Cuddle a koala, catch a monster of a fish and so much more in Cairns and the surrounding Tablelands areas.
Kuranda
Birdworld Kuranda
Location: Heritage Markets, Kuranda QLD 4881
How to get there: Birdworld Kuranda is easily located by foot or car, in the Kuranda Heritage Markets on Rob Veivers Drive. Free shuttle buses are available from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
What You Can Enjoy
Join the friendly wildlife at Birdworld Kuranda in their beautiful rainforest habitat. Explore the natural setting, scattered with waterfalls, ponds and exotic and native plants.
Enjoy getting up close and personal with Amazonian macaws, the endangered and regal cassowary, rainbow lorikeets, galahs, cockatoos and many more. When we say up close and personal, we mean it! You may find yourself traveling with a friendly bird on your shoulder throughout the park.
For more information on opening hours, ticket prices and everything you need to know about Birdworld Kuranda, visit their website.
Kuranda Koala Gardens
Location: Heritage Markets, Kuranda QLD 4881
How to get there: Conveniently located next door to Birdworld Kuranda, free shuttle buses to the Kuranda Koala Gardens depart every 15 minutes from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway.
What You Can Enjoy
Visit the gorgeous koalas at the Kuranda Koala Gardens and watch them eat and sleep—what koalas do best. Get up close and personal with a cuddle and don’t forget to take home a photo of your encounter!
While visiting the gardens, see other Australian wildlife, such as wombats, kangaroos, crocodiles and snakes, as well as wander the pioneer history display.
For more information on the Kuranda Koala Gardens, visit their website.
Lake Tinaroo
Also known as Tinaroo Dam, Lake Tinaroo is a man-made reservoir in the Atherton Tablelands. Lake Tinaroo has many access points, and is about a 1 hour and 27 minute drive from Cairns.
Barramundi Fishing
Location: Lake Tinaroo, Queensland
For information regarding getting there and charters, visit fishingcairns.com.au.
If you are looking for a fish that puts up a fight, Lake Tinaroo is abundant with fat, thriving Barramundi that love to challenge avid fishermen.
The barramundi here are regularly caught at 50lbs (about 22.5kg), but tend to be difficult to catch during the colder months. It is recommended you come and enjoy the surrounding mountain views and epic fishing adventures during the warmer seasons.
There is no maximum to catch size, however there is a minimum size of 58cm. A limit of 5 fish per person applies, and any fish caught between the 1st November and 1st February must be taken to an approved tagging station (as at 2015). For the rest of the year, fish over 120cm must be tagged.
Rainforests & Waterfalls
The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit
The Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia. Take the in the breathtaking and serene area, or take a swim in the water. The site has a barbecue, picnic facilities, changing rooms and toilets.
Danbulla National Park
Take a scenic drive along the 28km Danbulla Road, or walk through the rainforest to and see if you can spy a possum or some of the beautiful butterflies.
One of the highlights of the Danbulla National Park is the Cathedral Fig Tree. At the eastern end of Danbulla Road, this impressive strangler fig is a must see!
