Travel Journal: Cairns, Australia Day 2

 11/28/2024

Today we ventured up to the rainforest village of Kuranda 🦜🥭

This beautiful little village is on the Barron River and we think a MUST visit while in Cairns. 

Kuranda’s first inhabitants were the indigenous Djabugay people who have lived here for over 10,000 years. 

Since then, their descendants continue to carry on their cultural traditions and protection of this unique landscape today. This whole area is all about conservation and protecting the rainforest that in turn provides its people so much. 

In the 1800s European settlers started farming in the area and Kuranda was officially surveyed in 1888. 

Today it’s a vibrant little Village in the Rainforest enjoyed by locals and visitors alike and famous for the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyway. We chose to take the train up and Skyway down and it’s was an unforgettable experience!

The train winds up the mountain and offers a laid back way to enjoy all the views, and the Skyway is a tram system that suspends you thousands of feet in the air as you glide over the rainforest below. Both were amazing but the Skyway (though a little terrifying at times ) was so unique. We were even able to see crocodiles below in the river as we glided among the tree tops. Another bonus on the Skyway is that it stops a few places so you can get out and hike around the forest at your leisure on the way down.

Kuranda itself was so charming and we so appreciated their kind locals sharing their culture. Kuranda has some of the most unique shopping we have found so far and it is where we got one of our favorite souvenirs- an hand carved boomerang made from rainforest wood by a local Aboriginal artist! There’s some attractions like a butterfly garden and even some crocodile viewing boat rides. Always make sure to check days and hours before you visit Kuranda- they do have very early closings ! 

There’s lots of cute little restaurants like our favorite lunch spot -Frogs Restaurant. Voted as a top travelers choice on Trip Advisor, this was definitely a unique place to eat. We enjoyed some amazing curry and seafood while we dined on their deck that overlooks the rainforest. We even enjoyed the company of some local wildlife including some gorgeous tropical birds. 

Kuranda - It’s an experience like no other and we are so grateful!


#travelthelanddownunder #visitcairns #kurandascenicrailway #kurandaskyway #protecttherainforest #supportlocalartists #travelblogger

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