Barron Gorge National Park
Located in the mountains above Cairns, Australia, The Barron Gorge National Park is one of the most popular national parks of Queensland, boasting lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountains that is sure to leave visitors in awe.
Barron Gorge National Park
Located in the mountains above Cairns, Australia, The Barron Gorge National Park is one of the most popular national parks of Queensland, boasting lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountains that is sure to leave visitors in awe.
Walking through the park’s well-maintained trails, visitors are enveloped in the tranquility of ancient rainforests, encountering diverse plant species and the soothing sounds of native wildlife. The centerpiece of the park is the magnificent Barron Gorge, where the Barron River carves its way through the terrain, offering breathtaking views and the mesmerizing spectacle of the Barron Falls.
Just a short distance away, the charming village of Kuranda, founded in 1885, offers a delightful cultural experience. Known as the “Village in the Rainforest,” Kuranda is renowned for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, indigenous heritage, and wildlife encounters, but previously famous for its gold, coffee and timber. The town currently has two outdoor markets open seven days a week: The Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets and the Heritage Market.
Things to do in the Barron Gorge
There are a couple things you can do in the area, but the most popular for sure are the taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway through the Barron Gorge National Park, Jumping on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and to look at the Barron Falls from the Edge Lookout
Crossing the Barron Gorge National Park, by rail (between Cairns and Kuranda) is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Australia, a must-do for sure. The rail was built by hand to connect remote mines with the city of Cairns, nowadays transporting people to Kuranda village. The journey passes spectacular waterfalls and natural wonders through the mountains.
Discover the natural beauty of an ancient World Heritage listed rainforest, a natural and culture wonder, home to the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest, with over 20 aboriginal tribal groups. The area is located in Queensland, adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, with an approx area of 2,223,948 acres (900,000 hectares).
The Barron Falls, named “Din Din” by the Djabugay Dji people, are a spectacular sight worth experiencing, especially during wet season (December to March) when the tropical rains fill the falls and the forest.
The falls are just outside Kuranda, You can get a good view of them from the Kuranda Scenic Railway, the Skyrail and from Edge Lookout.
Both the train and the cableway lead to three separate lookouts that provide good views of the park and the falls. You can also experience the national park on foot through its many walking trails.
The Rainforest Cableway offers a 90 minute journey between Cairns and Kuranda, allowing tourists to experience the beauty of the rainforest from the heights.
A different perspective of this ancient landscape. You also have the chance to descend to the canopy, and explore the rainforest from closer.
