Can you hold or take photos with a koala at Kuranda Koala Gardens?

Koala photo experiences are available at an additional cost and are subject to animal welfare guidelines and availability on the day. These sessions let you get close to a koala while supporting conservation and animal care programs.

How long does it take to visit Kuranda Koala Gardens?

Most visitors spend around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours exploring the park. You can easily combine it with other Kuranda attractions like Birdworld, the Butterfly Sanctuary, or a Skyrail and Scenic Railway rainforest day trip.

What is the best time to visit Kuranda Koala Gardens?

Late morning can be busy when tour buses arrive, so visiting before 10am or after mid-afternoon is quieter. Arriving early also improves your chances of seeing animals active and avoiding queues.

Is Kuranda Koala Gardens suitable for kids and strollers?

Yes. The park is compact, flat, and stroller-friendly, making it ideal for families with young children. Educational signage and close-up animal viewing make it engaging for kids.

Are combo tickets worth it?

Combo tickets bundling Kuranda Koala Gardens with Birdworld Kuranda, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, or Skyrail and Scenic Railway are great value if you want a full rainforest experience and to save on separate bookings.

Is Kuranda Koala Gardens wheelchair accessible?

Kuranda Koala Gardens is wheelchair accessible, with mostly flat pathways and easy-to-navigate exhibits. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs can move comfortably through the compact park layout.

Are food and drinks allowed inside the park?

Small personal items like water bottles are generally fine, but large outside meals may be restricted. Cafés and food options are available in Kuranda Village nearby, making it easy to grab lunch before or after your visit.

Can kids interact with animals at Kuranda Koala Gardens?

Children can get close to animals like kangaroos and wallabies and enjoy educational talks. Some interactive experiences, such as koala photos, may have age or supervision requirements for safety and animal welfare.

Is Kuranda Koala Gardens ethical and focused on conservation?

Yes. The park follows strict animal welfare guidelines and supports conservation and education programs. Staff provide educational talks to raise awareness about Australian wildlife and habitat protection.

Are there guided tours at Kuranda Koala Gardens?

The park is primarily self-guided, but keepers offer scheduled wildlife talks and presentations that provide insights into animal behavior, conservation, and care.

What animals can you see at Kuranda Koala Gardens?

You can see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, freshwater crocodiles, reptiles, snakes, lizards, and nocturnal animals in the Nocturnal Wonders exhibit.

Is Kuranda Koala Gardens suitable for a quick stop?

Yes. The compact size makes it ideal for a short visit, especially if you’re combining it with Skyrail, Scenic Railway, or other Kuranda attractions in a half-day trip.

Do tickets include entry to Birdworld Kuranda or the Butterfly Sanctuary?

Standard tickets only include Kuranda Koala Gardens entry. However, combo passes are available that bundle Birdworld Kuranda and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary for added savings.

Kuranda Koala Gardens Tickets | Entry & Wildlife Combo Passes

Kuranda Koala Gardens tickets: Native wildlife encounters & rainforest exhibits

Access included: General admission covers entry to Kuranda Koala Gardens, with koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, reptiles, freshwater crocodiles, and nocturnal animals in themed exhibits.
Zones & highlights: Aussie Bush Collection, Nocturnal Wonders exhibit, koala habitats, reptile and crocodile areas, plus flat, stroller-friendly pathways inside the Kuranda Heritage Markets.
Wildlife experiences: Daily keeper talks and feedings, with optional koala or python photo experiences (extra cost, limited slots). Learn about native species and conservation efforts.
Ways to explore: Follow compact rainforest-style loop paths, explore themed exhibits, and combine your visit with Birdworld Kuranda or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary nearby.
Queues & timing: Busiest late morning with tour groups. Visit before 10am or after 3pm for fewer crowds. Last entry is around 3:30–4pm, with closing at 4pm.
Best upgrades: Save with a Kuranda Wildlife combo ticket (Koala Gardens + Birdworld + Butterfly Sanctuary), upgrade with Scenic Railway and Skyrail transport tickets, or add a koala photo experience for a memorable encounter.

What to expect at Kuranda Koala Gardens

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Boutique rainforest wildlife park

Explore a compact wildlife park inside the Kuranda Heritage Markets precinct, home to koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, reptiles, freshwater crocodiles, and nocturnal marsupials in themed habitats.

Signature koala encounters

Meet one of Australia’s most iconic animals and learn about koala conservation, behaviour, and habitat from keepers. Optional souvenir photos with koalas or reptiles are available for an extra fee.

Nocturnal & native species exhibits

Explore specialised areas like the Nocturnal Wonders exhibit, reptile enclosures, and crocodile lagoon, offering a closer look at unique Australian wildlife rarely seen during the day.

Family-friendly walkways

Flat, stroller-friendly paths make it easy to explore with kids, while the compact loop layout means you can see most animals in under an hour.

Keeper talks & education

Regular keeper presentations and feeding sessions add context to the animal displays, focusing on native species, ecology, and conservation stories.

Easy combos with nearby attractions

Combine your visit with Birdworld Kuranda or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in the same precinct, or bundle tickets with the Scenic Railway and Skyrail for a seamless rainforest day trip.

Things to know before booking your Kuranda Koala Gardens tickets

Location: Kuranda Koala Gardens is located in the Kuranda Heritage Markets, about 25 km northwest of Cairns. It’s easy to reach by car, taxi, or as part of a Scenic Railway and Skyrail day trip to Kuranda Village.
Weather: Kuranda has a tropical rainforest climate, so expect warm temperatures and occasional showers year-round. Visit in the morning for cooler weather and more active animals. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and light rain protection.
Accessibility: The park is compact and stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, with flat loop pathways and easy viewing areas. It’s suitable for seniors, families with kids, and visitors with limited mobility.
Ticket options: General admission gives access to all animal exhibits, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, reptiles, freshwater crocodiles, and nocturnal animals. Upgrade to a Kuranda Wildlife combo ticket to include Birdworld Kuranda and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, or book a Scenic Railway and Skyrail combo ticket for transport plus park entry. Optional koala photo experiences can be added for an extra fee.
Combo tickets: Multi-attraction passes bundle Kuranda Koala Gardens with Birdworld Kuranda and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, offering better value for travellers exploring Kuranda Village in one day. Scenic Railway and Skyrail combos are ideal for a seamless rainforest and wildlife itinerary.
Seasonal points: Kuranda Koala Gardens operates year-round, with shorter opening hours in winter. Animal activity can vary by season, so early visits are recommended for the best viewing.

Your guide to Kuranda Koala Gardens tickets

Ticket type	Entrance used	Includes	Why pick this	Price from
Standard entry	Main entrance	Entry to Kuranda Koala Gardens, all exhibits & scheduled keeper talks	First-time visitors, quick wildlife visit (1–2 hours)	AU$22
Triple Wildlife Pass (all 3 attractions)	Each venue entrance	Koala Gardens + Birdworld + Butterfly Sanctuary	Full Kuranda wildlife experience, biggest savings	AU$62
Scenic Railway & Skyrail + Kuranda Koala Gardens combo	Transport terminals + park entrance	Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Scenic Railway, self-guided tour of Kuranda Village and Koala Gardens entry	Full rainforest day trip with transport included	AU$190

Inside Kuranda Koala Gardens: Zones & habitats

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Aussie bush collection

This is the heart of the park, showcasing iconic Australian wildlife in naturalistic bushland habitats. Expect to see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, freshwater crocodiles, and reptiles, with informative displays about their habitats and conservation.

Koala habitats & encounters area

Dedicated koala enclosures let you observe Australia’s most famous marsupial up close. Learn about their diet, behaviour, and conservation challenges, and join an optional koala photo experience for a memorable wildlife encounter (extra cost).

Nocturnal wonders exhibit

Step into a darkened environment to explore Australia’s nocturnal animals, including marsupials and reptiles that are rarely seen during the day. This immersive exhibit highlights how native species adapt to nighttime living.

Reptile & crocodile lagoon

See freshwater crocodiles, snakes, and lizards in purpose-built enclosures designed to mimic tropical habitats. Educational signage and keeper insights explain their role in Australia’s ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Kuranda Heritage Market setting

Kuranda Koala Gardens is located within the Kuranda Heritage Markets precinct, surrounded by cafés, souvenir shops, and local stalls. It’s easy to combine your wildlife visit with lunch, shopping, or nearby attractions like Birdworld Kuranda and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Don’t miss: Animal encounters & keeper-led moments at Kuranda Koala Gardens

Koala photo encounter

Timings: Throughout the day (limited slots)
Location: Koala habitat area
What to expect: Get up close with Australia’s iconic koalas and capture a souvenir photo while gently patting one. Keepers share insights about koala behaviour, diet, and conservation during the session. (Photo experience available at an extra cost and subject to availability.)

Python handling experience

Timings: Selected times daily
Location: Reptile area
What to expect: Hold a friendly python under keeper supervision and learn about Australia’s native reptiles, their habitats, and the role they play in the ecosystem. A popular interactive photo opportunity for adventurous visitors.

Aussie Bush Collection keeper talk

Timings: Scheduled talks throughout the day
Location: Aussie Bush Collection exhibit
What to expect: Learn about native Australian marsupials and reptiles such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and freshwater crocodiles. Keepers explain species behaviour, survival traits, and conservation challenges.

Nocturnal Wonders exhibit tour

Timings: Regularly throughout the day
Location: Nocturnal Wonders house
What to expect: Explore the fascinating world of nocturnal marsupials like gliders and possums in a low-light setting designed to mimic nighttime conditions, with informative commentary from staff.

Kangaroo & wallaby feeding

Timings: Ongoing during opening hours
Location: Free-roaming marsupial enclosure
What to expect: Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and observe their social behaviour up close in a relaxed garden setting—perfect for photos and family-friendly interaction.

Animals to keep an eye out for

Koala

The star attraction, seen lounging in eucalyptus trees. Kuranda Koala Gardens focuses on education and conservation, with opportunities to learn about their unique diet and slow-moving lifestyle.

Kangaroo standing on grass at Hartleys Crocodile Adventures, Queensland.

Swamp wallaby standing on grass in natural habitat.

Wombat grazing in Kuranda Rainforest, Australia.

Long-nosed potoroo foraging near a food bowl in a natural setting.

Visiting Kuranda Koala Gardens with kids?

Kuranda Koala Gardens is a family-friendly wildlife park set in a tropical rainforest village, giving children a chance to see Australia’s iconic animals up close in a safe and educational environment. The compact layout and flat pathways make it easy to explore with strollers, and the park is located inside the Kuranda Heritage Markets with cafés and shaded areas nearby—ideal for a relaxed family day out.

Kid-friendly features include:

Close-up native animals: Children can see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, freshwater crocodiles, reptiles, and turtles at close range, with educational signage explaining their habitats and behaviour.
Koala photo experience: Families can book an optional koala photo session, where kids can briefly hold a koala under keeper supervision and take home a professional souvenir photo (extra cost).
Nocturnal Wonders exhibit: A darkened exhibit introduces children to Australia’s nocturnal animals, helping them learn how wildlife adapts to nighttime environments.
Educational talks & keeper insights: Regular keeper presentations share fun facts about Australian animals, conservation, and rainforest ecosystems—engaging for both kids and adults.
Easy-to-navigate paths: Short loop walkways and compact exhibits make the park ideal for younger children with limited walking stamina.
Family-friendly facilities nearby: The surrounding Kuranda Heritage Markets offer toilets, cafés, souvenir shops, and shaded seating areas, perfect for breaks between wildlife viewing.

Plan your visit

Kuranda Scenic Railway winding through lush rainforest in Queensland.

Opening hours: Daily from around 9:30am to 4:00pm (last entry typically in the late afternoon; hours may vary seasonally).
Best times to visit: To avoid crowds, visit before 10:00am or after 2:30–3:00pm, as tour groups arrive late morning via Scenic Railway and Skyrail. The cooler months (April–October) are ideal for walking around Kuranda Village, but the park is open year-round.

Kuranda Skyrail gliding over rainforest and waterfall in Cairns, Australia.

Address: 2/4 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda QLD 4881, Australia. Find on Maps.

By car: Drive from Cairns (approx. 30–40 minutes) via the Kuranda Range Road. Parking is available in Kuranda Village, with short walks to the markets precinct.
By Scenic Railway: Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns Central Station to Kuranda Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the markets and Koala Gardens.
By Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Ride the Skyrail from Smithfield to Kuranda Terminal, then walk or take a short shuttle to Kuranda Village.
By taxi / transfer: Private transfers and taxis operate from Cairns and Port Douglas, offering direct drop-off at Kuranda Village.

Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.

Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available within the Kuranda Heritage Markets precinct.
Cafés, food stalls, and souvenir shops are located directly outside the park entrance, ideal for meals and breaks.
Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly paths are available inside the park, with flat loop walkways and close-up viewing points.
Shaded seating areas and rest spots are available throughout the market area.

Woman smiling at ducks by a pond at Birdworld Kuranda.

Arrive early: Morning visits are quieter and animals are often more active before midday heat.
Combine attractions: Pair Koala Gardens with Birdworld Kuranda and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary for a full wildlife day.
Book transport combos: Scenic Railway and Skyrail combo tickets offer the easiest way to reach Kuranda without driving.
Allow 45–90 minutes: Most visitors spend around an hour in the park; plan 2–4 hours total if exploring Kuranda Village.
Check koala photo availability: Koala photo sessions have limited slots and can sell out—pre-booking is recommended.

Know the rules" written on a chalkboard.

All visitors must follow staff instructions and safety signage.
Respect the animals: do not feed, touch, or disturb them unless supervised by keepers.
Outside food and drinks are generally not allowed inside animal enclosures.
No pets are allowed (except registered service animals).
Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated areas within the markets precinct.
Flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibits, especially nocturnal animal areas.
During koala photo experiences, follow keeper instructions as handling time is limited for animal welfare.

About Kuranda Koala Gardens

Timings

Plan Your Visit

Frequently asked questions about Kuranda Koala Gardens tickets

General admission includes entry to Kuranda Koala Gardens and access to all animal exhibits, including koala habitats, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, reptiles, crocodiles, and the Nocturnal Wonders exhibit. Visitors can explore the compact rainforest-style park at their own pace.

Gasp at this remarkable boutique wildlife attraction that showcases a wide range of Australia’s amazing native animals.
From the cute and furry gliders to the ever-energetic kangaroos, to the terrifying Pythons, you’ll see them all.
Smile and wave at koalas, quokkas, wallabies, wombats, lizards, freshwater crocs, possums, turtles, and then some.
Visit the recently-opened Aussie Bush Collection that exhibits a combo of harmoniously-living marsupials and reptiles.
At the exhibit for nocturnal animals, get up close to some of the night-loving marsupials like the rare Mahogany glider or the greater Bilby.
Have your picture taken as you pat a cute and cuddly koala. Cuddling a koala is temporarily unavailable (due to the recent pandemic).

Inclusions #

Admission into Kuranda Koala Gardens

Infants aged 3 and below go free. Children aged 4-15 enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tip: Try and make some time for a visit to the Kuranda Markets for handmade crafts, Aboriginal art, local produce, and more.
Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility.

Inclusions #

Entry to Kuranda Koala Gardens
Entry to Birdworld Kuranda
Entry to Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

All-in-one Cairns day trip: wildlife encounters, heritage rail & Skyrail adventure.

Everything you get at Kuranda Koala Gardens: Entry to the wildlife park with koalas, wallabies, wombats, gliders, reptiles, and more. Enjoy the boutique rainforest village, with the option to meet and pat a koala (extra cost).
Everything you get at Scenic Train & Skyrail Self-Guided Tour: Ride the heritage Kuranda Scenic Railway through rainforest, mountains, and tunnels. Glide above the treetops on Skyrail for panoramic views, and explore Kuranda village at your own pace.
Why choose this combo: Perfect for a stress-free Cairns day trip, this combo lets you experience the region’s best wildlife and rainforest highlights without planning multiple bookings or transport — all seamlessly in one adventure.

Inclusions #

Kuranda Koala Gardens

Entry to Kuranda Koala Gardens

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

Kuranda Scenic Train ticket
Skyrail Cableway ticket
Round-trip coach transfer from Skyrail Terminal
Free time in Kuranda Village

What to bring

Kuranda Koala Gardens

Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle and a light jacket.

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle and a light jacket for the train journey.

What’s not allowed

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the Scenic Railway or Skyrail. Smoking is prohibited in all transport vehicles and station areas.

Accessibility

Kuranda Koala Gardens

The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

The experience is wheelchair accessible.
Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.

Additional information

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.
This tour does not include hotel transfers and is for self-drive travelers. Guests must drive to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal and park their car at Skyrail Smithfield Terminal before taking a bus transfer to Freshwater Station.
The Scenic Train takes approximately 2 hours, while the Skyrail journey takes around 1.5 hours, including stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls.
Kuranda attractions (wildlife parks, markets, and other experiences) are not included and can be purchased separately upon arrival.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Gasp at this remarkable boutique wildlife attraction that showcases a wide range of Australia’s amazing native animals.
From the cute and furry gliders to the ever-energetic kangaroos, to the terrifying Pythons, you’ll see them all.
Smile and wave at koalas, quokkas, wallabies, wombats, lizards, freshwater crocs, possums, turtles, and then some.
Visit the recently-opened Aussie Bush Collection that exhibits a combo of harmoniously-living marsupials and reptiles.
At the exhibit for nocturnal animals, get up close to some of the night-loving marsupials like the rare Mahogany glider or the greater Bilby.
Have your picture taken as you pat a cute and cuddly koala. Cuddling a koala is temporarily unavailable (due to the recent pandemic).

Inclusions #

Admission into Kuranda Koala Gardens

Infants aged 3 and below go free. Children aged 4-15 enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tip: Try and make some time for a visit to the Kuranda Markets for handmade crafts, Aboriginal art, local produce, and more.
Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility.

Inclusions #

Entry to Kuranda Koala Gardens
Entry to Birdworld Kuranda
Entry to Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

All-in-one Cairns day trip: wildlife encounters, heritage rail & Skyrail adventure.

Everything you get at Kuranda Koala Gardens: Entry to the wildlife park with koalas, wallabies, wombats, gliders, reptiles, and more. Enjoy the boutique rainforest village, with the option to meet and pat a koala (extra cost).
Everything you get at Scenic Train & Skyrail Self-Guided Tour: Ride the heritage Kuranda Scenic Railway through rainforest, mountains, and tunnels. Glide above the treetops on Skyrail for panoramic views, and explore Kuranda village at your own pace.
Why choose this combo: Perfect for a stress-free Cairns day trip, this combo lets you experience the region’s best wildlife and rainforest highlights without planning multiple bookings or transport — all seamlessly in one adventure.

Inclusions #

Kuranda Koala Gardens

Entry to Kuranda Koala Gardens

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

Kuranda Scenic Train ticket
Skyrail Cableway ticket
Round-trip coach transfer from Skyrail Terminal
Free time in Kuranda Village

What to bring

Kuranda Koala Gardens

Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle and a light jacket.

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle and a light jacket for the train journey.

What’s not allowed

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the Scenic Railway or Skyrail. Smoking is prohibited in all transport vehicles and station areas.

Accessibility

Kuranda Koala Gardens

The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

The experience is wheelchair accessible.
Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.

Additional information

Scenic Train & Skyrail self-guided Kuranda tour

The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.
This tour does not include hotel transfers and is for self-drive travelers. Guests must drive to Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal and park their car at Skyrail Smithfield Terminal before taking a bus transfer to Freshwater Station.
The Scenic Train takes approximately 2 hours, while the Skyrail journey takes around 1.5 hours, including stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls.
Kuranda attractions (wildlife parks, markets, and other experiences) are not included and can be purchased separately upon arrival.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tickets