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Three days of live music, dancing under the stars, and soaking up the incredible energy of Savannah in the Round—what an experience! But before you head back to Cairns and return to reality, why not give yourself one more day of adventure?
Just an hour from Mareeba, the rainforest village of Kuranda makes the perfect stop to relax, recharge and explore before the drive home. Here’s how to spend a day in Kuranda after the festival.
Kick off your day at the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets or the Heritage Markets, where stalls overflow with handmade jewellery, fashion, crafts, and locally made goodies. It’s the ideal spot to grab a unique souvenir—or simply graze your way through fresh bites and sweet treats.
Kuranda isn’t just about markets, it’s also a haven for boutique shopping. Discover one-of-a-kind pieces at Tonketti, Zaphire and Just Gorgeous, or leather goods, jewellery and local art scattered throughout the village. From stylish fashion to rainforest-inspired homewares, shopping in Kuranda is as colourful and creative as the village itself.
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After three nights of festival food, a sit-down meal in the rainforest will feel like luxury. Try French crêpes at Petit Café, hearty bites at Hail Mary, or something light and organic at Busk Tea House. Pair it with a locally roasted coffee or a refreshing tropical smoothie for the energy boost you need.
Kuranda is home to some of Australia’s most-loved wildlife attractions. Visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and surround yourself with hundreds of fluttering wings, or stop by Birdworld Kuranda where parrots and macaws show off their personalities. For a quintessential photo-op, say hello to a koala at Kuranda Koala Gardens.
For something slower-paced, hop on the Kuranda Riverboat. The gentle cruise offers a completely different view of the rainforest, with the chance to spot freshwater crocs, turtles, and kingfishers along the way.
If you didn’t get enough natural beauty during the festival, Barron Falls is just minutes from the village. The lookout showcases one of Tropical North Queensland’s most spectacular waterfalls—especially impressive if there’s been recent rain.
Make your wind-down day even more memorable with a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Whether you glide over the canopy or journey through hand-carved tunnels and bridges, the trip back toward Cairns will be as much a highlight as the festival itself.
Savannah in the Round is all about big skies, live music, and community spirit. Kuranda offers the perfect balance, a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, shop for treasures, and enjoy the creativity of the rainforest village. It’s the encore you didn’t know you needed.
So before you pack away the festival boots, plan a day in Kuranda. Wander, eat, explore, shop, and let the rainforest work its magic.
Start planning your day trip now at kuranda.org.
© Kuranda 2025
