Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda: Walk the aviary

Rainforest aviary, laboratory tour, and a moth with a 14-inch wingspan

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda is a walk-through tropical rainforest aviary housing more than 1,500 hand-reared butterflies. Admission includes complimentary guided tours throughout the day, a behind-the-scenes laboratory tour where you see the breeding cycle and caterpillar rearing, and a guided food plant walk. The sanctuary closes at 3 pm and is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore butterfly sanctuary and laboratory

• Wander tropical rainforest aviary
• See fluorescent green and yellow Cairns birdwing
• Visit butterfly breeding laboratory
• Learn about butterfly breeding cycle
• See moth exhibit including Hercules moth

The experience

You wander through landscaped gardens that replicate the natural rainforest environment, with hundreds of jewel-colored butterflies floating around you. The vibrant green Cairns Birdwing, the bright Blue Eggfly, and more than 1,500 other species hand-reared on the premises drift through the aviary. The free guided tours run throughout the day, so you can join one whenever you arrive or move through at your own pace.

The behind-the-scenes laboratory tour shows you how the sanctuary breeds its butterflies: how eggs are collected and cleaned, how they're hand-raised into caterpillars, and the transformation into adults. The museum displays many different species from around the world. The moth exhibit holds the Hercules moth, with a wingspan reaching up to 14 inches. The complimentary food plant walk rounds out the visit, explaining what the butterflies eat and how the gardens support them.

The whole experience runs 30 minutes to an hour, so it fits a free afternoon or a break between other Kuranda activities. The sanctuary is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels, though it closes at 3 pm, so plan your visit for the morning or early afternoon.

What’s included

• Admission to the aviary.
• complimentary guided tours throughout the day.
• behind-the-scenes laboratory tour showing the breeding cycle and caterpillar rearing.
• guided food plant walk.
• access to the museum displays and moth exhibit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendly

Operated by CaPTA Group

Is this one for you?Book this if you're in Kuranda with a few hours to spare and want to walk through live butterflies rather than view them behind glass: the included guided tours and rainforest setting let you spend as long as you like exploring at your own pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What butterflies will I see at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary?

The sanctuary is home to more than 1,500 hand-reared butterflies, including the vibrant green Cairns Birdwing, the bright Blue Eggfly, and many other tropical jewel-colored species. The moth exhibit also features the Hercules moth, which has a wingspan reaching up to 14 inches.

What's included in the admission to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary?

Admission includes the walk through the rainforest aviary, complimentary guided tours that run throughout the day, a behind-the-scenes laboratory tour where you see the breeding cycle and caterpillar rearing, and a guided food plant walk.

How long does a visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary take?

A visit typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you spend in the aviary and whether you join the guided tours.

Can I visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary if I use a wheelchair?

Yes, the sanctuary is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can also ride in a pram or stroller throughout the visit.

What time should I plan to visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary?

The sanctuary closes at 3 pm, so you'll need to arrive with enough time to explore before closing. Morning or early afternoon visits work best.