When visiting Kuranda in Tropical North Queensland, just outside Cairns, a visit to Kuranda Hotel is well worth adding to your itinerary. Surrounded by lush rainforest and rich local history, the hotel is within easy walking distance of attractions such as the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, as well as a range of rainforest adventures nearby. It is also a great place to experience Australian multicultural fusion cuisine, with menu highlights including crocodile and kangaroo spring rolls.
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I travelled to Kuranda aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns for a day trip and decided to stop for a refreshing drink and light lunch before returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Although the village offers plenty of dining options, I chose the historic Kuranda Hotel, which has been welcoming visitors for more than a century and delivers a truly Australian atmosphere.
Kuranda Scenic Railway is a historic train journey from Cairns to Kuranda, featuring rainforest views, waterfalls, tunnels, and bridges through Barron Gorge National Park. Featuring 100-year-old carriages, the journey takes about two hours from Cairns or around one and a half hours from the northern suburb of Freshwater.
The Kuranda Hotel, located a short five minute walk from the station, was built by Henry Remilton in 1890. The original low set building accommodated four guests, while the larger high set extension on the left was completed by 1916, expanding its capacity and presence.
During World War II, the Kuranda Hotel served as an important medical centre for Army Field Ambulance units. Its proximity to the railway made it a key resting point for troops travelling between the Tablelands and Cairns.
Some of the antiques are truly magnificent, like this beautifully crafted oakwood piano, which stands as a remarkable example of intricate workmanship, and the elegance of vintage musical instruments.
There’s a cool breeze in this tropical part of the world, so I chose to sit outside on the verandah. It’s a popular spot for lunch and drinks, attracting both locals and tourists looking to relax.
I finally settled on a snack, and since I’m always up for trying something new, I ordered both the kangaroo spring rolls and the crocodile spring rolls. They came with sweet chilli sauce, and I realised I’d never tried, or even seen, either of them on a menu before. This should be interesting…
While I’m not usually a fan of eating kangaroo, the kangaroo spring rolls smelled absolutely delightful, and I couldn’t help but feel excited to give them a try and see how they taste.
Sadly, I wasn’t too impressed. They felt like kangaroo sausage with the casing removed and wrapped in a spring roll. Quite firm in texture, though still reasonably tasty overall.
The crocodile spring rolls are a completely different story.
They’re more traditional in style, filled with diced crocodile and vegetables. Light and well balanced, they’re not as dense as the kangaroo version and feel much more like a classic spring roll. They also pair well with the sweet chilli sauce.
When its time to head home, I take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway which glides above the tropical rainforest offering spectacular views of Barron Gorge, waterfalls, and lush scenery. The journey includes stops at rainforest boardwalks and lookout points, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics rainforest. What another fantastic day in Tropical North Queensland!
So, would you try the kangaroo or crocodile spring rolls?
Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyway Rainforest Cableway
Cairns and Tropical North Queensland
Matty Somewhere 
Am going to be absolutely honest with you 🙂 ! Have been up and down on the railway and loved it! Absolutely love the photos of the Kuranda Hotel – some nice old pieces there! Don’t much indulge in spring rolls as try to avoid fried foods – not the point here 🙂 ! Absolutely LOVE kangaroo recipes – have used many. Full stop. Kangaroo, poor crocodile and spring rolls – how clever to have them all three on what amounts to a tourist menu – all neat and expected. Surely not by the locals 🙂 ? I might try a kangaroo roll elsewhere and let the poor croc be . . . but glad you enjoyed and let us know too . . . .