Tours of Kuranda Koala Gardens are self-guided, so you can observe animals in environments that mimic their natural habitats at your own pace. Watch kangaroos and wallabies lounging on the grass or see more scaly specimens in Australia’s only walk-through snake house. The gardens are included as a stop on many day trips to Kuranda from Cairns, which typically also include a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
If you also plan to visit Kuranda’s Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, get a discount on all three attractions with a combo pass.
Koala encounters are supervised by trained park staff and comply with the Australian Government’s Code of Practice—these are available as a separate experience that’s not sold by Viator.
Allow about an hour to see everything at the gardens.
Though steep in parts, Kuranda Koala Gardens are accessible to travelers using both wheelchairs and strollers.
Kuranda Koala Gardens are located by the Kuranda Heritage Markets, a 10-minute walk from Kuranda village or a 40-minute drive northwest from Cairns. You can also reach the gardens by Skyrail or the Kuranda Railway. A free shuttle bus operates between the Skyrail station and the gardens, and generally departs every 15 minutes throughout the day.
The gardens are open daily from morning until early evening. In the morning, crowds tend to be lighter and the animals are usually more active.
When compared to bustling Cairns, the historic village of Kuranda feels like a laid-back tropical escape. Getting there is half the fun, as the Kuranda Scenic Railway—built in the 19th century—chugs above UNESCO-listed rain forest gorges and cascading waterfalls. Alternatively, enjoy bird’s-eye views on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Once you arrive at the station, take a walk on the wild side at the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld; shop for handmade goods at heritage markets; or learn about the original guardians of the land at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
