Kuranda has a reputation as the arts and craft nexus of Cairns Great Barrier Reef
Peaceful and scenic Kuranda is the traditional land of the indigenous Pammigiri aboriginal people. Today, thanks to an outdoor amphitheatre hosting performers such as John Butler, Slim Dusty and Xavier Rudd and a concentration of local artists, designers, jewellers and musicians residing in the town, Kuranda has earned a reputation as the arts and craft nexus of Cairns and Great Barrier Reef. Kuranda is the best place in the region to view the stunning Barron Gorge and the mighty Barron Falls waterfall, and is also home to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird World, Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve, Kuranda Koala Gardens and the Rainforestation Nature and Cultural Park, where you can come face-to-face with wildlife, indigenous culture, tropical food and plants.
The town’s hub - Kuranda Village - is the final station for the internationally acclaimed Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and is also home to the famous Kuranda Village Heritage Markets Many visitors enjoy riding to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail or using one of these enjoyable, scenic transport options to reach the top of the Kuranda range before joining a coach tour to further explore and journey deeper into the Atherton Tablelands and Gulf Savannah regions. Kuranda has its own daily public transport, affectionately known as “The Kuranda Bus”, and there is plenty of accommodation available in and around Kuranda so you can find the perfect place to stay.
Local Highlights
Kuranda Village Heritage Markets
Grab yourself some tropical food, Australiana products or simply browse the Kuranda Village Heritage Markets.
Kuranda Arts Co-Op Gallery
Browse or buy wares from local and up and coming artists including jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, metal, paintings, sculptures and more.
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Where to Shop
Kuranda offers a mixed bag of shopping adventures. The diverse and entertaining stalls and shops in the Kuranda Village Heritage Markets have been a big draw card for the town for the past 25 years. Grab yourself a bargain, some local fruit and wine or Australiana products such as opals, soaps, wood-art, authentic Aboriginal artefacts, souvenir t-shirts and kangaroo leather – they’ll make fantastic gifts back home. The Kuranda Arts Co-op Gallery sells local indigenous and contemporary art to the public with payments going directly to artists. Wares include jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, metal, paintings, sculptures and more. If you’re after an alternative fashion fix, Kuranda is the place Cairns locals visit to buy unique, well-made alternative clothing, hats, footwear, incense, precious gems, beads and jewellery.
Where to Eat
Outdoor dining is one of the joys of being in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda is no exception. Kuranda Village has a number of excellent restaurants, pubs and cafés with comfortable surroundings and charming views adding to the tasty pleasure of great food and award winning tropical fruit wines and Australian beers. Menus and cuisine vary from hearty home-style meals, to classical Australian fare as well as a variety of European and Asian treats to tantalize your taste buds in Kuranda.
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