Accommodation

Original Kuranda Rainforest Markets - #5 of 20 things to do in Kuranda #1 of 16 other shopping in Far North Queensland review for Original Kuranda Rainforest Markets Kuranda’s markets are throbbing by midday, and the Original Kuranda Rainforest Markets has incense sticks burning in the ground and an authentic vibe.

The problem for most people with Kuranda is that there’s too much to do and not enough time. Just north of Cairns, this is a place for embracing nature in all its fine and wild forms.   Locals think of Kuranda as a village, evolved from a background of markets. Hit the shopping today and you’ll find the original markets of yesteryear now standing as cultural stores of gems, art and just about everything you can think of.

Over 60 traders offer indigenous art, boomerangs and didgeridoos, metal artistry and custom made knives, antiques, demi-antiques and collectables, opals, pearls, precious and semi-precious gemstones, handcrafted jewellery, leathergoods, and beauty & skin products made locally from only the most natural ingredients.

Can you imagine finding a world famous Honey House where you can watch live bees working the hive and where you can taste over 20 varieties of local honey including Rainforest, Avocado, Eucalypt or Bloodwood, or perhaps you will find organic wearable art, jewellery handcrafted from local bush nuts, wood and shells, or a full size replica of an Allosaurus skeleton and fossil museum in Kuranda?

After a game of mini-golf in the rainforest, or a deep tissue massage, you might be ready for some authentic Japanese tea, tropical homemade icecreams, freshly baked scones, or any other delectable treats to tantalise the tastebuds from the cafes set amongst the many market stalls. Kuranda Original Rainforest Market operates it's own FREE BUS SERVICE, with pick up and drop off from the Kuranda Scenic Railway station for your convenience.

I am really looking forward to seeing the new website - it will be a great way for you to promote the markets there.  I will happily publish an updated post on my blog with link once your website is up and running.  Will there be a shop section for people to buy online?  I saw so many lovely things when I visited...

The markets began in 1978.  Famed for it’s hippy and chilled out vibe, people began to flock to Kuranda not only to escape the heat of Summer down below but also to buy direct from the ‘hippy’ locals making a living out of selling their wares.  The markets have proved a huge success providing employment for local artists and makers as well as raising the profile of Kuranda, which is now recognised as a unique Australian Rainforest tourist destination.  You can pick up lots of lovely handmade goods from locally made honey, handmade natural cosmetics, original artwork and didgeridoos

If you get the chance to go to Kuranda it’s well worth the trip – I left wishing I had had more time to explore and meet local artists when I was there.  The perfect way to round off the day was catching the scenic railway back to Cairns – the views are stunning and the train ride an unforgettable experience too.