Train Tracks Pave the Way to this Rainforest Delight
Located just 30 minutes west of Cairns is the popular tourist village of Kuranda. The area predominantly attracts tourism by promoting itself as a market village nestled within the Cairns rainforest region. The town’s first major link to Cairns was the Kuranda railway track which opened 1881. Not surprisingly, the area and railway soon flourished through trade and tourism. More than 100 years later and the Kuranda railway now operates as a successful scenic train connecting visitors from Cairns to this thriving market village.
The Kuranda railway paved the way for exporting produce and consequently improved the lives of the village people. As time went on, what was once a strong coffee and timber producer shifted to trendy tourist and honeymoon resort. However, before European settlers discovered the beauty Kuranda had to offer, it was the Djabugay aboriginal tribe who dominated the land. There is still a strong sense of aboriginal community in present day Kuranda. As a visitor to the region, take the opportunity to discover the works of local aboriginal artists or learn about the 40,000 years of aboriginal history at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Kuranda’s traditional markets are open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. However, the heritage markets are open for visitors 7 days a week. Since the village is known for its arts and aboriginal relics, save at least a couple of hours to browse the vibrant shops and stalls. In addition to the markets, Kuranda houses an abundance of fantastic aboriginal art shops providing a unique opportunity to purchase goods from local aboriginal artists. Shops display a wide range of artefacts from intricate paintings and opals to didgeridoos and souvenir boomerangs. Even leaving with a dollar postcard is a great memento of your time in the rainforest. Located in the area you will also find plenty to entertain the children, including a butterfly sanctuary, snake park, and koala sanctuary.
Pass over the white railway bridge housing the Kuranda scenic trains and winding steps will guide you down to Barron River. The shady area is a great place to meander or unwind as the noise of the village is silenced behind thick rainforest. From here don’t miss the 45-minute river cruise which departs from the dock every half-past the hour. The excursion’s relaxing surroundings are complimented by an informative host who will be your guidebook to the area’s history, aboriginal background, as well as having a good eye to spot the fresh-water croc bathing by the edge of the river.
If you need to walk off lunch or just fancy exploring the area on foot, why not take the two-hour round trip to Baron Falls. From the village, follow the signs for Waterfall Road. What seems like a never-ending twisting lane accompanied by glares from local drivers will eventually guide you straight to the look-out point. From here several platforms offer great views of the cascading Falls. Only a fraction of the hike to the lookout is shaded so remember to take plenty of sun cream and water. Alternately you can drive to Baron Falls where there is plenty of parking for your convenience.
With different options available, venturing to Kuranda from Cairns is simple. The Victorian-style scenic train is the most relaxing and luxurious way to travel although it does takes a lengthy hour-and-a-half each way. This scenic train passes through diverse mountain scenery, tropical rainforest and plummeting waterfalls and is a fantastic way to leisurely make your way up to Kuranda. Cairns railway station is located ten minutes walk from the main Esplanade on Bunda Street. Trains leave for Kuranda at 8.30am and 9.30am only and return 2.00pm and 3.30pm ($40 one way, $59 return). Visit www.kurandascenicrailway.com.au for more information.
Next to the Kuranda railway station is yet another scenic wonder - the Skyrail Gondola Cableway. From the Skyrail terminal, the 2-hour journey will lead you into the area’s tropical rainforest wonders, heading over beautiful vistas with the sparkling Coral Sea in the distance. The trip allows you to leave your gondola and explore several stops - Baron Falls, Red Peak Rainforest Station and Caravonica, home to the Aboriginal Cultural Park. If you would like to take the Skyway from Cairns to Kuranda, the terminal is located 15 minutes north of the town at the Caravonica Terminal on Captain Cook Highway. This terminal is easily reached by bus. Prices for the Skyway are $40 Single or $58 return. For more information visit www.skyrail.com.au
To maximise your day in Kuranda the local minibus service has the most flexible hours with the first bus leaving early and last bus departing just after 4pm. The minibus service leaves every hour and departs from the Cairns railway station. Prices are inexpensive - $4 one way with the drive taking just 40 minutes and presenting it’s own fair share of stunning landscape along the way.
With plenty to keep the whole family happy, Kuranda makes for an entertaining and educational day-trip from Cairns. To make the most of your time in this rainforest village catch the 8.30am scenic train into Kuranda and return on the last local mini bus service out. With the whole day at your leisure, be sure not to miss the charming river cruise, inspiring Aboriginal artwork or spectacular Baron Falls.