If you’re out and about looking for things to do in Cairns that provide an unforgettable experience, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is a must see for everyone and anyone that enjoys beauty. Founded in 1987 and located in the heart of Kuranda, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is a very popular Cairns attraction and it’s no wonder why.
As the largest butterfly flight aviary in Australia, it is home to over 1500 butterflies, all hatched and raised within the complex. All butterflies within the aviary are rainforest species, many of which are so spectacular in both colour and vibrancy, that your first experience within the complex can often be somewhat… overwhelming.
As you walk inside the main aviary, you stroll into a rainforest like paradise, a stunning display of tropical plants, landscaped with water features, wooden bridges and of course, butterflies. Butterflies are literally everywhere, of any colour imaginable, yet with such a stunning display of intense energy within the complex, nothing compares to a butterfly landing on you. If you’re lucky you may get a few land on your clothes, hands and even your face. If you plan on visiting he sanctuary be prepared for contact, as butterflies are flying around in their hundreds.
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary also give you the opportunity to view their laboratory and nursery, where you can learn about the breeding cycle and view the butterflies in their different stages of life. Over 30,000 caterpillars are bred in the lab every year, so there is always something going on. Tours are also held constantly throughout the day, so you can normally catch one regardless of what time you pop in.
Tips and Tricks
Be sure to bring a camera with charged batteries. The sanctuary is a photographers dream. We highly recommend this activity if you are looking of things to do in Cairns with kids. They will love it!
So if you’re out and about and in the mood for a really memorable experience in Cairns, head up to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. It truly is an oasis of both wonder and charm.
