Birdworld Kuranda

The basics

Like the birds, visitors are free to roam the lush, landscaped aviary. Keep your eyes peeled for Birdworld’s giant avian attraction, the endangered southern cassowary, as well as colorful Amazonian macaws, lorikeets, parrots, galahs, cockatoos, and more. Two lakes connected by a waterfall are home to waterbirds, including herons and Australian black swans.

While wandering around, there’s a good chance that a bird will fly up to you and even land on your shoulder—they are well-accustomed to regular human contact. Visitors will also have the chance to hand-feed birds under the close supervision of aviary staff. Birdworld Kuranda is a typical stop on day tours from Cairns that include riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Things to know before you go

• Several ticket options and packages, some including guided tours, are available. One money-saving option is a combination admission ticket to Birdworld and the Kuranda Koala Gardens.

• Visitors receive a bird guide with colored pictures of birds to help with identification.

• Birdworld Kuranda is wheelchair-accessible.

• Admission is half off for children under 15 and free for infants under 4.

How to get there

Birdworld Kuranda is located within the Kuranda Heritage Markets. It is a 40-minute drive from Cairns, though most visitors prefer to come via the Kuranda Scenic Rail or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. If you opt for the former, you can depart from either Freshwater Railway Station or Cairns Railway Station, then hop off at Kuranda Railway Station. Meanwhile, the Skyrail travels from the Cairns suburb of Caravonica to Kuranda Terminal. Both the station and the terminal are about a 10-minute walk from Birdworld.

When to get there

Birdworld Kuranda is open every day from mid-morning until late afternoon. It is typically busiest on weekends and school holidays. Visitors can beat the crowds by booking the Bespoke Birdworld experience, an exclusive 30-minute tour of the aviary before it opens to the public.

Kuranda Heritage Markets

Birdworld and the Kuranda Koala Gardens are part of the Kuranda Heritage Markets, a family-run business with an excellent choice of locally made art, crafts, and fashion for sale. Some stalls offer a variety of locally sourced organic produce and snacks. There’s also a tea house, restaurant, and mini-golf course.