Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
4.5
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
About
The largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia - an all weather experience in the heart of the Kuranda village. Home to over 1500 magnificent butterflies, youll be enchanted by the arial dynamics of these elusive wonders of nature as you wonder through the aviary's rainforest gardens.
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See what travellers are saying
- Leah2 contributionsOverpriced let downAbsolute rip off for what it is. $73 for a family of 5 for maybe 10 minutes to do in here. When we saw “Australia’s Largest Butterfly Sanctuary” we thought it would be way more. Just a disappointment. Maybe if it were $25 for a family it would make more sense but this was not worth the money at all.Hi, We are sorry to hear that we did not meet your expectations. The aviary itself allows guests to capture some amazing photographs of the gardens and butterflies. We also have the fairy garden, the museum and the laboratory which includes a microscope. We do have free guided aviary tours where our knowledgeable guides will take you through the aviary, detailing a butterfly’s life cycle and behaviour and also provides an opportunity to view first-hand the breeding laboratory through special viewing windows. We appreciate your feedback as we strive to be be the best we can be.Written 4 April 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 April 2023
- NMurphy10164 contributionsGood conservation efforts, beautiful resultsWith a wide variety of species on display, the aviary is a gorgeous place to visit and admire the large amount of butterflies they are working to raise here. They take their work seriously but still have the public-facing front to show people the value of their work. If you're lucky, you'll get some to land on you! Have your cameras at the ready, as most of them are skittish, but some of the larger ones will happily sit there while you take their picture.Hi, we are glad that you had a great time and were able to admire that beautiful butterflies. We hope you were able to capture some great photos. Thank you for your review and we hope to see you again soon.Written 18 May 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 11 April 2023
- Jeff W2 contributionsAveragePlease don't think i am not grateful for the opportunity to visit the butterfly sanctuary. You have done an amazing job in setting up the sanctuary it looks great . Your staff are very dedicated in what they do and the work that the scientists do is great . There didn't seem to be many different sorts of butterflies and not that many ??? The cost to get in was a little expensive I thought, however it was something different . Probably won't visit againHi, thank you for taking the time out to provide your feedback. There are around 1200 free flying butterflies in our aviary, however the weather and time of day can impact how active our butterflies are. On cool, overcast days our butterflies may be less active than normal, unfortunately. We are glad that you appreciated the hardworking staff.Written 18 May 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 April 2023
- Pam QAdelaide, Australia177 contributionsButterfly beautyWe stayed overnight in Kuranda before having to catch a 3pm flight out of Cairns Airport. Decided after breakfast to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary as we'd seen the sights of Cairns. Staff are very friendly and helpful and the butterflies delightful. Viewing the science involved in breeding the butterflies was interesting. Seniors discount was appreciated. As this was in the school holidays I recommend arriving early (opens 9.30am), certainly before the first tour buses and trains/cable cars bring their passengers.Hi, we are delighted that you had a fantastic visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and that you appreciated the passionate and friendly team as well as the beautiful butterflies. Thank you for reviewing us and we hope that you can come back and visit sometime soon.Written 11 July 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2023Written 30 June 2023
- Wales_Solo_travellerPenarth, United Kingdom1,855 contributionsBusy but interestingMy visit here cost about $22 AUD and while the visit was quite quick (the place is quite small) it was interesting. The butterflies were beautiful and dotted around the area were interesting facts about butterflies as well as charts telling you the names. It was a decent place to visit to get away from Kuranda’s ubiquitous markets for about an hour. However I felt it was too busy and crowded.Hi, it is great to see that you enjoyed your visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and found it very interesting. We are sorry to hear that you found it very busy. During certain times of the year such as school holidays we do see a high number of customers each day as a popular attraction. We hope to see you again soon. Thanks for reviewing us.Written 11 July 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 July 2023
- SunshineGirlCanberra, Australia55 contributions$80 for 20 minutesNice to see the butterflies flying around a leafy enclosure. Saw some different varieties, but nothing special. Nice to see, but it won’t be coming back ever again. If you’re on a budget, I would give it a miss. Also, the entry prices advertised on the website are cheaper than what you’re charged at the door. The lady behind the counter insinuated I was lying when I queried it.Hi, we are glad that you got to see a variety of butterflies but we are sorry to read that you would choose not to come back. We can ensure that the prices on the website are up to date. You may find that third party operators offering discounted ticket prices if you enter Australian Butterfly Sanctuary into your preferred search engine.Written 18 July 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 July 2023
- Family AdventuresGeelong, Australia200 contributionsSmall but interestingAlthough quick, we enjoyed our visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. The lab was interesting to see, although not operational at our time of visit. The main area to view butterflies was beautifully presented with plants and water features. The fairy garden was small but cute. Worth a visit, combined with the other parksHi, we are delighted that you had an amazing time at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Thank you for reviewing us and we hope that you can come back and visit soon.Written 11 July 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 July 2023
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4.5
1,395 reviews
Excellent
787
Very good
427
Average
129
Poor
32
Terrible
20
746ballfamily746
Sydney, Australia364 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Large aviary with great variety of butterflies. Very relaxing strolling through. Very well set out enclosure, adding interest to the visit. Friendly staff.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Bal family, we are happy that your visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary was fantastic. We hope that you can come back and visit again soon. Thank you for reviewing us.
Written 19 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MikeFo
Brighton, UK1,049 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Used to be largest butterfly aviary in the world. Has a lovely collection of local butterflies that you walk around close up many will land on your
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Mike, we are delighted that you had an amazing experience at Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and that you enjoyed being up close with the beautiful butterflies. Thank you for reviewing us and we hope that you can come back and visit soon.
Written 1 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
veggev
Sydney, Australia30 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
We were trying to kill time whilst waiting for the scenic train and decided to go the Butterfly Sanctuary. It's beautiful. Such a beautiful place. I took some slow motion videos that I will watch often. Highly recommend. It's not big but there are seats inside where you can just watch the butterflies. Loved it.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Veggev, we are delighted that your visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary was so enjoyable and that you got the opportunity to take lots of amazing videos and photos. Thank you for your review and we hope to see you again soon.
Written 15 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike P
Sydney, Australia267 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Awesome, fantastic place so full of all types of butterflies from the large to the very small. There is even a breeding nursery. Highly recommend someone in your group wear bright colourful clothes. The butterflies can and will land on you ensuring perfect photo opportunities. A must do when your in Kuranda.
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are delighted that your visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary was so enjoyable and that you got the opportunity to take lots of amazing photos. Thank you for your review and we hope to see you again soon.
Written 31 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalie S
6 contributions
Aug. 2023
We loved our trip to the butterfly sanctuary today.
A must do when in Cairns.
At the end of the visit, you enter a room with preserved species organised in groupings. A really impressive array to look at. I took lots of photos here as well.
Tip: wear some light coloured clothing- the butterflies kept going back to land on my husbands pale green hat and a couple of visitors with light colours, but none landed on me at all (I was wearing bright red).
Tip: Be aware that if you want to go into other places in Kuranda, such as the bird sanctuary, it's cheaper to buy a special ticket for both. We didn't realise in time (since the person selling the tickets did not inform us) and we payed double what we needed to, which was disappointing.
A must do when in Cairns.
At the end of the visit, you enter a room with preserved species organised in groupings. A really impressive array to look at. I took lots of photos here as well.
Tip: wear some light coloured clothing- the butterflies kept going back to land on my husbands pale green hat and a couple of visitors with light colours, but none landed on me at all (I was wearing bright red).
Tip: Be aware that if you want to go into other places in Kuranda, such as the bird sanctuary, it's cheaper to buy a special ticket for both. We didn't realise in time (since the person selling the tickets did not inform us) and we payed double what we needed to, which was disappointing.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are delighted that you had a fantastic time and enjoyed the opportunity to see lots of beautiful butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. We appreciate all your feedback as we always strive to better ourselves. We hope you can come back and visit again soon.
Written 20 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gamefishtas
Judbury, Australia80 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Amazing enclosure full of different species of Butterflies.
Take a slow and careful walk through and photograph to your heart's content.
Take a slow and careful walk through and photograph to your heart's content.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are delighted that your visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary was so enjoyable and that you got the opportunity to take lots of amazing photos. Thank you for your review and we hope to see you again soon.
Written 27 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vanessa A
Tasmania, Australia258 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
A bucket list item crossed off my list this was great for me so relaxing. Just wish it was bigger with more seating to relax and watch the butterflies
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are delighted that you had an amazing time at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and ticked another item off your bucket list. We appreciate all your feedback. Thank you for reviewing us and we hope that you can come back and visit soon.
Written 27 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eddy
Australian Capital Territory, Australia7 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Not many butterflies or different veriety. Quite small enclosure. $22 entry fee is not worth the visit.
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are sorry to read that you did not see lots of butterflies. On cold and overcast days butterflies naturally will be less active than normal. Butterflies are cold blooded animals so this means their body temperatures are not regulated on their own. Unfortunately if the butterflies are either too cold or too warm it affects their ability to fly. We do try our best to keep the temperatures of our butterflies stable and we manually allow or stop air from outside the aviary coming in through vents. We do offer free guided aviary tours through the aviary, detailing a butterfly’s life cycle and behaviour and provides an opportunity to view first-hand the breeding laboratory through special viewing windows as well as the butterfly museum. We appreciate your feedback as we strive towards being the best attraction we can be
Written 27 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pete
Melbourne, Australia45 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Actually have some butterfly's in your exhibit. We spent 30 mins there today after paying $22 each and we must have spotted 20 butterflys 🦋 if lucky, apparently there is over 1400 there. May I ask where were they? Very disappointing and not worth the money or your time. Plenty of better things to see up there. Give it a miss, you're not missing out. See for yourself if you must, but you will come to the same conclusion. Very disappointing.
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are sorry to hear that you did not see lots of butterflies. On colder and more overcast days butterflies naturally will be less active than normal. Butterflies are cold blooded animals so this means their body temperatures are not regulated on their own. If the butterflies are either too cold or too warm it affects their ability to fly. We try our best to keep the temperatures of our butterflies stable and we manually allow or stop air from outside the aviary coming in through vents. We do have free guided aviary tours where our knowledgeable guides will take you through the aviary, detailing a butterfly’s life cycle and behaviour and also provides an opportunity to view first-hand the breeding laboratory through special viewing windows as well as the butterfly museum. We appreciate your feedback as we strive towards being the best attractions we can be.
Written 27 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Family Adventures
Geelong, Australia200 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
Although quick, we enjoyed our visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. The lab was interesting to see, although not operational at our time of visit. The main area to view butterflies was beautifully presented with plants and water features. The fairy garden was small but cute. Worth a visit, combined with the other parks
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are delighted that you had an amazing time at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Thank you for reviewing us and we hope that you can come back and visit soon.
Written 11 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wisky
Columbus, WI141 contributions
Bright clothing or white clothing?
princessSydney
Sydney, Australia242 contributions
White!
Maureen B
Cairns, Australia
How do I get there using public transport from palm cove qld?
Ben W
Milan, Italy5 contributions
Hi there. Unfortunately there is no direct bus service from Palm Cove to Kuranda. You would have to get a Sunbus from Palm Cove to Smithfield (No. 110 or 111), and then change to get either TransNorth bus or John's bus to Kuranda.
TripAdvisor doesn't allow me to post the links on here, but if you Google search for each of the bus companies you should be able to find their timetables.
Alternatively, you could book a full Kuranda day tour with our sister company Tropic Wings.
I hope that helps.
Regards
Maureen B
Cairns, Australia
How do I get there using public transport from palm cove?
Ben W
Milan, Italy5 contributions
Hi there. Unfortunately there is no direct bus service from Palm Cove to Kuranda. You would have to get a Sunbus from Palm Cove to Smithfield (No. 110 or 111), and then change to get either TransNorth bus or John's bus to Kuranda.
TripAdvisor doesn't allow me to post the links on here, but if you Google search for each of the bus companies you should be able to find their timetables.
Alternatively, you could book a full Kuranda day tour with our sister company Tropic Wings, which can also include Skyrail, Kuranda Scenic Railway, and Rainforestation Nature Park.
I hope that helps.
Regards
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Claim your listingAustralian Butterfly Sanctuary: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Australian Butterfly Sanctuary:
- Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns (From AU$191.97)
- Kuranda Day Trip from Port Douglas upgrade to Skyrail & Scenic train available (From AU$97.39)
- Grand Kuranda Incl Skyrail, Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforestation (CKBB) (From AU$290.11)
- Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (From AU$252.84)
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Day Trip from Cairns (From AU$191.95)
- Hotels near Australian Butterfly Sanctuary:
- (0.18 km) Ronday-voo Bed & Breakfast
- (0.55 km) Kuranda Hotel Motel
- (0.72 km) Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park
- (7.96 km) Villa Beach Palm Cove
- (9.53 km) The Reef House Adults Only Bespoke Escapes
- Restaurants near Australian Butterfly Sanctuary:
- (0.11 km) Frogs Kuranda
- (0.19 km) Petit Cafe Kuranda
- (0.13 km) German Tucker Kuranda
- (0.14 km) Fruibies
- (0.14 km) Cafe Kuranda