Rainforestation Cultural & Wildlife Park

Rainforestation Nature Park – The Best Rainforest Experience

Covering over 100 acres of World Heritage Rainforest, Rainforestation Nature Park provides native Australian wildlife, adventure and Aboriginal cultural experiences, all in the same place.

-Army Duck Tour-

Always a crowd-pleaser, the amphibious Army Duck tours run daily for 45 minutes from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

The property has acquired 12 of these World War II era military vehicles, which due to their 6WD and powerful engines, can navigate almost any terrain. Your knowledgeable driver and guide will take you on a trail through the rainforest, pointing out the more fascinating fauna inhabitants of the region.

Then hold on tight as you plunge into the lake and go turtle spotting. The kids will have to keep their eyes peeled for the local water dragons and birdlife too.

-Aboriginal Cultural Displays-

Rainforestation’s objective is to provide fun but educational activities, so when you reach the Aboriginal Cultural experience with the Pamagirri tribal dancers, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to take part in the fun! Without a written language, the Aboriginal people of Australia learnt to communicate using music and dance.

Pamagirri illustrates many of these dances and the lessons they convey with their talented local dancers. After the show, you will get the chance to try a didgeridoo (An Aboriginal musical instrument) for yourself, but don’t worry if you don’t get it the first time; sometimes it takes years of practice! The kids will be lining up to try throwing a boomerang for themselves, under the careful instruction of a local Aboriginal guide.

After the kids have had a chance to experience the local culture, they will love a visit to Rainforestation’s collection of native Australian wildlife.

-Koala & Wildlife-

Guests are given the opportunity to feed the wallabies themselves. There is also an opportunity for you to have your photo taken with a (small) crocodile or a cuddly koala, and they may even see a Cassowary for the first time.

The most famous citizen (and always a kid favourite!) is Jack the Ripper, a five metre salt water crocodile who weighs over 650kgs! He got his reputation from his inability to play well with others, having killed 12 of his girlfriends in the past. These days he lives a quiet life alone, the way he prefers it.

Kuranda Scenic Train And Skyrail – Why Not Make It A Day Tour?

You can combine you Rainforestation Nature Park experience with the Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail gondola, the second most popular activity in Cairns, with options such as taking the train up to Kuranda village and returning on the Skyrail. The kids will love the thrill of looking straight down into the valley as the train makes its way across skinny bridges and past roaring waterfalls, through dark tunnels and under the canopy of the rainforest.

The train comes with an educational edge too, as old photographs, commentary and information guides tell of the trials and tribulations the workers went through to construct the railway. The Skyrail will have them excited as they view the rainforest from a whole new perspective, high above the treetops of the oldest continuously living rainforest in the world.

The train has two departure times in the morning. If you are an early riser and like to get an early start on the day, then the 8:30am departure from Cairns station is for you. If you and the kids prefer to have a bit of a sleep in, then you would take the 9:30am departure from Cairns Station. There are also departures from Freshwater station for those who are staying in the Northern Beaches with two departure times as well: 8:50am or 9:50am.

The train returns from Kuranda at either 2:00pm or 3:30pm if you prefer to take the train as a return option. Gold class is an optional upgrade, and well worth the money as you receive a highly personalised experience with drinks service, canapés and a souvenir kit. The comfy club-style sofa chairs make the added cost worth it as you relax and enjoy the view.

The Skyrail runs all day long, and is great as an option for the kids because of its flexibility and its entertainment value. Getting on either at the bottom at the Smithfield Terminal, or at the top after your day in Kuranda, there is no better view in the whole of Cairns.

The two stops along the way provide even more education and entertainment for the kids as they take the free guided rainforest walk, and visit the rainforest information centre. The Diamond View upgrade offers you even more visibility with a glass floor for a small extra fee. 

Kuranda – Genuine And Unique

Located just 25kms north of Cairns, Kuranda feels like a world apart. Sitting amongst the beautiful Great Dividing Range and surrounded by the wild rainforest, this village gives off a distinctly ‘hippie’ vibe. The local indigenous population called this area home for over 10,000 years before the arrival of Europeans, and the discovery of gold. The finishing of the mining railway (now Kuranda Scenic Railway) meant previously inaccessible areas of the range were now open to exploitation and tourism.

Despite this, the village has managed to maintain a feeling of relaxation and self-sustainability that is hard to find in the modern era. Markets, galleries and wildlife experiences are now the primary drawcards of this picturesque town.

Optional Extras

Rainforestation Nature Park offers a buffet lunch at their Colonial Restaurant. With a licensed bar, salad bar and selection of hot meals, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. You will even have the chance to try Kangaroo, a popular game meat and great Aussie experience.

While you are in Kuranda and have some time on your hands, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is close by. This state-of-the-art facility is known for its butterfly breeding programs and public education, and is the largest free flight butterfly aviary in Australia. You can wonder around the open air enclosures and marvel at the beautiful varieties of butterflies, including the stunning Ulysses, and even head into the lab where you can watch the magic happen.

Rainforestation Nature Park is available as individual activities, as packages and as tours including the Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail. Enquire with us about your perfect tour combination!