Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Tours
1 Review

More than 1,500 tropical butterflies—from the electric blue Ulysses to the green and yellow Cairns Birdwing—call this world-class aviary home. Stationed in the heart of the Kuranda rainforest, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary has been impressing visitors with both its whimsical nature and state-of-the-art laboratory since it first opened in 1987.
Interested travelers can follow free 30-minute tours that include up-close looks at the caterpillar breeding nursery. Here, you can see newly born butterflies before they’re released into the aviary and learn about the stages of development that lead to the birth of these fanciful creatures.
The sanctuary’s laboratory is another popular stop that showcases efforts to keep the aviary well stocked. While just two percent of eggs survive in the wild, more than 80 percent mature here thanks to lab experts. Catch a peek at the hard-working scientists who keep this facility thriving.
Interested travelers can follow free 30-minute tours that include up-close looks at the caterpillar breeding nursery. Here, you can see newly born butterflies before they’re released into the aviary and learn about the stages of development that lead to the birth of these fanciful creatures.
The sanctuary’s laboratory is another popular stop that showcases efforts to keep the aviary well stocked. While just two percent of eggs survive in the wild, more than 80 percent mature here thanks to lab experts. Catch a peek at the hard-working scientists who keep this facility thriving.
Practical Info
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is located in the center of Kuranda at 8 Rob Veivers Drive about a half hour from Cairns. It’s open daily from 9:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. with free guided tours.
Address: 8 Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda, Queensland 4881, Australia
Hours: Open daily 9:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission: Adult: AU$19.00, Child: Adult: AU$9.50
Admission Tickets (2)

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Surround yourself by more than 1,500 multicolored butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda. The biggest butterfly aviary in the country, this delightful attraction is home to landscaped gardens that mimic the butterflies’ natural rainforest habitats. Explore at your leisure while they fly all around you, or take advantage of complimentary tours during the day, including a behind-the-scenes lab tour. When booking, you have the option to upgrade to the 4 Park Pass for entry to three more Cairns-area attractions.
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From
$15.80
From
$15.80
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
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Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Surround yourself by more than 1,500 multicolored butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda. The biggest butterfly aviary in the country, this delightful attraction is home to landscaped gardens that mimic the butterflies’ natural rainforest habitats. Explore at your leisure while they fly all around you, or take advantage of complimentary tours during the day, including a behind-the-scenes lab tour. When booking, you have the option to upgrade to the 4 Park Pass for entry to three more Cairns-area attractions.
…More
From
$15.80
From
$15.80

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary- Virtual Interactive Tour With Private Guide
Even if you're stuck inside, you can bring Australia's natural beauty into your home with a virtual visit to the country's biggest butterfly sanctuary. With this private virtual adventure, you meet your personal sanctuary guide on Zoom, and watch the colorful insects fluttering around. Best of all—since this tour is just for you—you can ask questions, and learn fun facts about the butterflies you see.
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Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns
Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rain forest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets and opt to include a delicious buffet lunch. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Journey to the rain forest village of Kuranda via two unique transit options on this memorable full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Skip the line and enjoy Gold Class service aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through lush mountain passes and waterfall gorges along the way. In the opposite direction, glide above the treetops in a gondola and soak up spectacular views of the mountains and coastline on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In Kuranda, enjoy leisure time to explore the heritage markets, learn about aboriginal culture or interact with native wildlife.
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Best of Kuranda Including Skyrail, Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforestation
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda where you first visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest flight aviary in Australia. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle, then see koalas, dingoes and more at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Take a dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide for the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, then feast on an Australian barbecue buffet lunch. Finally, return to Cairns on the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
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Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Cairns
Take a day trip from Cairns to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Alternatively, make the 1-way journey by railway and return by skyrail. Enjoy a tranquil ride as you soar above the rainforest canopy, with views from Cairns all the way to the Great Barrier Reef, and spend free time in Kuranda Village. If you wish, upgrade your transport with admission to the Rainforestation Nature Park or Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park — the latter option with or without lunch.
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Kuranda Tour Deluxe Course with Kuranda 3 Zoos
Kuranda is surrounded by the oldest rainforest on the earth and home to an incredible array of plants and animals. Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular journey comprising views of dense rainforest, picturesque waterfalls within the world Heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park. Kuranda Village in the Rainforest offers you the chance to explore ancient rainforest, engage with local artists, wonder amongst butterflies and so much more.
※Kuranda Scenic Railway/Skyrail : When one is not operating return will be with the one that is operational.
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$36.34 savings
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$36.34 savings
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Cairns 2-Day Combo: Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Kuranda
Experience two of Cairns’ spectacular natural attractions on with on a 2-day combo tour of the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda, ideal for first-time visitors. On the first day, you’ll take a cruise on the Great Barrier Reef and have the chance to snorkel with the world’s most biodiverse marine life. Then, on day two, you’ll take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the mountain town of Kuranda, where you’ll explore the Rainforestation Nature Park. A buffet lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off are included on both days. Accommodation is not included.
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Kuranda Wildlife Experience Thee Attraction Pass
See Koala's, wombats, see rare and endangered Bilby, Quokka, and much more. Walk in a free flight aviary to see over 60 species of beautiful Australian and exotic tropical birds. See more than 1500 superb tropical butterflies including the spectacular Ulysses butterflies.
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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