With a population of 24, the relaxing atmosphere of this coastal community makes Ellis Beach the perfect relaxation location. Featuring beautiful pumice-filled shorelines, Ellis Beach offers a beachfront caravan park and a popular bar and grill restaurant. The local surf lifesaving club also regularly hosts competitions and events along the beach.
A stinger net patrolled by the club is in place during the summer months. Swim only when the beach is patrolled by a lifeguard and follow safety instructions and signage
Marlin Coast Diving offers a range of certification courses based on DDI (Disabled Divers International) protocols. The core teaching agency standards we use are SDI (Sport Divers International) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors).
Their vision is to be the Centre of Excellence for accessible diving. Marlin Coast Diving's mission is to open the wonder of SCUBA diving to individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and allow them to participate in underwater activities.
Step into the tranquillity of Annie's at the Beach and browse the extensive range of cool cottons, comfortable linens, silk-wear and beach style clothing, synonymous with the Palm Cove lifestyle.
With an emphasis on timeless wear-ability, you will find a celebration of niche labels in a wide range of colours, styles and sizes. The friendly yet unobtrusive staff at Annie's are always available to ensure you select the perfect outfit.
But its not all about the ladies. Annie's at the Beach also stocks quality menswear, swimwear, children's swimwear and accessories that you don't see everywhere. With such a wide selection, you are sure to leave with a smile on your face as beautiful as the new outfit in your bag.
Tropical Cove is Palm Cove's community-driven shop for local gifts, wellness, and pet lovers, created with the region's own artisans and makers.
Visitors can browse a curated range of locally made goods and quality pet products, book on-site remedial massage or lymphatic drainage, or have a special find personalised with engraving.
It is an easy, relaxed stop to experience the spirit of Palm Cove and take a piece of it home from Tropical North Queensland.
Discover a welcoming art studio overlooking the ocean in the heart of Palm Cove.
Little Green Bicycle Art Studio and Shop is the creative workspace of local artist Natalie Lorentzen, offering original artwork, creative gifts, and small-group watercolour workshops.
Natalie's work includes original watercolour paintings, limited edition fine art prints, drawings and illustrations, hand-printed block prints, handmade ceramics, greeting cards, and more — all made in the Palm Cove studio.
Shop online or visit in person to browse the collection, pick up a gift, or join a class. It's the perfect way to unwind, connect, and take home a handmade memory of Tropical North Queensland.
Carrowong Sanctuary is a 90 acre pristine property completely surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforest. This unlogged rainforest gives guests a unique experience to enjoy a pristine area. They have no cages or fences, rainforest life is free to roam.
Endangered, rare and vulnerable species include the southern cassowary, musky rat kangaroo, red legged pademelon, northern platypus, pogonomys, antechinus, hydromys, green, striped and pygmy possums and more. Around 130 bird species exist here together with 15 notable reptiles. Flora is unique, with species like Macintyres Boxwood, Licuala Palms, and Plalcospermum.
Roads and walking tracks have been constructed to limit the removal of old growth forest, and avoid soil erosion, and impeded drainage. Power is generated from the sun and eco-sensitive composting toilets are used.
Their original wildlife tours continue to lead the way in rainforest eco-tourism. Carrowong's Wildlife Mountain Safari concentrates on rare and endangered mammals of the night. A Night in the Rainforest, their nocturnal spotlighting walk, reveals the bio-diversity of these ancient rainforests.
Carrowong Fauna Sanctuary is privately funded, locally owned and dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of native rainforest wildlife. All tours are led by local wildlife specialists.
Nestled amongst Lush Rainforest on the top of the mountains is the quaint village of Kuranda. Their unique store Zaphire full of eclectic treasures is a short walk from both the Historic Kuranda train station and Award winning Skyrail experience.
Enjoy a memorable shopping experience with their friendly and helpful local staff with offerings for the whole family, young and old. Their colourful and exclusive range encompasses Women, Mens and Kids clothing. They also have homewares, hats, jewellery, accessories and much more. You are sure to find a memorable keepsake from a fun day enjoying all the township has to offer. Great for interesting and unusual gifts for the loved ones back home.
Art of ION is a boutique gallery and retail space in Kuranda showcasing the original artworks and creative expressions of Imogen O'Neil.
The shop features a distinctive collection of paintings, prints, quality wearable art, home decor and curated pieces inspired by native Australian wildlife, nature, energy and conscious living.
Visitors can explore unique, art-driven gifts and keepsakes that are borne of local talent and not mass-produced, in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Art of ION offers an intimate opportunity to experience the artist's work and take home something truly meaningful from Kuranda.
ceti’s bath shop is a local business in Kuranda. They specialize in their own brand of natural bath and skincare products.
Everything is handmade with love and care, with original recipes developed over the past 25 years. The products – such as vegetable oil soap, bath salts, body scrub, face masks, lotions and more – are made using premium ingredients, making them gentle on your skin and for the environment.
ceti products will make you feel beautiful and pampered every day.
Established in 1959 to showcase and promote the many distinctive kinds of honey from North Queensland, Honey House Kuranda continues today to bring you the pick of the area's famous varietal honey.
Enjoy watching bees make honey in their glass-fronted observation hive. Sample their seasonal kinds of honey at the tasting bar. Ask the resident beekeeper, Trish, all about the amazing world of the honeybee.
All Honey House Kuranda honey is sourced locally, direct from their apiaries and from reputable local beekeepers. Each harvest is individually cold-extracted and hand-bottled, so every purchase is unique.
The region is home to the widest variety of flora in Australia – perfect for keeping the bees happy and your tastebuds tantalised with new varieties all year round!
All their honey is personally selected for quality and taste and sold with a smile by their knowledgeable hosts.
Honey House only offers Small Harvest RAW kinds of honey that retain the natural healing properties of their bees' hard work.
Kuranda Arts Co-op Limited is a not-for-profit organisation showcasing a wide variety of quality local artwork in many mediums from its members.
In 2021, the Arts Co-operative moved to a new location in the old Kuranda RSL building, and continues to promote local artists through networking, exhibitions and workshops.
The Kuranda Arts Co-operative had its beginnings in 1996 when a small group of experienced artists and craftspeople joined together in the Kuranda markets to support each other in the sale of their work.
The following year saw the opportunity to take up a large retail space in the main street, where work could be displayed in a gallery setting that more befitted the quality of the work than a market setting. This necessitated the formation of a more formalised legal entity and so the Kuranda Arts Co-operative Ltd came into being.
Over the past 25 years there have been many successes including major exhibitions at the Cairns Regional Gallery, Hobart University Visual Arts Department, facilitating displays for members work at the Sydney Gift Fair, being represented in trade displays for Tourism Qld and Tourism Australia in Singapore, major exhibitions at the Tableland Regional Gallery and numerous workshops on marketing and professional development. The Kuranda Arts Co-operative continues to operate as a support network for both fine art and craft artists.
This award-winning boutique-style wildlife experience, Kuranda Koala Gardens, is in Kuranda Village right at the Heritage Markets. This is the only place in Kuranda village where you can enjoy the 'Pat a Koala' opportunity. A fee applies and this includes a digital souvenir photo. Friendly python photo is also option for an extra cost.
Also visit Kuranda's only walk in Noctarium, called 'Nocturnal Wonders' and discover rare species including bettongs, bilbies and gliders. Meet tame wallabies, see wombats, freshwater crocodiles, lizards and more. Visit the 'Pioneer Display' that depicts some of the early history of the owners' family in the Kuranda region.
It's a great attraction for those with limited time in the region (if you have more time, they also recommend visits to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures). Kuranda Koala Gardens is also part of the 'Kuranda Wildlife Experience'. This combines Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
These are ideal for independent travellers and small groups.
An experience you'll remember for life. Immerse yourself in a land made of fairy wishes and learn the magic of nature in a tea party or magical quest with Fairy Jenny. Find adventure in a unique escape room style quest room to find the fairies by living in harmony with nature.
Didi La Baÿsse Art Studio & Gallery is a beautifully presented and delightful working studio with original paintings and unique 'Objets d'art' created on location by flamboyant Kuranda artist Didi La Baÿsse.
Meet the artist, art studio combined art gallery where you can admire and purchased original paintings directly from the artist - Didi La Baÿsse Art Studio & Gallery is the perfect place for you.
The gallery also features 'Haute Couture' from Leah Kelly by Design, artworks from local artisans. If you are looking for a unique souvenir, Australian Made gift or anything special, Didi's Art Studio and Gallery is a must see! Come in and enjoy.
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia. The all-weather attraction is home to over 1,200 butterflies.
Only a short walk from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway station, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is located in the heart of Kuranda. Experience the magic of butterflies fluttering all around by taking a stroll through the aviary's gardens and boardwalks.
Join a tour behind the scenes in the breeding laboratory, housing up to 4,000 caterpillars, or download a free audio tour. Learn more about these magical creatures with educational exhibits.
Observe a butterfly wing through a microscope, Silk Moth caterpillars, the massive Hercules Moth, and the insects in the Mini Beasts display. See through the eyes of a butterfly in the UV Room, explore food plants on the new walk, witness the butterfly lifecycle from eggs to daily aviary release and be amazed at butterflies from all over the globe in the museum displays.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in the North. 2500 metres of boardwalks where you can see an array of wildlife, including beautiful tropical birds, wallabies, reptiles, insects and more.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is now the largest wildlife attraction in Northern Australia and continues to be a ‘must do’ for locals, Australian visitors and overseas travellers.
Check out the website for a full list of daily activities (subject to change on the day).
Lagoon Boat Cruises depart frequently throughout the day. This is a fantastic time to see the wonderful Saltwater Crocodiles up nice and close.
Entry Conditions:
Children must be accompanied and actively supervised by a responsible adult.
Most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Amex).
Other entry conditions are stated at Reception and on their web page.
No concessions, reductions or discounts on the family rate.
Discounts are available for locals (with identification) and holders of some concessionary cards.
Local secret Wangetti Beach is just north of Palm Cove in Tropical North Queensland. Running from Slip Cliff Point to Red Cliff Point, the four kilometres of almost straight coastline has no facilities, with only a car park on either end of the beach and a stretch of highway connecting them.
When visiting Wangetti Beach, it is a must to stop by the southern end as this raw patch stunning and untouched coastline has been naturally eroded, leaving a quirky pebble stone covered section of the beach. You can build stone towers or try your hand at skipping the stones across the water, climb across and adventure through the pebbled mounts, or simply checkout the unique scenery.
With easy access from Palm Cove and a plethora of camping sites close by, Wangetti Beach offers fun, relaxation, and a great view of the entire beach from the northern lookouts.
Home to the largest single collection of free-flying birds in Australia, Birdworld Kuranda displays no less than 60 species of the most spectacular birds from all corners of the planet - as well as from the earth's fast-diminishing rainforests.
Visitors are free to wander through the lush, tropically landscaped aviary to observe the birds in their own specific - yet natural - habitats. Two lakes connected by a tumbling waterfall are home to waterbirds such as stilts, herons and Australia's own unique Black Swan.
In the rainforest canopy overhead, blue, gold and scarlet Macaws dazzle with colourful brilliance as they soar above the treetops. One outstanding Birdworld denizen not to be missed is that rare avian giant, the Southern Cassowary - 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 is a photographers paradise. (And without those barriers, visitors often find a feathered friend nestling on their shoulder - a golden photo opportunity!).
Located in Kuranda, a 35-minute drive from Cairns, Queensland, covering over 626 hectares and surrounded by tropical rainforest tablelands. A true working cattle station experience awaits.
KUR-Cow Farm has Ultimate Aussie Farm Experience and Adventure Options include:
Mini Animal Farm – With all the farm animals you’d expect plus more! Hands-on experience – hand-feed their poddy calves, pet their ponies and alpaca, etc.
Hayride – Enjoy their unique Hayride where you can hand-feed their gentle cattle, learn more about their varied range of beef cattle.
KUR-Cow Steak House – There are more than one signature dishes, such as Wagyu Steaks, and Wagyu Charcoal Barbecue. Also, enjoy overlooking a picturesque mountain range.
Horse Riding – Take a guided horse ride with their experienced handler around the KUR-Cow trail.
ATV – Quad Bike From beginner to experienced rider, their KUR-Cow quad bike leader will take you on a thrilling trail ride through the rainforest and the open plain.
Barron Falls (Djabugay: Din Din) is a dramatic rocky waterfall in the Barron River near Kuranda Village. During the wetter months of summer and autumn, the falls transform into a roaring spectacle, and the volumetric flow rate of water can reach almost 265,000-megalitres in a day
Barron Falls can be seen from the Din Din Barron Falls Lookout, which is reached via a short, wheel-chair accessible walkway. The Kuranda Scenic Railway stops at Barron Falls Station, giving guests a chance to hop off and enjoy views of the falls. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway soars directly over Barron Falls, giving a beautiful aerial perspective. It can also be viewed from Skyrail's The Edge lookout.
With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.
Locally owned and operated by the Woodward family since 1976, the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park is set amid World Heritage Tropical Rainforest, located only 30 minutes from Cairns and ten minutes from Kuranda Village.
Board an amphibious World War II Army Duck for a unique rainforest tour on land and water, while your driver identifies and introduces fascinating plants and wildlife. Then check out the Tropical Fruit Orchard, with over 40 different species of exotic tropical fruits.
Connect with local Indigenous culture in the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Watch the traditional dance performance in our Rainforest Amphitheatre and join the Dreamtime Walk to learn about hunting with spears and boomerangs, and how to play the didgeridoo. Enhance your Indigenous experience with the Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout, an intimate and interactive look into Indigenous cultures that takes you into the Rainforest.
Featuring wildlife presentations throughout the day, the Koala and Wildlife Park gives you the opportunity to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies and see the best of this region’s unique wildlife including Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo, Southern Cassowary, Saltwater Crocodiles, Tasmanian Devils, Dingoes, and a Wombat. Wildlife photos are also available.
Offering everything from barista coffees to fresh juices and tropical fruit ice creams, the fully licensed Treehouse Café is also a great choice for lunch, serving the Aussie BBQ Lunch daily.
Rugged rainforest-clad mountains and gorges, tumbling waterfalls, varied wildlife, easy access and a fascinating history make Barron Gorge National Park one of Queensland's most popular parks. The park extends from the coastal lowlands (Lake Placid) to the elevated regions of the Atherton Tableland (near Kuranda), and lies within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
The Barron River dominates the park. Rising from the rainforests of Mount Hypipamee, the river winds 60 kilometres across the Atherton Tableland and enters the deeply-incised Barron Gorge, where it falls 250 metres onto the coastal lowlands before flowing into the Coral Sea. Barron Falls is best viewed from the Din Din Barron Falls lookout near Kuranda.
The park is part of the traditional lands of the Djabuganydji Bama (local Aboriginal people) who maintain a close spiritual connection with this country. Their historic walking trails now form sections of an extensive network of walking tracks throughout the park.
Visit the upper sections of this park to view the scenic Barron Falls and stroll along an elevated walkway through the rainforest. Set out on one of the half or full-day walks on the extensive network of walking trails throughout the park.
Home to Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Event Cinemas, Dan Murphy's, Petbarn, the Smithfield Tavern, plus over 100 specialty and service retailers, Smithfield Shopping Centre is conveniently located in the heart of the Northern Beaches of Cairns, and is 15 kilometres north of Cairns International Airport.
It lies at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Atherton Tablelands and Port Douglas.
With a proud history of being a community hub, Smithfield offers shoppers access to fresh food, fashion and a focus on everyday needs in a convenient setting.
Smithfield is now home to a six screen Event Cinemas which is the ultimate experience for movie-goers plus the all new Casual Dining Precinct with family friendly casual dining restaurants including: Burger Urge, Burrito Bar, Rise and Bake Creperie and Lone Star Rib House.
Cairns Wake Park offers a unique watersport experience for the adventure seeker. A man-made freshwater lake offers wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and waterskiing for beginners through to advanced riders. An open view terrace and deck area with chairs and tables, a cafe with great burgers, coffee, drinks or even a beer, invite you to relax and let the day go by.
Cairns Aqua Park provides fun for the individual or the whole family. An inflatable playground ideal for anyone wanting to get wet and get active! Great for birthdays, team bonding and group bookings.
A beach with umbrellas, barbecue areas and a small swimming lagoon for their youngest visitors contribute to the inviting atmosphere. Stay for an hour or the whole day - you'll love it!
Located at the bottom of the Kuranda Range, situated next to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns Wake Park and Aqua Park is easily accessible by car or local transport. The cable park is on the main route to the Northern Beaches and Port Douglas.
Cairns Wake Park - "Anyone can do it - Everybody is doing it".
