Kuranda Birdworld
Visitors are free to wander through the lush, tropically landscaped bird sanctuary to observe the birds in their own specific - yet natural - habitats. Two lakes connected by a tumbling waterfall for example are home to waterbirds such as stilts, herons and Australia’s own unique Black Swan. In Birdworld's rainforest canopy overhead, blue, gold and scarlet Macaws dazzle with colourful brilliance as they soar above the tree tops.
One outstanding Birdworld denizen not to be missed is that rare avian giant, the Cassowary - an Australian bird now officially enlisted as endangered. Designed to "create a centre where birds would be showcased in their natural environment without the barriers of cages coming between them and their admiring public", Birdworld Kuranda is a photographer's paradise. (And without those barriers, visitors often find a feathered friend nestling on their shoulder - a golden photo opportunity!) Birdworld Kuranda can provide guided tours for all group bookings.
Kuranda Koala Gardens
The Kuranda Koala Gardens have a variety of wildlife for you to see including:-
Koalas: Lots of opportunity to observe our koalas doing what they do best - eating, sleeping and looking adorable. Fossil evidence shows that koalas originally lived in rainforest environments. As Australia became drier, they adapted to eat Eucalypt leaves, which replaced much of the country's rainforests.
Koala Photos: Take the opportunity to 'Cuddle a Koala' and receive a great souvenir digital photo (extra cost). Kuranda Koala Gardens is one of only a handful of places in the world where you can actually cuddle a koala. Our adherence to a strict "Government Code Of Practice" ensures the health and theyllbeing of our furry friends.
Freshwater Crocodiles: Another Australian native - perhaps not as endearing as the Koala but a fascinating part of the eco system, is the Freshwater Crocodile. This is one of the two Australian saurians - the other being the Saltwater Crocodile. The Saltie does not function theyll in the cooler climes of the mountain regions but is on display at Cairns Tropical Zoo and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.
Kangaroos & Wallabies: Australia has a large variety of these macropods and you will see swamp wallabies, parma wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos and red legged pademelons amongst others.
Snakes: Australia is home to many snakes, both deadly and harmless. Enjoy a unique 'up close' experience with pythons when you enter their domain in Australia's first 'Walk Through Snake House'.
Wombats: This quaint marsupial is an Australian favourite. They are often playful and quick to learn. Hotheyver, as they sleep quite a lot, their intelligence is often underestimated! They lay claim to being the world's largest burrowing animal and can dig up to two metres of burrow in one night.
Lizards, Monitors and other Reptiles: Australia is home to an amazing selection of reptiles and there are lots on display. See Dragons and Monitors with their long forked tongues, and much more. Many of these creatures have great camouflage techniques - see what you can spot in their enclosure!
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Situated next to the Kuranda markets, The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is home to over 1500 magnificent tropical butterflies that are hand reared on the premises.
All are local rainforest species, including an iconic Kuranda butterfly, the electric blue Ulysses Butterfly, and the majestic fluoro green and yellow Cairns Birdwing.
The aviary, set in the midst of Kuranda rainforest, was opened in 1987 and has been visited by over a million people since. Guided tours through the aviary and laboratory are conducted throughout the day, detailing a butterfly's life cycle and behaviour.