Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 6 . QUEENSLAND & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
markets (open daily 9am–3pm), which offer better quality and a wider variety
of goods. Try to visit Kuranda when both markets are open.
Even the Heritage markets have been invaded by commercial imported products,
and in response, a group of about 50 local artisans sell their work in the
Kuranda Arts Co-Operative , (& 07/4093 9026) at Shop 6, “The Settlement,”
Rob Veivers Dr., next to the Butterfly Sanctuary. It’s open from 10am to
4pm daily. You will find quality furniture crafted from recycled Australian hardwoods,
jewelry, handcrafts, and all kinds of stuff here.
SOAKING UP THE RAINFOREST SCENERY
You can explore the rainforest, the river esplanade, or Barron Falls along a number
of easy walking tracks. If you want to learn about the rainforest, explore it
with Brian Clarke of Kuranda Riverboat & Rainforest Tours (& 07/4093
7476 or 0412 159212), which runs informative 45-minute river cruises. The
cruises depart from 10:15am to 2:30pm from the riverside landing across the
railway footbridge near the train station. He also runs a daily 400m (1,312-ft.)
walk through the rainforest, leaving at 11:45am and returning at 12:45pm.
Brian is a former crocodile hunter and has lived in the rainforest for more than
30 years. The cruise or the walk costs A$12 (US$7.80) for adults, A$6
(US$3.90) for children 5 to 15, and A$30 (US$20) for families. Buy your tickets
on board.
KURANDA’S NATURE PARKS & OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Of Kuranda’s two walk-through aviaries, Birdworld (& 07/4093 9188),
behind the Heritage Markets off Rob Veivers Drive, is probably the most interesting,
as it has eye-catching macaws and a cassowary. The Aviary, 8 Thongon
St. (& 07/4093 7411), is good if you want to see a bigger range of Australian
species. Birdworld is open daily from 9am to 4pm; admission is A$11 (US$7.15)
for adults, A$4 (US$2.60) for children 4 to 14, or A$28 (US$18) for families.
The Aviary is open from 10am to 3:30pm; admission is A$12 (US$7.80)
for adults and $6 (US$3.90) for kids ages 4 to 16. Both aviaries are closed
Christmas.
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Kids A rainbow-hued array of 1,500
tropical butterflies—including the electric blue “Ulysses” and Australia’s largest
species, the Cairns birdwing—is housed in a lush walk-through enclosure here.
Take the free guided tour and learn about the butterfly’s fascinating life cycle.
The butterflies will land on you if you wear pink, red, and other bright colors.
8 Rob Veivers Dr. & 07/4093 7575. Fax 07/4093 8923. www.australianbutterflies.com. Admission A$13
(US$8.45) adults, A$12 (US$7.15) seniors, A$6.50 (US$4.25) children 5–16, family pass A$30 (US$20) for
2 adults and 2 kids. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 9:45am–4pm. Free guided tours every 15 min. from 10am; last tour
departs 3:15pm. Closed Christmas. On-street parking. Bus stop 7-min. walk away.
Tips The Secret of the Seasons
High season in Cairns runs from early July to early October; 2-week school
vacations around Easter, mid-July, and in late September; also the Christmas
holiday through January. Hotel occupancy is high in those periods, so
book ahead. During the low season, from November to June, ask about
discounted rates. Many hotels will be willing to negotiate. Standby rates
are usually easy to come by then, too.