Visitor Information

Experiences

Plan Your Visit

Located on conveniently in the heart of Kuranda Village, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the leading and a must-visit destination. With a range of immersive environments and animal encounters, there is something for everyone. Visitors can plan their day by taking advantage of the park map, admission prices, accessibility information, and more. 

Opening Hours

Open 7 days a week, 9.30am - 3.30pm. Closed on Christmas Day.

All you need to know

Make your visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary an unforgettable experience!

Dive deeper: Take a 30-minute guided tour through our enchanting flight aviary and learn about the amazing butterfly lifecycle.

Share the magic: Pick up a unique souvenir or gift from our shop - from colorful clothing and informative books to mementos that whisper of fluttering wings.

Extend your adventure: After your butterfly encounter, explore the delightful cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Or, embark on a short 5-minute drive to Rainforestation Nature Park for delicious lunch options and refreshments.

Celebrate in style: Create a truly special occasion with our butterfly release packages. Imagine your wedding vows exchanged amidst a kaleidoscope of wings, or host a ceremony marked by their graceful dance.

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is more than just a visit – it's an experience. Don't miss out on capturing memories that will flutter in your heart long after you leave.

Accessibility Information

Both the aviary and the laboratory are wheelchair accessible, however, some wheelchairs may struggle getting around the uneven paths in the aviary. We recommend the companion of the visitor to have a quick look at the path prior to entry. There are ramps between the aviary and the laboratory.

Guided tours are available to visitors with limited vision, please enquire at the counter on arrival and our friendly staff will organise a tour for you. There is also a short audio tour that can be downloaded onto your phone.

How to Get Here

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is located at 8 Rob Veivers Drive, in the heart of Kuranda Village, only half an hour from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. It is only a short walk from the Kuranda Skyrail Terminal and the Kuranda Scenic Railway Station to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Three hour parking is available across the road from the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and around Kuranda Village. All day parking is available in the Kuranda library carpark (a 2 minute walk) which also caters for caravans and campervans.

Popular Day Tours:

Tropic Wings Tours and Charters provide daily Kuranda tours to suit everyone.


Directions from Cairns to the sanctuary by car

  1. Departing Cairns accommodation, travel North on Sheridan Street.
  2. As you pass the airport on your right, Sheridan Street becomes the Captain Cook Highway and you will soon cross the Barron River Bridge.
  3. Continue through the Machans Beach, Holloways Beach and Yorkeys Knob and Caravonica roundabouts.
  4. At the Smithfield roundabout turn left onto the Kennedy Highway, passing Smithfield Shopping Centre on your right and join the Kuranda Range.
  5. You may wish to stop at Henry Ross Lookout for a scenic view of Cairns and the coast.
  6. From Henry Ross Lookout, continue on the Kennedy Highway passing over the Barron River Bridge.
  7. Follow signage and turn left into Kuranda Village.
  8. Turn left at Rob Veivers Drive to arrive at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Mareeba / Tablelands

Smithfield / Cairns City

Barron Falls

Kuranda

Rainforestation
Located at 1030 Kennedy Hwy, Kuranda

Kuranda Scenic Railway Station

Skyrail Kuranda Terminal

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

Rainforestation Shuttle bus

While you’re in Kuranda, why not visit our sister park, Rainforestation Nature Park?

You can catch the regular shuttle bus to Rainforestation, departing from right outside Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

We offer a regular shuttle between Rainforestation Nature Park and Kuranda attraction, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Shuttle Bus Rates

Adult Return – $13.00
Child Return (4 – 14 yrs) – $8.00
Family Return (2A 2C) – $34.00
Adult One Way – $8.00
Child One Way (4 – 14 yrs) – $5.00
Family One Way (2A 2C) – $21.00

Shuttle Bus Timetable

To Rainforestation:
(From Butterfly Sanctuary)

10:45 am
11:15 am
11:45 am
12:15 pm
1:45 pm
2:15 pm

Shuttle Bus Timetable

From Rainforestation:
(To Butterfly Sanctuary)

11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 pm
12:45 pm
1:30pm
2:00pm
3:00pm (also drops off to Kuranda Rail)
3:45pm (also drops off to Skyrail)

What you need to know

Creating Lasting Memories

As they are often in motion photographing butterflies can be a rewarding and challenging experience. However, with a little patience and some practice, you can capture stunning images. To photograph butterflies, you will need a camera with a good lens. A macro lens is ideal for this type of photography, as it allows you to get close. However, you can also use a telephoto lens if you are not able to get as close to the butterflies. When photographing butterflies, it is important to be patient and wait for the butterflies to come to you.