The first settlement of Kuranda was back in 1885 and surveying was first carried out by Thomas Beehan in 1888. The infamous and iconic Kuranda railway was completed in 1891 with the existing railway station being built in 1915.
The early 20th century saw the region flourish financially with the main exports of coffee and timber and the region built the areas first hydroelectric power station in the 1960's. Kuranda has only become a tourist Mecca in the last 25 years or so with the 'alternative lifestylers' adopting the town in the 60's and 70's.
Each week thousands of tourists visit Kuranda with the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Cableway providing a picturesque and relaxed trip from the coastal capital of Cairns. There is also a scenic drive from Cairns to Kuranda by the Kuranda Range Road.
There are lots of nature and animal attractions in Kuranda with it being home to the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda for more native Australian fauna. On top of these 5-star wildlife attractions Kuranda is also home to a bat rehabilitation centre, butterfly sanctuary and your opportunity to cuddle a Koala at Koala Gardens.
With the town being surrounded by tropical rainforest that is rich and abundant in wildlife and boasts many hiking trails and lookouts such as the glorious Barron Falls.
Kuranda is also a major centre for opals with many arts and crafts available at the markets that utilise the iconic Australian gemstone. The town also has a thriving Aboriginal art production industry and local tribes design and manufacture many of the Didgeridoos and Boomerangs also available at the Kuranda Heritage Markets.
The weather of the local region undergoes only mild temperature variations year-round due to the location in the tropics along with the altitude.
The coolest month is July and the hottest month is January and there are 2 seasons consisting of a dry and wet season.
