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Everyone knows Kuranda for its colourful markets, creative energy, and rainforest charm. But step beyond the stalls, and you’ll find that the village’s winding streets are just as full of surprises. This is where creativity spills from shopfronts, scents drift from open doors, and every turn reveals another hidden gem.
If you’ve ticked the markets off your list – keep walking. Kuranda’s boutiques, galleries, and artisan stores make it the perfect place to slow down, wander, and discover something special.
Kuranda’s heart beats beyond the markets, along shaded laneways like Coondoo Street, Therwine Street, and Oondooroo Street. Here, local makers and independent artisans have turned the rainforest village into a showcase of craft, style, and imagination.
Pop into Just Gorgeous and Tonketti Trading for fashion, jewellery, and homewares that blend boho flair with local inspiration. Zaphire is another favourite – bright, joyful, and full of treasures you didn’t know you needed.
For something handcrafted, Monsoon Leather and Coral Coast Leather both offer beautiful leather goods made with care – think hand-stitched belts, bags, and timeless accessories built to last.
If you’re after something a little sweet, follow your nose to the Kuranda Candy Kitchen, where handmade rock candy is stretched, rolled, and cut right before your eyes. Each batch is a rainbow of colour – a nostalgic treat for all ages.
And don’t miss a stop at the Golden Drop Winery kiosk, where you can sample locally made tropical fruit wines (including their famous mango wine!) – a true taste of the Mareeba Shire.
Art is everywhere in Kuranda, and it’s not confined to canvas. At Didi La Baysee Art Studio & Gallery, you’ll step into an explosion of colour – a reflection of Kuranda’s wild, creative spirit. Nearby, Terra Nova Gallery brings a more contemporary touch, featuring fine art and sculptures that merge modern design with natural inspiration.
Don’t miss the Kuranda Arts Co-operative, a true collective of local talent where painters, potters, and sculptors share their work. It’s the kind of space where you can meet the artist, hear their story, and take home a piece that’s one-of-a-kind.
And for something a little different, Emu Ridge Gallery pairs ancient history with modern wonder – fossils, gemstones, and natural treasures that fascinate both kids and adults alike.
Some shops in Kuranda invite you to linger a little longer – to breathe, taste, and reconnect.
Start at Rare Earth Oils, where you can create your own organic perfume or simply enjoy the scent of the rainforest bottled. This locally owned perfumery distils essential oils right here in Kuranda, offering workshops and a range of wellness products that are as ethical as they are beautiful.
Follow your nose to Ceti Bath Shop, where handmade soaps, scrubs, and candles turn everyday rituals into little luxuries.
Then stop by Honey House Kuranda, a local icon for over 60 years. Step inside to watch live bees at work, taste raw honey, and discover the natural sweetness of the region’s golden harvest.
When you’re ready for a break, take a seat at Petit Café – a French crêperie tucked away with the kind of rustic charm that makes you want to stay a while. Their sweet and savoury crêpes are made to perfection and best enjoyed with a locally roasted coffee or a glass of something chilled.
Or, if you prefer your relaxation by the water, end your day aboard the Kuranda Riverboat. This gentle cruise along the Barron River offers a peaceful change of pace, complete with turtles, birdlife, and rainforest reflections.
Kuranda is known for its markets, but the real magic is found in the spaces between – in the boutiques where artists chat between brushstrokes, in the scent of honey and oils drifting through the air, and in the laneways that invite you to wander without a plan.
So next time you visit the village in the rainforest, take the long way around. You might just discover your new favourite spot.
© Kuranda 2025
