Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary | Discover Ulysses Butterfly

The Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary offers visitors an enchanting experience as they step into a world filled with vibrant butterflies and lush tropical landscapes. Its dedication to conservation and education, along with its array of exciting features and exhibits, make it a unique and inspiring destination for nature lovers and families alike, especially when you’re taking a journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Quick Facts about Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary

Official name: Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Address: 8 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda QLD 4881, Australia
Year of opening: 1987
Collection size: 1500
Function: Butterfly conservation, education, and research centre
Guinness Book of Records: Australia’s largest butterfly aviary

Why Visit Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary?

Largest butterfly sanctuary: Experience Australia's largest butterfly sanctuary, housing thousands of native Australian butterflies.
Unique species: Spot standout species like the Ulysses butterfly and Cairns Birdwing butterfly in their natural habitat.
Educational experience: Learn about the entire butterfly life cycle, from eggs to caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult.
Butterfly breeding: Discover the sanctuary's commitment to conservation and education in their butterfly breeding laboratory.
Family fun: Enjoy a perfect day out with kids and nature lovers, witnessing the enchanting world of butterflies up close.

Plan Your Visit to Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary

The Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary is open to visitors every day.

Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Best Time to Visit: To get the most out of your visit to the sanctuary and enjoy seeing the butterflies at their most active, try visiting on a sunny day, as butterflies are more likely to take flight in favourable weather conditions.

Address: 8 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda QLD 4881, Australia. Find on Maps

The Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary is situated in the picturesque village of Kuranda, Cairns, and can be easily accessed via the Kuranda Scenic Railway or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary Highlights

The Main Aviary

The Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary's main attraction is its walk-through butterfly aviary, which houses thousands of native Australian butterflies. Wander through this stunning, tropical environment filled with waterfalls, ponds, and exotic plants while getting close to enchanting butterfly species such as the Ulysses butterfly and the Cairns Birdwing.

Butterfly Laboratory

Witness the complete life cycle of a butterfly at the sanctuary's breeding laboratory. From eggs to caterpillars, chrysalises, and adult butterflies, learn about the fascinating stages of these delicate creatures' development. There are free 30-min guided tours of the laboratory available from 10 AM to 3:15 PM.

Educational Exhibits

Discover the minuscule scales of the Ulysses that give the butterfly its enchanting blue hue. There are also live displays of the silk moth caterpillars during their breeding season, allowing you to also observe how these creatures mate and spin silk when building their cocoons.

Fairy Garden

Enter the minuscule world of fairy tales with the Fairy Garden which is dedicated to the smaller species of butterflies. With a light shade cloth covering this exhibit, Grass Yellow Butterfly pupae can be observed coming out of their cocoons to take their first flights.

Educational Programs

The Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary's dedication to conservation and education is evident in its partnership with local schools. By educating children about the importance of butterflies within the ecosystem, the sanctuary helps raise awareness and appreciation for these marvellous creatures.

Visitor Tips

Wear brightly coloured clothes. Butterflies are more likely to interact with you if you’re wearing bright colours.
Visit on a sunny day as butterflies are more likely to take flight when the sun is shining.
Pre-book your tickets to be able to plan your trip easily.
Make a day trip of visiting Kuranda through the Kuranda Scenic Railway and include the butterfly sanctuary in your itinerary.
Carry water and light snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energised.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary

What is Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary?

Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary is Australia's largest butterfly sanctuary, located in Cairns, featuring thousands of native butterflies in a lush, tropical walk-through aviary.

Can I visit the butterfly breeding laboratory with Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary tickets?

Yes, your sanctuary tickets include access to the butterfly breeding laboratory and other exhibits within the sanctuary.

When was Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary built?

Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary was opened in 1987.

Is it worth visiting the Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary?

With many educational programs, interactive displays, guided tours and first-hand experiences, Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for every nature lover.

How can I get to the Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary?

Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway and get down at the Kuranda railway station. From here, the Kuranda Butterfly Sanctuary is less than a 20-min walk. You can also take a cab to the sanctuary. Book your Kuranda Scenic Railway tickets here.