Australian Butterfly Sanctuary: Entry Ticket

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is a rainforest butterfly habitat in Kuranda, near Cairns, and one of Australia's largest butterfly aviaries. The facility houses hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies, including the Cairns birdwing, Australia's largest endemic butterfly, recognisable by its vivid green and yellow wings. Set within a purpose-built enclosure that replicates the conditions of the surrounding wet tropics rainforest, the sanctuary combines open aviary space with a working breeding laboratory.

Entry includes a 30-minute guided tour of both the aviary and the lab, led by staff who explain the full lifecycle from egg to adult butterfly, including why and how caterpillars undergo metamorphosis. Feeding stations are positioned throughout the aviary, giving visitors close contact with butterflies at rest and in flight. The lab section shows the breeding programme in operation, with visible pupae and emerging adults at various stages. Tickets cover full admission, the guided English-language aviary and lab tours, and access to all on-site shows and exhibits. The sanctuary is wheelchair accessible and is located at 8 Rob Veivers Drive, Kuranda, a short distance from other Cairns attractions.