| 34 kms away from Cairns, Kuranda is a
tropical mountain town famous for its spectacular scenery and markets. It has a
unique charm, which is why it is one of the most popular stops in Queensland. |
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Kuranda means 'village in the
rainforest' in the language of the local Aborigines and so it really is. High up in the
middle of lush tropical rain forests, the village has transcended its origins as a
stocking up point for those heading deeper inland. But in its more contemporary avatar,
Kuranda has become a prime tourist destination for all visitors who come to
Queensland.
One of its biggest attractions is its community of
craftsmen and artists who create the most wonderful products - from didgeridoos and damper
to opals, paintings, crafts and local fashion items. The open-air market is held four
times a week while the indoor covered market opens through the week. Both have many
stalls selling crafts, food and local produce. Cultural programmes are also on the menu,
giving visitors an insight into local traditions and culture.Tourists throng it on market
days, but you can still get some great bargains at the arts, crafts and produce stalls.
Kuranda also boasts a huge bird and butterfly population that by far outnumbers the human
population. Brightly coloured birds and butterflies make a splash as they flit amongst the
green foliage of the rainforest or as they stop to feed on the tropical flowers in their
verdant sanctuary.
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Birdworld, a large
area with 30 species of birds and a canopied garden is a relaxing place. The Kuranda
Wildlife Noctarium features nocturnal animals like gliders and fruit bats. The
Aviary and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary both have interesting
species of fauna. For good walks you can go to Jumrum Creek Environmental Park
with its large population of fruit bats. |
Or walk up to Wrights Lookout
for fabulous views of the area. Don't miss Rainforestation, a wildlife park
with rainforest tours in amphibious vehicles, a zoo and don’t forget to catch an
Aborigine dance troupe at work.
Probably the best food stalls are
found in the markets. You can get everything from Thai to Indian to European, so let
yourself loose in the markets around lunchtime. Coondoo St. has some of the best
restaurants and cafés in Kuranda.
Getting there: The journey to Kuranda is probably the most beautiful part
of the whole trip. The historic train ride and the Skyrail cableway from Cairns to Kuranda
are real eye-openers. The Skyline Cableway is the world's longest rainforest cable car
ride while the Cairns to Kuranda Scenic Railway is tailormade to derive the maximum
advantage out of its beautiful surroundings as the railway line passes through bridges and
tunnels set in the middle of the most spectacular countryside imaginable. If you are
heading to Kuranda, be sure to take one of the two. Buses ply a free shuttle bus
service from the Scenic Railway and Skyrail terminals to Kuranda.
Having your own car is great, otherwise
there are lots of conducted and bus tours available in Cairns. The road trip also
passes panoramic vistas as the road travels its way from the coast up the Kuranda World
Heritage Range whether you drive up from Cairns or from the Atherton Tablelands via
Mareeba.
Accommodation: You can take a pick
from a caravan park set in a lovely locale, tented platforms in the rainforest
to the good timber backpackers’ hostel. B&B places, hotels and resorts are other
places to stay in and are quite comfortable even though most of them have only the very
basic of amenities.
For detailed visitor information, see Brisbane
and Cairns
For detailed country information, see Australia. |
