Explore Kuranda and beyond
Sue and Dale are locals with plenty of knowledge of the area and its habitats, and are happy to share when you stay with them.
Your base for Tropical North Queensland
From the doorstep of Gondwana Retreat you can reach the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, the Great Barrier Reef, hot air ballooning over the Atherton Tablelands, and ancient lava tubes, all within a day. Here are some of the things worth doing while you are here.
In Kuranda
Everything below is within a short drive or walk from Gondwana Retreat.
Historic train journey through the rainforest, with views of waterfalls, gorges and lush tropical vegetation along the route.
Glide over the canopy of the World Heritage rainforest with panoramic views, stopping at stations where you can explore on boardwalks.
Known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. Browse local markets, galleries and boutiques offering handmade goods, souvenirs and indigenous artwork.
Guided tours, Aboriginal cultural experiences, wildlife encounters and a ride on an amphibious army duck through the rainforest.
Interact with a diverse range of bird species from Australia and around the world in a lush tropical setting.
Public art trail that educates local communities and tourists on the value of the cassowary to the sustainability of the rainforest.
Reef and water
Cairns is the gateway to two World Heritage areas. The reef is 30 minutes from Kuranda by road.
Put on a mask and be mesmerised by the world below. Snorkelling is an easy, safe and fun way to explore the reef at a slow and gentle pace.
A perfect retreat from the heat, just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas. A blend of hiking and serene river floating through the lush Mossman River rainforest.
A 4800 square metre saltwater swimming lagoon in the Cairns CBD. An all-year-round, stinger-free swimming location. Entry is free.
See the Great Barrier Reef from above and get a whole new appreciation for the scale of this incredible ecosystem, the only living organism visible from outer space.
Nature and adventure
Rocky, wild and undeniably dramatic, Barron Falls has a regal presence. Witness it as a scenic trickle in winter or as a mist-filled force in summer.
A clear, blue volcanic lake surrounded by cool rainforest. Swimming, birdwatching, canoeing, picnic areas and shady walking tracks.
Abseiling, rock slides, cliff jumps and swimming in a World Heritage rainforest. One of the best ways to get your adrenaline flowing in Tropical North Queensland.
The perfect conditions around Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands, with 300 sunny days a year and the most consistent flying conditions in Australia.
Sue and Dale are locals with plenty of knowledge of the local areas and habitats and are happy to share that when you stay with them.
Day trips
All reachable in a day from Gondwana Retreat.
Simply the best place to see crocodiles and local wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. Over 2100 metres of timber boardwalks through woodlands and rainforest.
On five hectares beside Mena Creek Falls, Jose Paronella built his castle, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel and 7500 tropical plants. Opened to the public in 1935.
An educational and enlightening cultural tour offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the Mandingalbay Yidinji people, operating out of Cairns.
Some adventures are off the beaten track and others are underneath it. Explore 190,000-year-old lava tunnels south-west of Cairns.
On the Atherton Tablelands, journey through man-made caves to discover natural crystals and prehistoric fossils. Over 600 crystals and fossils to touch and photograph.
A tropical paradise, renowned as one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia. Come and explore the beauty of tropical plants and relax in stunning surroundings.
Food and drink
Sample local cuisine at Kuranda restaurants, cafes and eateries, from casual to fine dining with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients.
A delicious food and wine tasting adventure showcasing the Atherton Tablelands. Bananas, coffee, avocados, mangoes, macadamia nuts and more.
Ready to explore?
Gondwana Retreat puts you 30 minutes from Cairns and minutes from Kuranda Village. Sue and Dale can point you in the right direction for any of the above.
Enquire about a stay