If you’re visiting Kuranda Village in Cairns, it’s likely you’ll have heard of the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. One of the most popular things to do in Kuranda, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly aviary in the Southern Hemisphere and is definitely worth a visit.
The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary experience is often combined with the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda as a part of the Kuranda Wildlife Experience. This three park pass provides an immersive wildlife experience across Kuranda. My favourite of the three is easily the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and recommend visiting as a part of the three park pass or by itself.
Situated across from Centenary Park in Kuranda Village. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is open everyday and adult entry is $20. If you’re a Cairns local you also get a 20% discount.
When you enter the aviary, you can choose to partake in a guided tour. Here you’ll learn all about the butterfly’s life cycle, plants they like and common butterfly myths and interesting facts.
While you’re exploring the Sanctuary don’t forget to stop by the Egg Laying Area and the Laboratory where you can see first hand how these butterflies are bred and grown here.
The environment in the main aviary is perfectly designed to match the butterfly’s natural environment and it’s very beautiful and calming in its own right. There are also a lot of photo opportunities, especially over the red bridge or surrounded by the rainforest plants.
Tip: Wear something bright
Butterflies like bright colours, with a special interest in red, hot pink and yellow. If you want to increase your opportunity to have butterflies land on you, be decked out in their favourite tones.
Otherwise, you can always grab a picture in front of the butterfly seat.
How long to spend in the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary?
Depending on your interests, I would recommend allowing up to 45 minutes to explore the sanctuary. This activity is really easy to fit in during your day out in Kuranda.
You can book your own experience here on their official website.
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