6 Things you can't afford to miss on a Kuranda Skyrail Adventure

There are a thousand options (or at least seems to be) when you book a trip to Kuranda via Skyrail BUT here is MY list of things that are worth taking time out to do on your Kuranda Skyrail adventure…..

**Family Adventure on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway**

1. Diamond View

Yes the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway will afford you great views of the World Heritage rainforest without taking up the Diamond View option BUT for only a little bit extra you can ride in a carriage that has a glass bottom – and trust me the kids will love it.

**You feel like you’re floating on air onboard Skyrail’s Diamond View carriage.**

Heights have never seemed to worry my children but my partner has never been overly keen on them. However the Diamond View Gondola never flustered him. Whether it was because we were sailing close to the treetops or perhaps it was because there were plenty of other views to focus on, either way he didn’t seem to break a sweat.

**Best Views from the floor of Skyrail’s Diamond View carriage**

Through the glass floor on the Diamond View carriage the kids seem to be spotting everything. According to them lurking in the foliage beneath our feet were birds, creeks, snakes, bird nests, butterflies, ferns, ladybugs, cassowaries (??)…….. some of them believable, some of them not so!

Josh (my 10 year old) and I had recently done the Canopy Glider (CLICK HERE to READ MORE) BUT the Diamond View didn’t feel like a step down. Thanks to the glass floors it felt like you were gliding on air across the rainforest canopy, with your very own window into this special world. For Josh and I it was like discovering a new way of exploring via the Skyrail cableway and we didn’t feel disappointed at all.What did the KIDS like?

“Our very own special line (queue), the cool views through the floor, and getting shots of our feet and the trees.”

If you would like more Info click HERE – Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

2. Exploring the Barron River

There are 2 ways to do this: – Using foot power and following the walkway along the riverbank via your own means - OR you can jump onboard the Kuranda Riverboat and enjoy a cruise down the river.

**Exploring the Barron River on the Kuranda Riverboat**

The kids of course preferred the second option. One because they didn’t have to walk and two because skipper Mike seemed to spot a whole lot more stuff than we would ever had. Plus what kid doesn’t love a boat ride! The cruise takes less than an hour and there seems to be plenty happening to keep kids (and adults) entertained.

**Lots of wildlife to spot onboard the Kuranda Riverboat**

Not only did we enjoy a fascinating description of the rainforest, the river and the differences between the townships of Kuranda and Cairns we also got to see a fair amount of wildlife. Turtles and freshwater crocodiles, welcome swallows that flitted back and forward from the boat, a variety of birdlife on the river and even a dead python (a rarity as it is such a healthy rainforest environment here).

**The kids enjoyed a ‘hands-on’ experience onboard the Kuranda Riverboat**

I was impressed by Skipper Mikes deft way of involving the children when they looked a bit restless. Before we knew it they were up at the helm assisting with the navigation and getting a taste of ‘skipper’ life. Very entertaining for everybody.

And What did the KIDS like?

“Being the captain, spotting a dead snake, the crocodile on the log and feeding the turtles.”

If you would like more Info click HERE – Kuranda Riverboat.

3. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

You imagine you’ll see a few butterflies in an exhibit dedicated to these lovely creatures but it certainly didn’t prepare me for the amount of butterflies you see wildly flit past you at any one time. Or the butterflies that seem happy to land on you if you stay still for long enough.

**Butterfly World is almost fantasy like….**

The setting of Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is just like out of a fairytale – a pathway of greenery and ferns with little grottos, creeks trickling past, bridges and benches and rocks to sit upon and wait whilst a butterfly alights nearby, or even better, on you.

Josh loved it when the butterflies landed on him

Butterflies feeding & Butterflies laying everywhere...

It really does feel like an enchanted place as your kid’s eyes expand in wonder at the butterfly’s antics. PLUS there’s a little bit of science involved too. The breeding rooms, the caterpillar displays, the gathering of eggs and the butterfly feeding stands as well as the ‘infrared’ zone that shows you how a butterfly sees the world. Plenty of stuff to keep the kids entertained for more than a few fleeting moments.

And What did the KIDS like?

“The butterflies landing on us, listening to the caterpillars eat, and looking at our clothes in infrared.”

If you would like more Info click HERE – Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

4. Bird World

I think I’ve finally discovered something cheekier than my children. The birds at Birdworld Kuranda are something else. You want interactive fun then these guys are certainly it. This free-flight aviary has birds of every shape and size landing near you or ON you for a feed or just for some plain ol’ fun.

**Charlie’s not quite sure about this cheeky parrot!**

They did warn us about things being ‘nibbled’ or even ‘stolen’ upon our entry BUT I’m pretty sure none of us were prepared for the deft ability of one cheeky parrot to steal the button of my son’s cap straight up (watch the video for all the action).

Although the kids naturally gravitated to the big feeding platform up top, the free flight aviary is worth a walk around to spot what else is hidden in amongst the bushes, trees and waterways. Along the route there’s plenty to see - a cassowary, swans, rails (swamphens) and a whole array of birds at each of the feeding stations along the way.

Watch out for the ‘button-stealing’ parrots at Birdworld

Hand feeding the colourful parrots at Birdworld was a thrill….

It’s difficult not to get carried away and take loads of photos at Birdworld Kuranda thanks to the interactive fun and brightness of all the birds that hang out here. If you haven’t managed to get up close and personal to any of Australia’s native bird population then don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of chance here!And What did the KIDS like?

“The birds landing on us and feeding from our hands and the naughty parrot.”

If you would like more Info click HERE – Kuranda Birdworld.

5. Cuddle a Koala

Lets face it. Who doesn’t want to cuddle a Koala. This was a first for me and I didn’t realize how sweet holding a koala actually is. All my motherly-bubba instincts came flooding back to me in a matter of seconds when this warm fluffy bundle nestled into my chest.

If you want small and compact with all your favourite native Australian wildlife in one spot then Kuranda Koala Gardens is where you should head. This little wildlife park is great for an intense dose of koala cuddling, kangaroo feeding, croc spotting and reptile gazing.

This little guy was just basking on the footpath

Lots of different ‘roos’ to feed at the Koala Gardens

Combine this boutique wildlife park with the other two - Kuranda Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary - and you certainly feel like you’ve nailed all those important Aussie critters in one day (or one afternoon if you’re really pumping). For busy children this is often the best way to do it.

And What did the KIDS like?

“Cuddling the Koala, seeing the wombat and feeding all the different wallabies.”

If you would like more Info click HERE – Kuranda Koala World.

6. Doing it in the Wet

We struggle a little with what to do with the kids on wet days in the Far North. Our lives seem to orientate around the great outdoors but it does mean that things can grind to a halt on wet and gloomy days.

It was a bit drizzly and wet the day we went on the Kuranda Skyrail experience but it was still such a fun day. Floating through the odd cloud up near Red Peak created a new dimension to the ride and it was a real thrill for the kids to say they touched clouds.

**The rain didn’t dampen our fun on our Kuranda Skyrail adventure**

The rain didn’t spoil our views on the Kuranda Skyrail either. Big gaps would appear and there were lots of oohs and aaahs as we watch the vista open up in front of us. At all of the Skyrail Stations they handed out complimentary umbrellas for the walking part of our tour and the interpretive centre at the Barron Falls station is all inside, and it easily entertained our kids for more than 10 minutes.

BREAKING NEWS: Kuranda Skyrail have put in a NEW lookout at Barron Falls. Partially made of glass it gives a NO FEAR factor as you step out from the security of the boardwalk onto seemingly infinite space.

**The Edge Lookout makes you feel like you’re teetering on the edge of Barron Falls**

It also helps that Kuranda is well designed for exploring during wet weather conditions. Covered walkways will help you get from A to B without getting completely drenched. And once you’re inside exploring the different animal zoos, shops and restaurants you are mostly undercover anyway. It definitely helped create a more exciting day than what could have ended up being hours spent in front of a screen…..

Some More Recommendations:

Good coffee can be found at the Kuranda’s Coffee Republic (opposite the Post Office) but don’t expect much else. The coffee here is seriously good and they do sell the yummiest home-made cookies. You are also welcome to BYO other food and eat it on their tables outside.
Don’t miss the German Tucker Wursthouse if you LOVE a good sausage. They can be a bit spicy for a kid’s palate but it’s worth sharing a ‘hotdog’ from the street BBQ (complete with saukraut).
Visit the ‘original’ Kuranda Markets for some cool locally made goods. Quirky stuff can be found here and the higgledy piggledy nature of all the wooden market stalls on the side of a hill makes it a fun place for the kids to explore (although it might be a bit difficult with a stroller/pram). And look out for the new addition - the treehouse. As soon as my son spotted this he was trying to work out how he could to get up into it.
Don’t miss the Honey House in Kuranda situated at the main entrance of the Original Markets – it’s fascinating to watch the bees flying in and out of the clear Perspex entrance and their antics once they are in the hive. Plus everyone will enjoy tasting all the variations of honey on offer.
At Kuranda's Original Rainforest Markets there’s a beautiful mini golf course that only cost $5 each. We didn’t get enough time to do this on the day BUT the course looks lots of fun and it’s the most scenic mini-golf course I’ve come across.

**Best coffee, Kuranda Markets, German Sausages & a beautiful mini-golf setting (from Top Left Clockwise)**

Good Things to Know:

Queues move quickly at Skyrail but if you are waiting for a Diamond View carriage it can take a little longer because there are fewer carriages compared with the standard gondolas.
There is an additional cost if you want to travel on a Diamond View Gondola.
Prams and strollers can be taken on Skyrail (as long as they fold down).
There are FREE guided walks at each Skyrail Station and these go regularly throughout the day.
Red Peak station is the highest point and the temperatures can drop significantly up here. It may be worth taking a jumper.
A maximum of 5 people can travel in the Diamond View gondola.
One-way trips on Skyrail are available.
There are several packages families can take advantage of to save $$ on their Kuranda Skyrail trip. If you’re a local and travel on Skyrail ask about the Skyrail 12-month membership that is available which will offer you further discounts.
Photos are taken onboard the Gondola and are available for viewing and purchase at the top and bottom Station.
Kuranda Riverboat tours depart from the Barron River, just below the Railway/Skyrail platform (over the footbridge and down the stairs).
Kuranda Riverboat tours only accepts cash and availability can be subject to river conditions.
There is a free shuttle bus that runs from the Kuranda Skyrail Terminal up to the top of Kuranda village but the walk will only take you 10 minutes (it can be a little steep for some).
You can do the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld and Kuranda Koala Gardens as a package (Kuranda Wildlife Experience) and you’ll save money that way. All these attractions are side by side at the Kuranda Heritage Markets.
Wear bright colours (red, hot pink or white) to increase your chances of a butterfly landing on you at the Butterfly Sanctuary.
There are guided tours at the Butterfly Sanctuary that run regularly and are at no extra cost.
The birds at Birdworld Kuranda LOVE bright sparkly objects and buttons so don’t wear anything that will tempt them if you want to hold onto it.
Cuddle a Koala costs extra at the Kuranda Koala Gardens but it includes a souvenir photo for your memories.

Have you experienced the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway before? Does the Diamond View Gondola appeal to you? Have you got any other recommendations for Kuranda?

We received our tours complimentary BUT all views, opinions and photos in this article are my own.If you would like to BOOK a Skyrail Trip click HERE – Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

If you want to treat yourself and BOOK Gold Class on the Kuranda Railway return - Click HERE.

If you would like more Info regarding Kuranda click HERE – Kuranda Tourism Org.