Kuranda – Village in the Rainforest

Once a gateway to the rich goldfields further inland, the intriguing cultural rainforest village of Kuranda is nestled high within the World Heritage listed rainforests of the Great Dividing Range. The local Djabuguy aboriginal people call the area Ngunbay – Place of Platypus; and just getting there is an experience to be cherished.

The township may be reached via the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway with its quaint old carriages, or its latest KSR 5-star Gold Class carriages with top level service along the way. Alternatively, the ascent may be made by way of the Skyrail, or by taking a winding climb along the Kennedy Highway by motor vehicle. Each trip takes in a multitude of sceneries, charting the transition from the rich earthy tones of the region's cane fields to the cool embrace of the rainforest clad mountains.

Working its way through lush green canopies, past deep gorges and beside rugged mountains, before reaching the breathtaking Barron Falls, the Kuranda railway trip presents a range of unforgettable imagery throughout its 90 minute passage. This is a view that was originally captured more than a century ago by teams of railway pioneers, armed only with picks and shovels. Today, that 34km track still winds its way through 15 hand made tunnels up to Kuranda Station - a station which looks more like a beautiful botanical garden.

An increasingly adventurous ascension may be experienced by riding the spectacular Skyrail. The longest gondola cableway in the world, the Skyrail takes visitors on a birds-eye ride spanning a total distance of 7.5 kilometres over the top of the rainforest, departing from Smithfield. Seated in a Skyrail gondola, people of all ages and abilities may experience a tropical rainforest at close quarters without impacting on the fragile environment, gliding silently just metres above the treetops of the World Heritage Barron Falls National Park.

As with the Kuranda railway passage, Skyrail ventures past the spectacular Barron Falls as it progresses up the MacAlister Range. While aboard the Skyrail, passengers are presented with revealing views of the Coral Sea and Cairns City, prior to their arrival at Red Peak Station.

At Red Peak visitors are welcome to experience the forest floor from the safety and comfort of a boardwalk, or visit the Rainforest Interpretive Centre.

Easy access walkways at the next stop, Barron Falls Station, lead you to three lookouts. Here you can witness breathtaking views of the Barron River, Gorge and Falls, which when in flood are a magnificent sight.
Skyrail has received numerous environmental and tourism awards including being voted Australia’s Best Major Tourist Attraction and, as Cairns' single most popular visitor attraction, this ride will provide a most memorable experience. The Skyrail Kuranda terminal is situated a short walk from the centre of Kuranda.

Kuranda is host to a number of spectacular flora and fauna sanctuaries. A comprehensive, live butterfly exhibition, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary - the nation's largest - is home to hundreds of colourful tropical butterflies, which are free to flutter amidst an all-weather rainforest environment. The exotic blue Ulysses butterfly, the Cairns birdwing and the red lacewing are just a few of the colourful insects that may choose to land on your shoulder as you step into this wonderland of conservation.

Adjacent to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld houses the giant cassowary, Australia's endangered 'big bird', as well as a collection of free flying birds in a beautiful rainforest setting. Also within a cooee call of the village, but embedded within rainforest surrounds, Rainforestation Nature Park offers experiences as diverse as tours by amphibious army duck and performances by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Troupe.The rainforest setting of Kuranda, with its postcard village of old timber houses under shady rainforest trees, has long remained a source of inspiration for countless artists. Over the years, the township has attracted some of the world's best artists to reside in or near the village.

Located within Kuranda Village, the Kuranda Heritage Markets are situated in a beautiful rainforest setting. Ninety stalls show local artists at work and provide an innovative range of handmade local crafts.
Locally designed and produced clothing, Aboriginal arts and crafts, sculptures, Australian made adventure wear are just some of the goods to be found within the quaint shopping village.

Kuranda Village, however, contains far more than the quaint shops and galleries. Sensational tastes abound under the roofs of inviting restaurants and roadside cafes that provide the peaceful experience of dining in harmony with nature.

Kuranda's elevation at 300 metres above sea level ensures temperatures several degrees cooler than the coast and certainly less humid, making an escape to the tree-lined streets of Kuranda a pleasure. Time spent in the fresh, clear air of Kuranda brings a sense of calming regeneration and an enjoyment of the alternate lifestyle high above the coast, in the rainforest of Tropical North Queensland.

More information can be obtained at www.kuranda.org