Australian Butterfly Sanctuary: A Tropical Wonderland in Kuranda🦋

About the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

  • Australia’s Largest Butterfly Flight Aviary: Wander through a stunning rainforest habitat filled with hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies.
  • Over 1,500 butterflies: Marvel at species like the iconic electric-blue Ulysses and vibrant Cairns Birdwing fluttering around you.
  • Guided Educational Tours: Learn fascinating facts about the butterfly lifecycle and behaviour from knowledgeable guides during daily tours.
  • Butterfly Breeding Laboratory: Peek behind the scenes to see caterpillars and pupae and learn how butterflies are bred and cared for.
  • Perfect for All Ages: Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a magical experience, the sanctuary delights kids and adults alike.
  • Rainforest Experience Indoors: Enjoy the sanctuary’s lush tropical environment, ideal for rainy days or escaping the sun.
  • Combine with Other Kuranda Attractions: For a full day of adventure, pair your visit with other highlights like the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, or Kuranda Riverboat tour.

Discover the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is a must-do when visiting Kuranda!

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is home to over 1,500 brilliant tropical butterflies. This is the largest butterfly sanctuary in the Southern Hemisphere! While you are in the Sanctuary, enjoy close-up encounters with these beautiful butterflies. Also, you can learn what plants attract butterflies to your garden.

Butterflies and Moths at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

First, look for the most beautiful blue butterfly, the Ulysses Butterfly.  With a wingspan of 100 mm to 130 mm.

Australian butterfly sanctuary

Next, watch out for the Cairns Birdwing Butterfly. Its vivid green and yellow wings make sit easily recognisable. The Cairns birdwing butterfly has a wingspan measuring up to 18 cm.

Then, look for the Hercules Moth, the World’s largest moth. This butterfly sanctuary is designed to replicate the butterfly’s natural Rainforest environment. Look through the microscope to see the fantastic wing structure along the way. Next, check out the Silk Moth Caterpillars and how they spin silk to make cocoons. This activity is suitable for all weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How long does a visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary take?

Most visitors spend around an hour exploring the sanctuary, but you’re welcome to take your time. Guided tours run throughout the day and last about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the butterflies and learn more about their fascinating world.

Are the butterflies active all year round?

Yes! The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is home to tropical species that thrive year-round, so you’ll always have a chance to see them in their vibrant glory, no matter when you visit. /toggle] Absolutely! The sanctuary is a wonderful experience for kids, offering interactive exhibits, fun educational displays, and plenty of up-close encounters with butterflies. It’s a great, family-friendly attraction that sparks curiosity about nature and conservation.

Can I take photos of the butterflies?

Yes, photography is encouraged! The butterflies are stunning subjects, but we recommend avoiding flash photography as it can disturb them. Take your time to capture the beauty of their delicate wings in this peaceful rainforest setting.

Is the sanctuary wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is fully wheelchair accessible, making it a welcoming destination for visitors of all abilities. The aviary’s pathways are smooth and easy to navigate, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

Plan Your Visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Today!

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is more than just an attraction—it’s a magical experience that connects you with nature’s vibrant beauty. Whether you’re captivated by the graceful flutter of a Cairns Birdwing or curious about the fascinating lifecycle of butterflies, this enchanting sanctuary has something for everyone.

Don’t miss the chance to explore this tropical wonderland in the heart of Kuranda. Pair your visit with the village’s other unique attractions, and make your trip to the “Village in the Rainforest” unforgettable. Your adventure awaits—come and see the butterflies in all their breathtaking glory! 🦋✨

Explore more things to do in Kuranda

Highlights

  • Largest butterfly flight aviary in Australia.
  • Over 1,500 butterflies including Ulysses and Cairns Birdwing

Included

Included in your Butterfly experience

  • Starting with FREE guided tours included in the cost of your admission. Next, learn about the butterfly’s life cycle and elaborate courtship rituals.
  • Then see the world the way a butterfly does in the UV light display!
  • Entrance into the Laboratory.  Learn all about caterpillars as you see them in their various stages of development.
  • Use the sanctuary’s state of the art microscope. Next, Using the lens, you will see the intricate details of the butterfly’s anatomy.  The microscope is easy to operate for all ages!
  • Entrance into the educational exhibits.  Then watch the Cairns Birdwing emerging video, and the silk moth Caterpillars live display.
  • Entry into the butterfly museum. View 584 different butterfly species from around the world!

What to bring

  • Be sure to wear your brightest pink or red shirt to attract the butterflies!
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Camera
  • Hat and water

How to get there

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is located at 8 Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda Village.

Self Drivers

Start travelling North from Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway and crossing over the Barron River.

Next, continue through roundabouts past Machans Beach, Holloways Beach and Yorkeys Knob.

Then at the Smithfield roundabout, veer left to the Kuranda Range along the Kennedy Highway.

Along the way, stop off for great views and photo opportunities at the Henry Ross lookout.

After continuing passing over the Barron River Bridge and turning left following the Kuranda Village signs.

Then take a left-hand turn into Rob Vievers Drive and arrive at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Train and Skyrail

Choose the free shuttle or a leisurely walk when you arrive on the  Kuranda Skyrail or the Kuranda Train.

 

 

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