Kuranda Tours
KURANDA CADAGHI WAY
Kuranda is on the traditional land of the Djabugay indigenous people who know the place as Ngunbay.
This laidback mountain village is just a short driving distance from Cairns and Port Douglas, nestled amongst the ancient World Heritage tropical rainforest of the Kuranda and Barron Gorge National Parks, on the banks of the Barron River.
Expect a relaxing hippy vibe, stay for a day or two, there’s plenty of places where to stay, walking tracks and creeks and waterfalls to visit , great food options that showcase the cultural diversity of this village and really good shopping featuring many of the local artists and artisans who call Kuranda home.
Ah! and fresh air, lots of fresh air and 3-4º cooler than the coast!
Skip the crowds and experience the pretty little rainforest village of Kuranda by the hand of your CADAGHI local guide, who will tailor your visit to suit your pace, reflect your interests and adapt to whatever you want to see or do.
We will show you the real Kuranda
Tour Options:
KN: KURANDA NATURALLY
KW&N: KURANDA WILDLIFE AND NATURE
K&D: KURANDA & THE DAINTREE
KN – KURANDA NATURALLY
- Skyrail up (or Train)
- Rainforest walk and River Boat Crossing with Morning Tea & Coffee
- Kuranda Village Free time for Shopping & Lunch (own Expense)
- Others to come to suit guests interests
We will start our journey driving up to Kuranda along the Kuranda Range, a natural tunnel made of ancient and thick Rainforest and up to 330mt above the sea level.
Early in the morning is the best time to enjoy a river cruise in the calm waters of the beautiful Barron River with great photographic opportunities and an insight into some of the local history and the surrounding ancient tropical rainforest.
The river is home to a host of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnsoni), turtles, snakes, water dragons and fish together with over 100 species of tropical birds.
At the end of the guided tour, tea/coffee will be served in a private setting in the middle of the rainforest. Sometimes you may also be lucky enough to see a Cassowary!.
Time now for a relaxing walk where your guide will show you many examples of tropical flora and fauna and at the end, the best view of the spectacular Barron Falls await for you.
Some free time to explore Kuranda and have some lunch. Feel the yet hippie style of this happy village where the motto is: “grow your own food, do your own thing”.
To end the journey, you will be gliding on top of the Barron Gorge National Park, aboard Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the most scenic and environmentally sensitive way to visit the this bit of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. Home of the Buluwai Aboriginal people, the different seasons, the changing weather and time of the day, rule the behaviour of the rainforest’s plants and wildlife making your 7.5 km journey unique.
Amongst cane sugar fields, it is time now to return home on a sunset setting, just the perfect end of a memorable journey.
KN&W – KURANDA WILDLIFE AND NATURE
- Skyrail up (or Train Skyrail is not operating)
- Kuranda Village Free time for Souvenirs & Lunch (own Expense)
- Drive Down the Range amongst Rainforest tunnel
- Hartley’s Wildlife Park
- Palm Cove
We will start our journey gliding on top of the Barron Gorge National Park, aboard Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the most scenic and environmentally sensitive way to visit the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. Home of the Djabugay Aboriginal people. The different seasons, the changing weather and time of the day, rule the behaviour of the rainforest’s plants and wildlife making your 7.5 km journey unique.
Some free time now to explore Kuranda and have some lunch. Feel the yet hippie style of this happy village where the motto is: ”grow your own food, do your own thing”. Musicians and people with artistic talents established in Kuranda in the 60’s and 70’s looking for an alternative lifestyle and they found it!
Driving along the Cairns Northern Coast to arrive at the unique Hartleys Wildlife Park, to meet and learn about the big Estuarine Crocodiles and see them in action jumping very close to you, pad a Koala and take a photo (optional) and hand feed our unique gardener of the Rainforest, the Southern Cassowary. Or, what about padding a Grey Eastern Kangaroo o Agile Wallaby?
Time to return home along a scenic coastal drive between the Coral Sea and the Australian Great Dividing Range with and a brief stop at one of the most stunning beaches up north, Palm Cove Beach. Just the perfect end of a memorable journey.
K&D – KURANDA & THE DAINTREE
- Skyrail One Way (or Train if Skyrail is not operating)
- Kuranda Village Guided Tour
- Lunch
- Mossman Gorge
- Private Driver/Guide
- Transfers to/from Htl
To start the journey, a gliding experience aboard Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and over the top of the Barron Gorge National Park. This is the most scenic and environmentally sensitive way to visit this bit of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Site where the different seasons and changing weather, rule the behaviour of the rainforest’s plants and wildlife making your 7.5 km journey unique.
Arrive in Kuranda, the traditional land of the Djabugay People that knew the place as “Ngunby”. Let s explore/know about this now hippy village, nested at 330m within the Kuranda National Park.
Time to drive North on the stunning scenic coastal drive between the Coral Sea and the Australian Great Dividing Range. Just north of Port Douglas there is the Daintree National Park, home of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal People.
A delightful lunch in Mossman for a great local meal experience before we head to Mossman Gorge, where and by the hand of your qualified guide, you will enjoy a walk in this ancient and unique natural wonder full of special places culturally significant. The walks are along boardwalks and gentle tracks along winding rainforest creeks.
It is time now to return home on a sunset setting, just the perfect end of a memorable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Cairns and Port Douglas areas?
The best time to visit Cairns is from April to November. At this time, tourist crowds are low and flights and lodging rates are less expensive – except for Australian school holiday periods. From around December till February-March it is the Wet Season – “The Big Wet” – where you can expect heavy rain and high humidity, however everything looks stunning, and you will experience the World Heritage Wet Tropics of Queensland on its best!
Are your tours private charter tours?
Yes, we run exclusively on a private charter basis and the tour will be always tailored to suit your interests. We cater for all aspects of Charter from Airport Transfers to half and full day tours and can design special interest itineraries.
Why we should book with Cadaghi Private Tours?
We are the best value private charter operator in Cairns.
Our private charter tours guarantee a personalised approach and the excellent customer and attention to detail that we would expect if we were to book a tour ourselves. Our tours are unique, flexible and able to adapt to your preferences and conditions and are as trouble/stress-free as we can make them. We’re locals with an intimate knowledge of this region that we love to share and help you create special memories that will last.
We are also aware of cultural differences and different cultures…
It is better to book your tours in advance?
It is highly recommended to book in advanced, especially during the high season: Sept to Dec April, June & July. We are a small tour operator with limited availability.
Do you run your tours in other language than English?
Yes, we run our tours in Spanish, Catalan, French, German, Dutch, Portuguese and many other languages upon request.
What about kids, do you cater for kids?
Yes, we are kid-friendly and like to design itineraries that engage every member of the family for a stress-free experience.