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Kuranda
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Wikipedia: Kuranda is a town on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is located 330 metres AHD at 16°49'S 145°36'E and is 25 kilometres from Cairns. It is a town of 650 people and is surrounded by rainforest. The rainforest around Kuranda has been home to the Djabugay people for over 10,000 years. Europeans began to explore the area throughout the nineteenth century. Kuranda was first settled in 1885 and surveyed by Thomas Behan in 1888. Construction of the now famous railway from Cairns to Herberton began in 1887 and the line reached Kuranda in 1891. The current railway station was built in 1915. The town receives thousands of tourists each week who arrive on the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns, the Skyrail gondola cableway, or by coach on the Kuranda Range Road. Attractions in the town include a regular market, consisting of a range of arts and crafts stalls as well as restaurants. Kuranda is a major centre for opals and didgeridoos. It was also the first home of the Tjapukai Indigenous Dance Theatre, established by former New Yorkers Judy and Don Freeman, together with indigenous dancer and actor, David Hudson. The theatre is now located adjacent the Skyrail base station at Caravonica. Kuranda is home to a bird park, butterfly sanctuary, a bat rehabilitation centre, snake and venom park and koala sanctuary. As mentioned, the town is surrounded by rainforest rich in wildlife, with numerous walks and lookouts, such as to the Barron Falls. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: This is a world first in environmental tourism taking you on an amazing experience over Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy and deep into the forest. The Skyrail experience, spanning 7.5kms over pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth. Gliding just metres above the rainforest canopy in comfortable six-person gondola cabins, the Skyrail journey immerses you in an intimate rainforest experience where you’ll see, hear, smell and become part of the tropical rainforest environment.
Kuranda Village: The picturesque mountain retreat of Kuranda Village is just 25km northwest of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia and is surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. Visitors can travel to Kuranda on Kuranda’s Historic Scenic Railway or by car or bus, via the spectacular Kuranda Range Road or over the rainforest on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Kuranda has come a long way from its initial origins as a centre for those choosing an alternative lifestyle in the late 60’s. Historic Buildings from the villages past now house a variety of upmarket restaurants, cafes and bars. It is still laid back, but with a style and sophistication that sets it apart from other Cairns Highlands Venues and Attractions. Rainforestation Nature Park: A 40 hectare tourist attraction set in a midst of World Heritage Rainforest only five minutes drive from Kuranda Village and half an hour from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. Operating since 1976, the locally owned and operated Rainforestation offers an experience for the whole family with three main attractions, two restaurants and a Tropical Treats Juice Bar. In addition Rainforestation is available for exclusive offsite dinners and outings with a difference. Kuranda Scenic Railway: Our world famous railway experience is a must-do when visiting Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, Australia. You will discover the pioneering history of the tropical north from way back in the late 1800's, be astounded by a magnificent engineering feat and explore some of the great characters involved in the construction of this great railway. Kuranda Heritage Market: While at the Kuranda Heritage Market you can also enjoy the incredible BirdWorld with over 80 species of brilliant Australian birds (including Cassowary) and exotic species from rainforests around the world. Just a short walk away you can visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest butterfly enclosure in Australia with over 2000 tropical butterflies. And for the full wildlife in the rainforest experience, visit the new Koala Gardens, where you can see an assortment of Australian animals in their natural surroundings.
Holiday Company Descriptions Journeys of Distinction: Although today has been left free, it is hoped that we will arrange an optional tour to take us along the Kuranda Scenic Railway through spectacular scenery, past Stoney Creek and Barron Falls to Kuranda Village. Once at Kuranda we will have the opportunity to explore the village and visit the Kuranda Markets. The journey home down the Kuranda range offers superb views of the Coral Sea. Freedom Australia: Board the Kuranda train for an historic journey taking you through the scenic countryside behind Cairns. Arrive at the cultural rainforest village of Kuranda with time to wander through the various stalls of the colourful Kuranda Markets. Later, board the Skyrail Cableway that takes you above the canopy of the tropical rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Visit the famous Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Viator: On arrival in Kuranda, enjoy some free time before the short journey to Rainforestation - an array of rainforest experiences await you. Board the amphibious Army Duck for a different look at the rainforest. An experienced guide will show you unique tropical fruits, ancient rainforest plants and point out our native rainforest animals. Join the Dreamtime Walk for an insight into Aboriginal and Islander history. Try your hand at boomerang throwing and enjoy a performance by the Pamagirri Dancers who explain their history and culture through the humor and excitement of their dance. A delicious barbecue lunch is included before visiting the Koala and Wildlife Park. Cuddle a koala, smile at a crocodile and hand feed the kangaroos. Adventures Abroad: Today we travel by road to Kakadu National Park. We cross the South Alligator River and explore the World Heritage area of Ubirr Rock where we climb up though the ancient Aboriginal Rock Art Galleries to the lookout for the famous view over surrounding wetlands. We also visit the Bowali Visitor Centre with its informative displays. The name 'Kakadu' comes from an Aboriginal floodplain language called Gagudju which was one of the languages spoken in the north of the park at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although languages such as Gagudju and Limilngan are no longer regularly spoken, descendants of these language groups are still living in Kakadu. Located at the northern fringe of the Northern Territory, Kakadu is the largest terrestrial national park in Australia. It comprises almost 8,000 square miles of spectacular wildlife habitat, which ranges from the high stone plateau to forest woodland, monsoon rainforest to open savanna-like flood plains dotted with billabongs, mangrove-fringed estuaries to coastal beaches of the Arafura Sea. At the heart of Kakadu is the South Alligator River, so named by a 19th century explorer who mistook the native crocodiles for alligators.
Best at Australia: Whilst in this region trips to the Reef and Rainforest are a must and we have booked a Reef & Rainforest day tour package, which can be used at anytime during your stay. Today we would suggest you take the rainforest day tour, as the Rail departure point is close to Cairns. Downunder tours will pick you up from your hotel and continue to the Kuranda scenic train for a spectacular journey through the mountains to the village of Kuranda. Once in Kuranda stroll through the village and markets stopping for lunch (own expense). On your return experience the magnificent Skyrail cable car and glide over the canopy’s of the rainforest. The day is complete with a visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a fascinating insight into Aboriginal history. Thomas Cook: Join the Kuranda scenic railway as it winds through the dense tropical forests. This afternoon, board the Skyrail, the world's largest gondola cableway, for an amazing ride just above the rainforest canopy, before visiting the Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park to meet some of the local Aboriginal people and discover more about their rich cultural heritage. Horizon Tours: Enjoy a great day touring the naturally air-conditioned Tablelands. Combine the Kuranda Scenic Train and/or Skyrail and travel to Kuranda Village , a quaint little township in the rainforest. Famous for its arts, crafts and indigenous artefacts, Kuranda also boasts attractions such as the Butterfly Sanctuary, Koala Gardens and Birdworld. The Original Kuranda Markets are held Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, while the Heritage Markets are open daily. Beyond Kuranda, our experienced driver guide will show you the amazing Tablelands - an elevated plateau of diverse beauty, contrasting scenery and fertile farmlands producing a wide range of crops - such as coffee, macadamia nuts, tropical fruits, peanuts, maize, sugar cane and boutique wineries! Holiday Accommodation Shangri-la Hotel: An Australian oasis for vacationers and young professionals, the Shangri-La Hotel - The Marina, acts as a virtual gateway between Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Conveniently situated within five minutes walking distance to the Cairns Convention Centre and only a 10 minutes drive from the Cairns International Airport, this hotel is near shopping, entertainment and cultural venues. The hotel puts its' best foot forward in the rainforest lobby, as vaulted ceilings and vast architectural forms create an enchanting space for large intricate Japanese lanterns, modern décor and a stunning Great Barrier Reef aquarium. Cedar
Park Rainforest Resort: This is a romantic and secluded natue retreat
surrounded by the wet tropic world heritage rainforest, offers opportunities
for adventure vacations, unique and romantic wedding and honeymoon experiences,
rainforest bush walks and exiting birding in a tropical rainforest setting.
Holiday Inn: This hotel is superbly located on the Cairns Esplanade only a five-minute walk from the shopping, entertainment and business center of Cairns. Featuring 237 comfortably appointed guestrooms, Holiday Inn Cairns reflects the ambience of the Tropics with breathtaking views overlooking the Coral Sea and rainforest clad mountains. The unique rainforest Atrium is designed to represent a mini rainforest surrounded by tropical plants, rock pools and Barramundi fish. The hotel also features a relaxing Lobby Bar, bottle shop, swimming pool, heated spa, large sundeck, fitness centre, tour desk, gift shop, 24-hour room service, high-speed internet access, free undercover parking and Atriums Restaurant, famous for its seafood and international cuisine. Cairns B&B: Cairns Reef and Rainforest Bed and Breakfast Accommodation is one of the newest registered B&B in Australia's Far North Queensland. Your holiday accommodation worries are over when you book with us. We are set in a tropical rainforest location yet only minutes from Cairns City. Hilton: Explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest from the harborside Hilton Cairns hotel. With Cairns shopping on the doorstep, the hotel offers a pool, well-equipped health club and spa, and 3 excellent restaurants and bars. Set overlooking Trinity Bay and the marina, the hotel is in a great location to visit Cairns attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest, or to try local golf courses and beach watersports.
Cairns International Hotel: Fabulous harbour and mountain views, spacious Cairns hotel rooms. Stay in the very heart of all that Cairns, nestled between two World Heritage areas - the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Capturing the casual but stylish lifestyle of Cairns, subtle and silent service and impeccable attention to detail awaits you on your Cairns holiday or business trip. Our Cairns hotel offers you a haven for relaxation where colonial charm meets tropical elegance. Sheridan Plaza: This hotel offers you "Affordable Luxury" in a modern 4½ star, Boutique style hotel. The hotel features three types of excellent accommodation including the superbly appointed deluxe and executive rooms, and expansive suites. All rooms are complimented with the luxury features and facilities you would expect from any 5 star hotel, including; bath tubs, air conditioning, free In House Movies and Cable TV, modem access, 24 hr room service and reception, private balconies, Mini-bar and refrigerators. Hotel security is first class with single point key card entry, double locks, security viewers and exterior surveillance cameras. Also featured in our boutique style hotel is an extensive gymnasium, outdoor pool, guest laundry and undercover parking which makes the Quality Hotel Sheridan Plaza the obvious choice for the business person, holiday maker or travelling family. Tradewinds Esplanade Hotel: Rydges Tradewinds Cairns is a 4.5 Star Hotel for reef and rainforest discovery, ideally located on the Cairns Esplanade overlooking the Coral Sea. Rydges Tradewinds is just a few minutes walk along the Esplanade Boardwalk to the Cairns lagoon precinct, City Centre, Restaurants, shopping and departure points for the Great Barrier Reef. The hotel is just 6kms from the Cairns Domestic and International Airport. The hotel offers a range of accommodation options to suit everyone, from the corporate traveller to families. Dine inside or poolside in the tropical ambience of Latitude 137 Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy a cool drink on the deck of E Bar whilst watching the birdlife and sunset over the Esplanade waterfront. Cascade Gardens: These modern and stylish apartments cater for all guests and have proven popular with visitors to Tropical North Queensland. Here you can enjoy all that Cairns has to offer in convenient, comfortable and quality accommodation. The Esplanade is one block away and the city centre is just a 10 minute walk. Cairns is a sun and thrill seekers paradise and is the gateway to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. From snorkeling, to white water rafting, four wheel driving to exploring the rainforests, Cairns offers a plethora of attractions and activities. The city boasts a range of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries. Activities and facilities in Cairns are endless and include exceptional golf courses, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and for adventure seekers, scuba diving, sailing and safari tours. Kuranda Resort and Spa: Reflecting the essence of the world heritage Barron Gorge National Park, Kuranda Resort and Spa will remind you what it is to truly relax and unwind. Revitalize your soul amidst the tranquil surroundings, rejuvenate your body with luxurious Day Spa treatments and enjoy the tropical ambience of Northern Queensland. Kuranda Resort and Spa combines relaxation with adventure with a range of tour options. Ride the Skyrail, sail out to the Great Barrier Reef, experience the thrill of extreme White Water Rafting, or simply marvel at the beauty of the world's oldest rainforest, the Daintree.
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