Find your way to Kuranda Koala Gardens. Download the unofficial Kuranda Map and check out our self-drive itineraries.

RECOMMENDED SELF-DRIVE ITINERARIES

Kuranda – A big day out! Depart from - Cairns, Cairns Beaches or Port Douglas.

  • In the morning, drive to Smithfield. At the roundabout, take the Kennedy Highway exit to Kuranda.  After 15 minutes’ drive, turn left at the traffic lights to enter the village.
  • Follow the signs to the Barron Falls lookout. A 1200m (40 minute) return walk.
  • Return to Kuranda village and utilise the all-day free carpark in Thoree Street.
  • Take the steps to Coondoo Street to find a selection of coffee shops and cafes.
  • Once revitalised, head to the Kuranda Heritage Markets, home of Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda.
  • See and experience the best of Australian wildlife at Kuranda Koala Gardens, then meet tame Macaws and parrots at Birdworld Kuranda. Grab a souvenir photo cuddling a friendly Koala.
  • Cross over Therwine Street to discover the fossil and gemstone museum (free entry) at Emu Ridge Gallery.
  • Stroll through the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets to discover an eclectic collection of eateries, gifts and wellness centres.
  • End the day with some soft adventure and enjoy a cruise on the Barron River, with Kuranda Riverboat.  Please note: Riverboat has limited seating; prior booking recommended or pay cash onboard.

Kuranda and Mareeba Depart from - Cairns, Cairns Beaches or Port Douglas

  • Drive to Kuranda via the Kennedy Highway off Smithfield Roundabout.
  • Visit the Kuranda Heritage Markets and the nearby wildlife parks.
  • Purchase a discounted Kuranda Wildlife Experience ticket for entry into Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld Kuranda and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
  • Immerse yourself in the Kuranda Original Markets before strolling down Coondoo Street for some shopping.
  • The Kuranda Arts Co-op is ideal for locally made arts and crafts.
  • Back in the car, continue along on the Kennedy Highway towards Mareeba.
  • Optional, after 15-20 min drivetime, follow the signs to Emerald Creek Falls. Please note sections are gravel and are not suitable for rental cars.
  • On arrival at Mareeba, visit the Mareeba Heritage Museum for an insight into pioneer farming and gold prospecting.
  • Drive though the Mareeba township towards Dimbulah, turn right on Ivicevic Road to visit Skybury Café and Roastery to sample their range of farm grown coffees, tropical fruits and preserves.
  • Interested in a tipple? Return to Mareeba then proceed to Atherton.  Just before Walkamin, turn right into Chewko Road then follow the signs to Mt. Uncle Distillery.
  • On the way back to Cairns, drop into Emerald Creek Ice Creamery for a tasty treat.

Hartley’s and Kuranda From Port Douglas

  • In the morning, drive for 25 minutes towards Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway, arriving at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Gates open at 8.30am.
  • Take a boat cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon, see the wildlife, and watch the 11.00am Crocodile Show.
  • Have lunch at Hartley’s or head to Kuranda for a bite at one of the cafés or restaurants.
  • The drive time to Kuranda is approx. 45 minutes. Continue south to Smithfield roundabout and take the third exit to Kuranda on the Kennedy Highway.
  • Free all-day parking is available in Thoree Street.
  • From Thoree Street carpark, cross the road to access the Kuranda Original Rainforest Market (open Wednesday to Sunday) to enjoy a variety of eateries, wares and wellness offerings.
  • Drop into the Emu Ridge Gallery to marvel at the gemstone and dinosaur collection before walking across to the Kuranda Heritage Markets and wildlife Parks.
  • The entrance to Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda are both in the Heritage Markets.
  • At Koala Gardens, purchase tickets for Koala holding (cuddling) photos or specially discounted combo tickets including Birdworld and/or Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
  • Afterwards, walk down Coondoo Street for some retail therapy.
  • Keep walking down to the railway station, cross over the tracks and down the stairs to the banks of the Barron River.
  • Look for the flags, then board the Kuranda Riverboat to explore a tropical rainforest river. Limited seating, prior booking recommended or pay cash onboard.

Kuranda Koala Gardens Prices & Packages

Kuranda Koala Gardens

  • Adult $20
  • Child $10

A boutique wildlife attraction, showcasing some of Australia’s amazing, native animals. Koalas, quokkas, wallabies, wombats, lizards, freshwater crocodiles, possums, gliders, kangaroos and more. One of the few places where you can hold a Koala for a souvenir photo (extra cost, conditions apply and limited availability). As an alternative, singles and small groups can buy a Koala Patting Photo.

Friends in the Rainforest

  • Adult $35
  • Child $17.50

2 great wildlife attractions, Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda. Birdworld is home to over 60 rare and spectacular bird species from the rainforests of Australia and around the globe. Hand-feed parrots, admire a cassowary and more.

Kuranda Wildlife Experience

  • Adult $53.50
  • Child $29.50

3 wildlife attractions for 1 great price. Kuranda Koala Gardens. Birdworld Kuranda. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, which is home to more than 1,500 superb tropical butterflies including the spectacular Ulysses. Free flying habitat. Three great wildlife attractions.

Kuranda Explorer

  • Adult $57.50
  • Child $26.50

The Kuranda Explorer package includes three great attractions. Kuranda Koala Gardens. Birdworld Kuranda. Kuranda Riverboat, which runs 45-minute tropical rainforest river cruises, on the mighty Barron River. Bookings essential. Space is limited.

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