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Kuranda Koala Gardens
























































Top things to do in Cairns

What makes this park worth your time

Kuranda Koala Gardens sits under the leafy roof of the Kuranda Heritage Markets, so rain and heat stay outside while you explore. In one short loop, you’ll see koalas, wallabies, quokkas, crocs, and more—all on flat, stroller-friendly boardwalks.

Keepers run talks and feedings every 30 minutes; you’ll hear real conservation facts while snapping close-up photos. Most guests need 30–40 minutes for a full walk-through, then head next door to Birdworld or the Butterfly Sanctuary.

When you’re done, hop back on the Skyrail or heritage train and reach Cairns without breaking a sweat. In short, easy access and close wildlife, which are perfect for families and day trips.

Need-to-know essentials

Opening Hours

The park opens from 9:30am–4pm daily and closes only on Christmas Day. Last entry is 3:30pm so staff can close down safely. Koala photo tickets stop selling around 3pm. Early mornings beat the bus crowds; late afternoons feel cooler and calmer, great for little kids.

Average Visit Time

Most visitors spend 25–40 minutes looking around. Add 15 minutes if you’ve booked a koala photo. Even with extras, you’ll still finish in half a day, leaving room for lunch or a Skyrail ride back to Cairns.

Best Time to Visit

Koalas wake up for feedings around 10–11am and again at 2:30pm. Visit during those windows for munching action. If you’d rather avoid crowds, arrive before 10am or after 3pm when tour buses have moved on.

How to Get There

Skyrail drops you three minutes downhill; follow the painted koala pawprints. Kuranda Scenic Railway station is a five-minute walk uphill. Driving from Cairns takes about 40 minutes up Kuranda Range Road—park free opposite the markets, but arrive before 11am in school holidays to find a spot.

Meet the Animals

Koalas

  • The resident koalas rotate between snoozing on branches and the photo perch.
  • During each session, you’ll hold one for about 30 seconds while a keeper snaps multiple shots.
  • Between sessions, they rest at eye level—ideal for phone photos without zoom.

Wallabies & Pademelons

  • Walk right into their grassy pen and offer grain from low feeders.
  • Rangers remind you to keep your fingers flat and never give bread.
  • You can also spot tiny heads peeking from pouches.

Quokkas

  • These smiling marsupials are rare on the mainland but easy to meet here.
  • Keepers hand out sweet-potato cubes and answer quick questions.
  • Stay a beat longer to catch their trademark cheeky grins up close.

Monitors & Lizards

  • Blue-tongued lizards and Rough Knob-Tailed Geckos lounge under or near the rocks.
  • Morning sun (Jun-Aug) is prime basking time, with bright colours showing up nicely in photos.
  • Chats with the keeper will explain shedding and diet.

Possums & Gliders

  • Dim lighting flips the clock so sugar gliders and ringtail possums stay lively by day.
  • Pause quietly: you might hear the soft swoop of a glider crossing its enclosure—an unusual daytime sight.

Hands-On Moments

Koala Photo
Book ahead, scan your QR at the photo hut, and hold a fluffy koala for half a minute while a ranger takes the perfect shot. Digital images reach your inbox before you exit, so you can share them on the spot.

Wallaby Feeding
Pick up a seed cone, crouch low, and let wallabies nibble from your palm. Rangers show safe hand positions and remind you not to touch joeys. Early afternoon is the calmest for little kids and clear photos.

Reptile Meet-and-Greet
Pop-up demos let you stroke a small python while keepers bust common myths. Sessions are brief and friendly—great for guests who want to overcome a reptile worry in a controlled setting.

Getting to Kuranda Koala Gardens

Trains leave Cairns Central at 8:30am and 9:30am. The heritage ride takes just under two hours, ending five minutes uphill from the gardens. Book the 3:30pm return if you want time for the Butterfly Sanctuary.

Read more on Getting to Kuranda from Cairns>

Ride above the canopy in 1 hour and 30 minutes, including two scenic stops—Red Peak and Barron Falls. Kuranda terminal sits on Coondoo Street; take a three-minute downhill walk to the market entrance.

From Cairns, it takes 40 minutes by car. Free shaded parking opposite the markets fills by 11am during school breaks, so start early if you need a spot to park your car.

Accessibility & Facilities

  • Wheelchair users can access the full loop on gentle slopes.
  • Public accessible toilets—both with change tables.
  • Certified service or assistance dogs are not allowed inside.

Frequently asked questions

Can everyone hold a koala?

Yes. In Queensland, rules permit you to hold a koala for about 30 seconds under keeper supervision.

Do I need to pre-book koala photos?

Booking online is best—weekends and holidays sell out early. Walk-ins buy leftover slots at the photo desk.

Is the park good in the wet season?

Yes. The whole loop is under a solid roof, and the boardwalks stay slip-resistant. Showers often mean smaller crowds.

Can I pair the visit with Skyrail or the train?

Yes, the rail-and-wildlife or Skyrail and other combos sync along with departure times, so you won’t miss your ride.

Are pets allowed?

Only certified service animals. Reception gives a route map that skips reptile and nocturnal zones for safety.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.