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Kuranda - The Village in the Rainforest

Kuranda, "The Village in the Rainforest" as it has been affectionately known to locals and visitors alike. The famous Kuranda Markets have a large range of art & crafts, bric-a-brac & fresh locally grown produce and are open 7 days a week.

There are three popular ways to travel to Kuranda, the scenic drive through the rainforest, the charm of the Kuranda Scenic Train or by breathtaking aerial view from the Skyrail cable cars.  Which ever way you choose, you will be touched by the unspoilt beauty of this little town.  Most visitors prefer to travel up to Kuranda by the Scenic Train which departs from Cairns three times a day and returning via the Skyrail.  Bookings can be made at your hotels tour desk or any of the booking agencies in the city.

Kuranda Scenic Train

Apart from the Markets and getting to know the locals, the Barron Gorge is only a few minutes away, from here you can see the spectacular view of the Barron River Falls.  The view is simply breathtaking, looking down into the Gorge you get a sense of peace and tranquillity and feel the pre-historic absence of man. 

During the Wet season, when all tropical climates receive their deluge of monsoonal rains, the Barron Falls puts on a spectacular show conducted by mother nature herself.

Kuranda has a lot to offer visitors apart from the Markets, Barron Gorge and Skyrail.  The town boasts excellent shopping for such a small country town.  Everything from paintings by local artists, clothes and jewellery can be found. 

The little town has undergone extensive development over the past few years but has kept the feel of the town the same by restricting commercialisation - so you won't see the Golden Arches there. 

Jewellers are abundant in Kuranda offering fine quality Opals at very reasonable prices.  You will find an assortment of Opals ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand depending on the Opal and craftsmanship involved.    Gift shopping is very easy in Kuranda with a large selection of hand made arts and crafts.  Didgeridoo's and boomerangs are the most popular.  Fluffy koalas and kangaroos are as abundant as the real things.   Glass art is also very popular with the local craftsman displaying his skills for curious onlookers.   Glass dolphins and intricate ornaments are created before you very eyes and crowds look in awe as a bulb of glass is transformed into a work of art.

The vibrant colours of the Australian opal

There are plenty of places to eat in Kuranda, restaurants and cafes are easily found with a large selection of dining options, whether you prefer a quiet snack on the go or a leisurely dining experience you are assured of finding the right place in Kuranda.  The markets offer a lot of snack foods and fresh juices for the thirsty traveller - all at reasonable prices.

 

How to get to Kuranda

There are several options to get to Kuranda Train-Skyrail Skyrail-Train Coach Hire Car each offers it own unique aspect, the decision is always a difficult one. If you are limited on time, then taking the Kuranda Scenic Train up to Kuranda and returning by Skyrail is a popular option.  Coach tours provide informative commentary about the history of the region and your tour guide would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. For those who have their own car there is plenty of parking at the Skyrail station at Smithfield which is conveniently located right next to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Dance Theatre.

Skyrail Cablecar

 

 

 

 

Things to do whilst in Kuranda

Kuranda Markets

The featured attraction of the quaint little town, the Markets attract visitors from all over the world. Locals craftspeople display their wares everything from locally grown produce to beautifully handcrafted souvenirs, all at very reasonable prices. There are dozens of little stalls displaying knick-knacks and other ornaments. Local artists "inspired" by Kuranda offer unique oil paintings and prints of the region. Despite being a market, all gifts and souvenirs purchased can be packed ready for transportation via post or air. 

Open 7 days

 

Barron Gorge

The Barron Gorge is a breathtaking example of the diversity of this part of the world. A 200 metre deep Gorge in the middle of the rainforest offering sensational views. 

 

"Where else would you want to be?"