the best ever example of a small bird park that I've ever visited. There must be 80 - 100 different species of birds in here (mostly Australian, mostly tropical) and the colours are amazing....see travelogue for more.

Directions: Almost right next door to the Butterfly house (just behind one of the little half indoor market areas).


	Tropical Butterfly House	Tip Rating:

By Kate-Me

on October 5, 2003

by Kate-Me
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another famous Qld butterfly

It's hard for me to say which attraction I enjoyed more: the butterfly house or the huge bird world walk through aviary of tropical birds....they were both so great.
There are absolutely hundreds of butterflies in here, and, you guessed it, the brightest, biggest and prettiest butterflies are also the fastest and the ones which just won't stay put when you're trying to take their photo.....I was determined to catch the elusive and very famous turquoise blue Ulysses butterfly with my digital camera....see travelogue to see if I managed it.....

Directions: Main street, Kuranda (almost behindTourist Info centre). Opposite end of street to scenic Train station.


	Many Markets	Tip Rating:

By Anne12

on June 23, 2005

Kuranda *New Markets*

Many years ago Kuranda was only known for it's Markets on a Sunday. Now there are many Market areas.
You can buy so many different things, Jewellery, handcrafts, T Shirts, Home made Lollies, Pottery....numerous things.
There are a number of Galleries that have wonderful Aboriginal Art work.

Address: Main Street , Kuranda

Directions: When you drive into Kuranda you will come to a roundabout to your left there are the old markets, all other markets are within walking distance from here.


	A trip over the rainforest	Tip Rating:

Updated By Anne12

on July 21, 2005

Skyrail

The Skyrail is an excellent way to go down the hills. You can get the Train up and then Skyrail down. Or the other way around.Best of both worlds.
You have 7.5K's of skimming over the top of heritage rainforest. There are stops along the way where you can get off and do a boardwalk on the top of the rainforest.
The cable cars are mainly glass so you have views from all areas.

The Syrail web site has everything you need to know.

Directions: The Skyrail has two locations, the terminus is 15 minutes north of Cairns or when in Kuranda it's at the end of the main street, opposite end to the Markets. It's very easy to find.

Website: http://www.skyrail.com.au/index.html


	Aboriginal Culture	Tip Rating:

By Anne12

on July 19, 2005

The Tjapukia Aboriginal Culture Park is now down the mountain where you turn off the Cairns/Port Douglas Highway to come up to Kuranda. It is also where the Skyrail terminus is.
The entire park has been dedicated to preserving and presenting authentic Aboriginal culture. Five theatres, museum,an art gallery and traditional Aboriginal camp, this gives the visitor a look at the rich and ancient culture.
The Tjapukai Dancers are world famous. They have won many awards.

Tjapukia by Day..entries to all park attractions $30 Adult $15child or $75 Family.
With transfers from Cairns/Northern Beaches/Palm Cove $51.50 Adult 25.75 Child or $128.75 Family
You can try the Boomerang paintings for and extra $30
Open from 9am-5pm Daily
2/3 hours needed for the whole experience
Night 7pm - 10pm every night
All weather venue
Not open Christmas or New Years day
There are many other options, please check out the website for all other packages

Address: 15 mins north on the Cairns/Port Douglas rRd

Phone: 4042 9999

Website: www.tjapukai.com.au

Other Contact: email tjapukai@tjapukai.com.au


	Butterflies.....	Tip Rating:

Updated By Anne12

on July 21, 2005

Butterflies

The Australian Butterfly Santuary has an exhibition of hundreds of tropical butterflies in their all weather rainforest inclosure.
It's open daily
9.45 to 4.00pm daily.
Tours run between 10.00am and 3.15pm
Escorted tours are available at no extra cos.

Address: 8 Rob Vievers Drive, Kuranda

Phone: 07 4093 7575

Directions: As you drive into the village of Kuranda this is on your left, just before the roundabout.

Other Contact: ulysses@australianbutterflies.co


	Art Galleries	Tip Rating:

Updated By Anne12

on July 19, 2005

Art Galleries

There are many places you can shop for that special something. Opals, clothes, woodcraft,and there are many Art galleries,also Galleries owned and run by the local Aboriginal community.
This is where you can find some great Aboriginal art work, sculpture or the famous music instrument, the Didgeridoo.

Address: Main Street, Kuranda

Directions: There is oonly one main street, you can't get lost:)


	A train trip with a difference	Tip Rating:

Updated By Anne12

on July 19, 2005

Kuranda Railway Station

This would be one of the most beautiful train stations that I have seen. The gardens and hanging baskets are lovely Rainforest ferns and flora on a station.The rail was completed in 1891.
The train comes up the hills from Cairns passing through 15 tunnels, 93 curves over bridges and past waterfalls and wonderful scenery. It's an old train with leather seats and great windows to catch the views.
At some points along the trip you can see the back of the train following you....

Address: Cairns Railway Station or Freshwater Rail Station

Phone: 1800 620 324

Directions: 7 Days departure from Cairns at 8.30am and 9.30am Departs Kuranda at 2.00pm and 3.30pm


	Kuranda Rainforest Cruises	Tip Rating:

By Anne12

on July 19, 2005

Cruise along the Baron river and see freshwater crocodiles,aquatic reptiles,platypus and over 100 species of birds.
Departs from the Riverside landing near the Train station.
10.30
11.30
12.30
1.30
2,30

by Alain_Smeets
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Address: Beside Railway Station , Kuranda

Phone: 041201590212

Directions: Head East along the main street of Kuranda past the Police Station and you will see the Railway Station, river on your left. There is a path leading down to the grass area of the River bank

Other Contact: krts@ozemail.com.au


	The Kuranda Scenic Train	Tip Rating:

on February 15, 2004

The Kuranda Scenic Train

1h 45min of relaxing and enjoying the sceneries around you, that is what you get if you board the Kuranda Scenic train. You see several waterfalls next to your way and you will have a nice view over the valley while you are riding this train against the valley walls.

There are great photo opportunities but it beats hands down getting the bus back towards Cairns.