Things To Do in Kuranda

Kuranda is known for its markets. The Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets, at 7 Therwine St., entry through the Kuranda Market Mall (  tel. 07/4093 9440; daily 9:30am–3pm), are devoted exclusively to local artisans who vend fashion, jewelry, leather work, and indigenous art, as well as local produce including honey, coffee, fruit, sugarcane juice, coconuts, and macadamias.

The 90-stall Heritage Market (  tel. 07/4093 8060; www.kurandamarkets.com.au) is open daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm on Rob Veivers Drive, with a range of souvenirs, food, produce, and crafts.

A group of about 50 local artisans sell their work in the Kuranda Arts Co-Operative gallery, Coondoo Street (opposite the church) (  tel. 07/4093 9026; www.artskuranda.asn.au). It’s open from 10am to 4pm daily. The gallery sells quality furniture crafted from recycled Australian hardwoods, jewelry, photography, glasswork, and more.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary:A rainbow-hued array of 1,500 tropical butterflies—including the electric-blue Ulysses and Australia’s largest species, the Cairns bird wing—occupies a lush walk-through enclosure here. Take the free 30-minute guided tour and learn about the butterfly’s fascinating life cycle. The butterflies will land on you if you wear pink, red, and other bright colors.8 Rob Veivers Dr.   tel. 07/4093 7575. www.australianbutterflies.com. Admission A$19 adults, A$9.50 children 4–15, A$48 families of 4. Daily 9:45am–4pm. Closed Christmas Day. Street parking.

Birdworld:Behind the markets off Rob Veivers Drive, Birdworld has eye-catching macaws, a pair of cassowaries, and Australia’s largest collection of free-flying birds—about 500 of them, representing 75 worldwide species. Two lakes are home to waterbirds including stilts, herons, and Australia’s Black Swan.Rob Veivers Dr.   tel. 07/4093 9188. www.birdworldkuranda.com. Admission A$17 adults, A$9 children 4–15. Daily 9am–4pm. Closed Christmas Day. Street parking.

Kuranda Koala Gardens :  You can cuddle a koala and have your photo taken at this small wildlife park next to the Heritage Markets. Other animals include freshwater crocodiles, wombats, lizards, and wallabies. Or take a stroll through the walk-through snake enclosure while they slither at your feet—not for the fainthearted.Rob Veivers Dr.   tel. 07/4093 9953. www.koalagardens.com. Admission A$17 adults, A$9 children 4–15. Daily 9am–4pm. Closed Christmas Day. Street parking.

Kuranda Riverboat Tours:If you want to learn about the rainforest, take one of these informative 45-minute river cruises. The cruises depart from the riverside landing across the footbridge, near the train station. A team of local naturalists headed by former crocodile hunter Brian Clarke, who has lived in the rainforest for more than 30 years, will answer your questions and point out some of the rainforest secrets. Buy your tickets on board (cash only).Rob Veivers Dr.   tel. 07/4093 7476. www.kurandariverboat.com. A$15 adults, A$7 children 5–15, A$37 families of four. Cruises depart hourly from 10:45am–2:30pm.

Rainforestation Nature Park :At this 40-hectare (99-acre) nature and cultural complex, you can take a 45-minute ride into the rainforest in a World War II amphibious Army Duck. You’ll hear commentary on orchids and other rainforest wildlife along the way. You can also see a performance by Aboriginal dancers; learn about Aboriginal legends and throw a boomerang on the Dreamtime Walk; or have your photo taken cuddling a koala in the wildlife park (photos extra). The Army Duck runs on the hour, beginning at 10am; the Aboriginal dancers perform at 10:30am, noon, and 2pm; and the 30-minute Dreamtime Walk leaves at 10, 11, and 11:30am, and 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30pm.Kennedy Hwy., a 5-min. drive from the center of Kuranda.   tel. 07/4085 5008. www.rainforest.com.au. A$44 adults, A$22 kids 4–14, A$110 families of 4 (or you can buy tickets to each attraction separately). Daily 9am–4pm. Closed Christmas Day. Free parking. Shuttle from the Butterfly Sanctuary, Rob Veivers Dr., every 30 min. 10:45am–2:45pm for A$10 adults, A$5 children, A$24 families, round-trip.