cairns rainforest tours: trek north
Kuranda
A stay in Tropical North Queensland would not be complete without a visit to Kuranda Village, nestled high in the rainforest west of Cairns. Kuranda is surrounded by World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest. It includes around 1200 species of flowering plants, 800 of which are rainforest trees. There are also orchids, ginger plants, strangler figs, palms and many variety of climbing plants.
Explore the newly constructed walking tracks; easy trails take you on a gentle walk to the river whilst you take in all the flora and fauna. Or for a more vigorous bushwalk, the Barron Falls walks takes a little longer but the views are spectacular.
Kuranda Village has a lot to offer, whether it is a stroll around its famous markets where you will find a variety of local arts and crafts, or visit the many village attractions such as Koala Gardens where you can see wombats, crocodiles and wallabies, or have an opportunity to cuddle a koala. Or visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, a spectacular live butterfly exhibition that hosts 9 different species with about 2000 butterflies at any given time, including the Ulysses, Cairns Birdwing, Orchards, Cruises and the Red Lace Wings, just to name a few.
The journey to Kuranda Village is as exciting as the visit itself. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a unique rainforest experience; you will be carried over 7.5 kms of pristine rainforest in gondola cabins gliding just meters away from the canopy, and with two stations there is opportunity to get off and explore and learn more about this fascinating environment. At Red Peak station, located in the middle of the rainforest, you’ll explore the rainforest floor from the safety of 175 meter boardwalk. Rainforest displays and interpretive signage help to provide you with additional information on the forests diverse array of plants. At Barron Falls station follow the path to visit 3 lookouts; here you can witness breathtaking views of the Barron River, gorge and falls.
While at the station visit the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretive Centre, which provides an informative and fun learning experience to enhance your appreciation of the rainforest.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway winds around curves, across bridges and through hand-hewn tunnels — this amazing engineering feat is a tribute to our pioneers. This original rail journey combines history and scenic beauty with unsurpassed views of world heritage rainforest and spectacular waterfalls. Enjoy a more luxurious, personalised touring experience and upgrade to the Gold Class; it offers individual club-style seating and an ambient, historical décor. Sipping on a sparkling wine or a cold beer and savouring delicious finger food whilst enjoying the view, life doesn’t get any better then this.
For the complete Kuranda tour, consider visiting the award winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park. Tjapukai is dedicated to preserving and presenting authentic Aboriginal culture with the aid of the most modern technology. Three theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp combine to give the visitor a meaningful glimpse of this rich and ancient culture. Try your hand at boomerang throwing, sample bush food, use a woomera to launch a spear or sit back and watch the famous Tjapukai dancers.
For a different Kuranda experience you could spend a few hours at Blazing Saddles where you can explore the rainforest on horseback by taking a leisurely ride through rainforest and native bush land. Enjoy riding on a working cattle farm where you can join in the activities. Or get down and dirty on the ATVs; the obstacle course trails through rainforest, creeks, giant termite mounds and massive blue gum trees, see lots of native animals along the way.
So Kuranda has a little of something for everyone and is not to be missed whilst visiting the Tropical North.
All of Kuranda’s fabulous features can be visited in a day with Trek North. You can choose what to include and how you arrive in Kuranda and how you depart; train up Skyrail back or the other way around.
