Community & Business
12 June, 2026
Kuranda lays out the welcome mat
WITH an influx of visitors expected during the cooler winter months, continues to evolve as more than just a day-trip destination.
“There is a strong focus on local creativity, rainforest experiences, sustainability and authentic community events... to welcome local and other visitors from other regional, state, national and international places,” Kuranda Visitors Centre’s senior tourism officer Simone Van Der Zwaag said.
“Across the village, there has been a noticeable increase in new small businesses, local makers and community-led initiatives.”
She said the original Rainforest Markets continued to attract visitors seeking handmade and alternative products, as well as new traders, such as local specialty business Phat Mushroom, which reflected a growing interest in sustainable food culture and wellness products.
The village had also seen investment from local operators and artisans, such as Ben’s Legacy Jewellers.
Community-driven events showcasing the region’s creative identity will also take off this month with the inaugural Kuranda Eco Arts Festival on Saturday 27 June.
Held in the rainforest setting of the solar-powered Kuranda Amphitheatre, it will bring together live music, eco workshops, art installations, film screenings, market stalls, family activities, delicious food and a beer garden on the terraces.
The highly-anticipated NAIDOC Week community celebrations and cultural events were also finalised.
The broader tourism outlook for Tropical North Queensland is also providing strong momentum for the region.
Tourism and Events Queensland’s current winter campaign, “That Holiday Feeling Starts Here”, is heavily promoting reef, rainforest and regional experiences across the state.
The campaign includes national television exposure, airline partnerships and trade marketing designed to convert winter travel demand into bookings across Queensland destinations.
