TNQ Writer
Experience the famous village in the rainforest along a network of easy trails that introduce you to the surrounding Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Accommodating all types of walkers, discover the amazing scenery that exists a stone’s throw from Kuranda’s shopping experience.
The Market Walk
The Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets
The Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets
Kuranda Heritage Markets
Kuranda Heritage Markets
Kuranda Village Hub
Kuranda Village Hub
Leading down the hill from the Information Centre, this walk passes the Original Rainforest and Heritage Markets and encapsulates everything that makes Kuranda such a great destination. Challenge yourself not to find something weird and wonderful – and that’s just the characters behind the counter. Intriguing and entertaining visitors since the late 70s, the markets present a great alternative shopping experience.
The River Walk
River Walk, Kuranda
Imagine an idyllic stroll through a riverside rainforest beside the wide Barron River along all-weather pathways just minutes from town. Picnic tables and seats at picturesque points along the way amidst the tall palms, figs and paperbarks slow you down to appreciate the river views and birdlife. Photographers will be in their element here particularly early or late in the day as light filters through the canopy and along the avenue of trees.
The Jungle Walk
Jungle Walk, Kuranda
At one end of the River Walk, this connecting trail gradually winds through the regenerating rainforest. Look out for the ubiquitous scrub turkeys, the emerald doves that walk the path in front of you and the brief blue flash that is the Sacred Kingfisher while the “meow” of catbirds drift through the dense canopy.
Jumrum Creek
Jurum Creek Walk, Kuranda
Boardwalks and bitumen trails take you down to the tumbling waters of Jumrum Creek. Stand at the creek crossing, surrounded by echoing birdcalls and the peaceful cascading sounds of the creek, and remind yourself that you are just a few hundred metres from the bustling shopping precinct.
Top tip: Enjoy these four short walks individually or on a two-hour circuit commencing and leaving from the Kuranda Visitor Information Centre.
Rainforest Canopy Walk and Barron Falls Lookout
Barron Falls in flood
Barron Falls in flood
Rainforest Canopy Walk
Rainforest Canopy Walk
Barron Falls Lookout
Barron Falls Lookout
For a few months of the year the view of the thunderous Barron Falls is one of the greatest spectacles Tropical North Queensland has to offer. For the rest of the year it is merely awesome. A 3km drive takes you to the first lookout and commencement of the Budaadji Canopy Walk to the wheelchair accessible main lookout (Din Din).
The excellent interpretive displays and information set you up for the easy walk that awaits you. This is Wet Tropics presentation at its finest. Wander along the elevated bridges and boardwalks almost at canopy level through lush and otherwise impenetrable jungle. The final view down the depths of the gorge confirms why this is one of the most popular walks in the region.
The Longer Walks (Djina-Wu, Smiths, Douglas and McDonalds Tracks)
The view from Glacier Rock
Barron Gorge National Park is criss-crossed by kilometres of trails through stunning wilderness on the doorstep of Kuranda. The slightly more adventurous walker can experience the rushing waters of beautiful Stoney Creek or gaze over Cairns and Great Barrier Reef waters from the top of Glacier Rock. Over 22kms of trails take you past rainforest giants and through a variety of tropical habitats along the original pathways of the Djabugandgi Bama people. Observant walkers will find the remains of early mining diggings in ferny glades or perhaps some of the 340 species of birds that inhabit the national park. Bring water, a camera, good shoes and binoculars, as well as a sense of adventure.
