Kuranda Riverboat
ProHighlights
- A 45-minute calm-water cruise along the upper Barron River, with the skipper talking through the rainforest, river life and local history
- The whole boat can be chartered privately for up to 30 passengers, and sunset or off-schedule cruises can be arranged
- Freshwater crocodiles, turtles, water dragons and more than 100 bird species live along this stretch of river
About Kuranda Riverboat
Kuranda Riverboat has been cruising the upper Barron River since 1982. Aboard the MV Kuranda, guests spend around 45 minutes on calm, sheltered water while the skipper explains the ancient Wet Tropics rainforest, the river's wildlife and how Kuranda grew into a visitor town. The river is home to freshwater crocodiles, turtles, snakes, water dragons and fish, along with more than 100 kinds of tropical birds. Cassowaries are occasionally seen on the far bank. Because the animals are wild, sightings vary from trip to trip, which is part of the appeal. Scheduled cruises leave at 10.45am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, seven days a week, and the boat takes up to 30 passengers. For a birthday, a family get-together or a team outing, the whole boat can be booked as a private charter, and the crew can run cruises outside the timetable, including at sunset. Cruises suit all ages, and children under four travel free. Cars can't reach the river. Park in town, cross the footbridge at Kuranda Railway Station and take the stairs down to the jetty with the red flags. Groups wanting a longer day can choose the explorer option, which adds entry to the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld at the Heritage Markets after the cruise.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Setting
Ages
Pricing
The explorer option, adding Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld entry, is $66 for adults.
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
Can we book the riverboat privately?
Yes. The boat can be chartered for a private group, and the crew can also arrange cruises outside the regular timetable, including sunset trips. The boat holds up to 30 passengers.
How long does the cruise take?
Each cruise runs for about 45 minutes. Scheduled departures are at 10.45am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm every day of the week, subject to river conditions.
Will we see crocodiles?
Freshwater crocodiles live in this part of the Barron River and are often spotted, but they are wild animals, so sightings can't be guaranteed. Turtles, fish, water dragons and many birds are also common.
How do we get to the jetty?
You can't drive down to the river. Park your car, walk over the Kuranda Railway Station footbridge and follow the stairs down to the riverbank, where red flags mark the jetty.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes. The cruise suits all ages and children under four travel free. Child fares apply from age four, and family fares are available for two adults travelling with their children.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Jill 67
a week ago
A simple little sail along a short part of the river. Gary did a great job pointing out birds, fish and turtles as well as providing historic information about the Rainforest and the dam. However, the best sight was that…
Mark Daniel
a week ago
Couldn't do the railway because they only had the one-way trip left for the afternoon (and I drove up so I needed a roundtrip ride), so I explored the area instead and stumbled upon this ferry ride. Warren, our tour gui…
Chin Zhi Hui
2 months ago
Boat tour - reservations possible but not required, pay cash on board. Fun, lazy ride for 45 minutes to see turtles, swallows and crocodiles! It was a very fun trip and the guide was interactive and gave the historical…
Belinda Casey
4 months ago
Fantastic riverboat tour of the Barron River from Kuranda. Andrew was an awesome guide… friendly, engaging and informative. I especially loved the turtle and fish feeding moment and spotting three freshwater crocodiles!…
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