Adventure on a Budget Visit Kuranda or Palm Cove from Pt Douglas
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Port Douglas, Australia
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover Kuranda on a small-group tour that travels round-trip from Port Douglas or Palm Cove. Travel through some of the oldest rainforests on earth to reach Kuranda, then to tour the village with your guide and explore independently as well. Continue up the coast to Palm Cove to check out the esplanade and stroll around the shops and beach. Your small-group tour has a maximum of 20 people and includes transportation, informative commentary from the guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Small-group full-day Kuranda tour from Port Douglass
- See the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda rainforest
- Enjoy ample time taking in the sights of Kuranda
- Visit the beach, shops, and esplanade of Palm Cove
- Small-group limited to 20 people allows more customization
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
What's Included
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee - Australian Butterfly SanctuaryA$25.00 per person
- Entrance fee - Birdworld KurandaA$22.00 per person
- Entrance fee - Kuranda Koala GardensA$22.00 per person
- Alcoholic BeveragesCocktails at Palm Cove
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We pick up from any hotel in and around Port Douglas, Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach, Trinity Beach & Yorkeys Knob.
Itinerary
After morning pickup from your Port Douglas accommodation, travel by air-conditioned minivan through the World Heritage-listed rainforest to reach the village of Kuranda.
Upon arrival, your local guide provides a guided tour of the rainforest village that highlights its artisans and craft markets. Explore on your own as well and have the option to visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird World, and Koala Gardens (discount vouchers available), or one of the village cafes.
After Kuranda, drive to Palm Cove where you can take in the beach, shops, and galleries, and purchase refreshments (own expense) to sip while looking over the ocean.
Your tour ends with hotel drop-off in Port Douglas.
Upon arrival, your local guide provides a guided tour of the rainforest village that highlights its artisans and craft markets. Explore on your own as well and have the option to visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird World, and Koala Gardens (discount vouchers available), or one of the village cafes.
After Kuranda, drive to Palm Cove where you can take in the beach, shops, and galleries, and purchase refreshments (own expense) to sip while looking over the ocean.
Your tour ends with hotel drop-off in Port Douglas.
1
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Palm Cove Beach
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Kuranda Koala Gardens
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Birdworld Kuranda
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Henry Ross Lookout
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Due to the wet season and heavy rain possible from November to April Scenic train may not be operating, please check with the operator.
- If you are travelling on a cruise ship please contact operator to check timings or organise a private charter
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 205 reviews
Rebecca_D, Oct 2025
I had a wonderful Experience today with Chris B Solo Traveler and I Enjoyed My Day Out! Thank you so Much I Highly Recommend this Experience
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your lovely review! 🌟 We’re so glad you enjoyed your day out with Chris B and that it was such a great experience. We really appreciate your recommendation!
—From all the team at Kuranda & Outback Tours 🌿🚌
Samantha_K, Jun 2025
Absolutely Awesome, Chris our guide was amazing. On time pickup and a wonderful host, this was my first time travelling solo to Port Douglas I have been there 9 times before with family. I was made to feel welcome by Chris and the other travelers, a group of 15 who were celebrating a special 70th Birthday. Chris' happy vibe and knowledge of the Port Douglas and surrounding areas made the trip exciting. Not once did I feel left out, Chris was very mindful that I was travelling solo and made me feel very at ease. I only did the Kuranda Markets and Butterfly Sanctuary as my day trip but was happy to go along for the ride to the station and skyrail enjoying a coffee while Chris organized the rest of the group and got them on their way. After spending the day in Kuranda Chris then drove us to Palm Cove for an afternoon cocktail, little did I know the best was yet to come, a sing a long on the way home. To be sitting on a bus with a bunch of people who started out as strangers but by the end of the day were friends singing at the top of our lungs was truly a highlight of my holiday that I will remember always. I have travelled the world and been on many day trips but this one will hold a special place in my heart. I would highly recommend if you are travelling solo or with a group book this tour you wont be sorry.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Wow—thank you so much for this incredibly touching review! 💛 We’re over the moon that your solo adventure with us turned into something so memorable and heartwarming. Chris will be thrilled to hear how much his energy, care, and knowledge meant to you—it’s what he does best! 🎉 From butterflies to cocktails, and of course, that unforgettable singalong, we’re so happy to have been part of such a special moment in your travels. You’ve captured the true spirit of our tours—connection, laughter, and a bit of magic ✨🎶 We’d be honoured to welcome you back anytime—solo or with friends! 🥂🌺
shari_s, May 2025
This was a fantastic excursion with Brett! We added a tour of Hartley’s crocodile farm to the start of our day. It was awesome seeing the crocs, wombats, wallabies and koalas. Next we took the sky rail over the rainforest to the kuranda village. Be sure you make time to see the beautiful birds at Bird World in the village! From there we were taken to the scenic train. You will love the beautiful views and waterfalls along the way back. Last stop was to enjoy a cocktail overlooking the beach at Palm Cove. Brett is awesome! Very fun and knowledgeable! I highly recommend this budget Kuranda tour with all the add ons!!
Response from Host, May 2025
Wow—what a day you had! We're so glad you enjoyed the full adventure, from crocs to cocktails 🐊🍹🌴. Thanks for the shoutout to Brett—he’ll be thrilled to hear your kind words. Bird World is a gem, isn’t it? Delighted you made the most of the add-ons. Hope to see you again for another Far North QLD adventure soon!
Sylvia_B, Sep 2024
The Skyrail was amazing. The view down into to rain forest was spectacular and Barron falls was a sight. Brett had lots of great information. The train ride was OK. Not having a direct window seat made it harder to take pictures. The ride was OK and interesting but I wasn't able to capture the pics I wanted not bei ng right at the window. The time at Kuranda Village was too short to see enough of it. Didn't expect to see it all but 1.45 hours definately not enough to eat, see the butterfly garden and do any shopping. It is also alot bigger than the "little aboriginal" shopping village you might think it is. Definitely worth doing, but give yourself more time if you can.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for your review and feedback. We are so glad you loved the skyrail experience.
Cheers,
Andrea & the team at Brett's Tours
Gayle_C, Jun 2024
So much to see! Well organised and lovely swimming hole 😎👍. So much knowledge shared from the driver/guide.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you so much for your review.
Cheers,
Andrea & the team at Brett's Tours
Pamela_F, Jun 2024
Thank you Chris and Bosun for a great day out ,Chris your knowledge and service was above and beyond
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you had such a great day out with Chris & Bosun?
SONYAF, Apr 2024
Tour guide was very knowledgeable about the area, history and had plenty of amusing anecdotes to share. Overall- a very enjoyable day !!
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you so much for your review and recommendation. We are so glad you had such an enjoyable day!
Cheers,
Andrea & the team at Bretts Tours
Somer_O, Oct 2023
Amazing beauty and scenery. Learned quite a bit about the area train ride was fun, but sky rail beyond words. Was able to see the entire Kuranda area for miles. Brett.well suited for dealing with all types of people. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation.
Cheers,
Andrea & the team at Bretts Tours
Maria_B, Aug 2023
Dale our bus driver was very informative and scenic train was incredible The journey was slow and very scenic
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Glad you enjoyed your day out exploring Kuranda and the incredible journey on the train.
Thank you for your review.
Cheers
Andrea & the team at Brett's Tours
Laura_L, Jul 2023
The markets and the Kuranda train beautiful views from sky rail too all together a wonderful day thanks
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Glad you had a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Andrea & the team at Brett's Tours
Beata_B, Jul 2023
Beautiful rainforest and falls views on the sunny afternoon. You might be hungry if you don't order your food by 2pm in a village. Lots of aboriginal art galleries and unique jewellery shops.. Relaxing scenic train trip. Great experience. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you for the recommendation and review. Glad you had a great experience.
Cheers,
Andrea
ivona_p, Jul 2023
Super day out: train up to kuranda, sky rail gondola back: visiting the market on the top. Stop offs to see the rainforest.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Glad you had a super day out on tour!
Cheers,
Andrea & the Brett's Kuranda Tours Team
Tiffany_S, Jun 2023
A great chance to explore Kuranda. We had been on the train and Sky rail previously, so skipped these this time. This allowed us more time to explore Kuranda and have lunch.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thanks for the review. Glad you had a great day exploring Kuranda.
Cheers,
Andrea
John_P, Feb 2023
Chris, the tour guide picked us up on time at our apartment in Port Douglas.
He gave us an entertaining running commentary of the areas we were passing through.
The train trip was very memorable and one not to be mssed.
Unfortunely, due to storms in the area the Skyrail leg of the trip was cancelled.
Despite the cancelation I would definitely recomend this tour.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're glad to hear that Chris, our tour guide, picked you up on time and provided an entertaining running commentary throughout the tour. We're also pleased to hear that you found the train trip to be very memorable and an experience not to be missed.
While we're sorry to hear that the Skyrail leg of the trip was cancelled due to storms in the area, we appreciate your understanding and recommendation of the tour nonetheless. Mother nature can sometimes have an impact on our plans, but we're glad to hear that you still enjoyed the tour despite the cancellation.
Thank you for choosing our tour and for taking the time to leave your review. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future for another memorable tour experience.
Jonas_K, Oct 2022
A truly worthwhile trip, or guide and driver Chris was not only extremely knowledgeable but a pleasure to be with.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thanks Jonas for your review. It's great to hear you enjoyed our and Chris was able to pass on his knowledge about the area. Thanks again for recommending our tour!
Marie_O, Oct 2022
Great customer service. They worked hard to accommodate our travel requirements. Our driver, Chris, was great funny and informative
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thanks Marie. We are happy to hear you enjoyed the tour and we will pass your feedback to Chris.
Many thanks again for supporting a small family business.
Best Regards
Andrea
Alison_V, Oct 2022
We had a fantastic day. The scenic railway was definitely a highlight. We really enjoyed exploring Kuranda Village. And Glenn our tour guide was very knowledgeable, entertaining and extremely helpful.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you for your review glad you enjoyed the day and that our newest member of the team looked after you,
Cheers
Andrea
Katelyn_W, Oct 2022
Our tour guide Brett was excellent! Our group opted out of the upgrades so we had longer to spend up at Kuranda. This was great as we had time to eat at a great pub he suggested, and see a number of the sanctuary’s and shops. As we didn’t take the train back down he stopped at a lookout for a quick photo and we went to the local shops while waiting for everyone to arrive which worked in with what our group needed.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
I’m so glad to hear everything was what you neede and Brett looked after you all,
Many thanks
Andrea
Serena_R, Sep 2022
Brett was a really good tour guide and really made an effort to pass on all his knowledge. I went by myself and opted for the “budget” version (no skyrail or train) and was by myself pretty much all day.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thanks Serena,
Glad to hear you had a great day
Enjoy the rest of your stay,
Cheers
Andrea
Fiona_W, Sep 2022
WOW! what a wonderful tour. Loved, loved, loved the Skyrail and the train. Absolutely stunning scenery with stops along the way for photo ops. Interesting commentary along the way on the train on the history of the train line. I highly recommend going Gold Class in the train. Very comfortable upholstered seats, complimentary food and drink, including alcohol. You also get a souvenir photo of the train and a pen. The upgrade is so worth it. Kuranda village is so gorgeous, lots to see and do. A magical day. 🥰🥰💜💜💜
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thanks Fiona,
Lovely to hear how much you enjoyed our day 🙏🏻😀🚠🚞
Cheers
Andrea
E_G, Aug 2022
Great day. Grant was an excellent guide and he looked after us really well. Train and Skyrail were enjoyable.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Glad you had a great day,
thank you for joining our tour!!
Cheers
Andrea
Wendy_S, Apr 2022
Great day out. Grant was a great tour guide! On time and pleasant company. Informative and fun day!!
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Thank you Wendy for your review,
Glad you enjoyed your day,
Cheers
Andrea and Brett
Sharron_W, Aug 2021
It was great we had a wonderful time as we have disabilities we where able to walk around at our own place and had some great conversations with the local shop owners.
Elisabeth G, Mar 2018
There were only 6 of us on this day trip. After seeing 4 people off at the Skyrail station, our wonderful guide Hilary drove us up the Kuranda Range to the village of Kuranda where we explored the markets on our own. Hilary was a font of knowledge and was happy and eager to give us lots of information during our time with her. Our group was reunited briefly at Kuranda before the other 4 were seen safely onto the train for their return journey. Two of us were then driven to Palm Cove where we spent a couple of hours on our own while Hilary met the others at the end of their train journey. Our group met for drinks hot chocolate for some, as it was now raining! in the evening before Hilary drove us safely back to Port Douglas and our various accommodation. It really was a wonderful day.
Mitchell_E, Oct 2016
Loved the butterfly museum. Lunch wasn't so great. Restaurants in the area arent' outstanding Another couple on the tour took their own lunch and they were able to see more museums at Kuranda. We only saw the butterflies due to time limit but we would have loved to see the snakes, too
Tiffani F, Aug 2016
Was a great trip, even when there was a hiccup with an accident which blocked the road in and out of Kuranda. Our guide was friendly, the group was small and the trip very enjoyable.
Anonymous, Sep 2024
スカイレールで、キュランダ駅から、ゴンドラでスミスフィールド駅まで
の途中、熱帯雨林の散策やバロン滝などをみて、大自然の雄大さにふれとても感度しました。また、キュランダ村の街歩き、コアラ、美しい鳥たちのテーマパークを見て充実した1日でした。
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for your review! We are glad you had such a fulfilling day on tour!
Kind regards,
Andrea & the team at Brett's Tours
From $87.58
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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