The Tour Specialists Blog

Back

Kuranda Tour - Family Day Trip - Fun For All Ages

Sophie Tabouel on June 29th, 2023


Every year, more and more families choose the Cairns region as their holiday destination.

Second only to the Great Barrier Reef, the rainforest is the most popular experience for families holidaying in Tropical North Queensland.

However, just like any other destination, it is sometimes hard to find activities that will keep the kids, teenagers, parents and grand parents happy, without causing too much stress!

This is why you should consider Rainforestation. Situated in the beautiful and popular Kuranda rainforest region, this is one attraction that will keep everyone happy.

Kuranda Village Tours

Located just 25kms north of Cairns, Kuranda feels like another world. 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 have called this area home for over 10,000 years before the arrival of Europeans, and the discovery of gold.

Kuranda Village

The finishing of the mining railway (now Kuranda Train & Scenic Railway) meant previously inaccessible areas of the range were now open to exploitation and tourism.

Despite this, the Kuranda 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.

Getting to Kuranda is one thing however the way you get there will make a huge difference; you could drive there yourself OR you could travel in one of the most spectacular train ride in Australia, the Kuranda Scenic Train, one way and experience the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway on the return trip or vice versa.

Kuranda Scenic Train

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Rainforestation Wildlife Park in Kuranda

Covering over 100 acres of World Heritage Rainforest in Kuranda, Rainforestation provides wildlife, adventure and cultural experiences, all in one convenient location.

Always a crowd-pleaser, the Army Duck tours run daily every hour on the hour from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

The property has acquired 12 of these world war II military vehicles, which due to their 6WD and powerful engines, can navigate almost any terrain.

The Army Duck Tour

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. Keep your eyes peeled for the local water dragons and birdlife too.

Rainforestation’s objective is to provide fun, interactive and educational activities, so when you reach the Aboriginal Culture experience at Pamagirri, 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, dance and story telling.

Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience

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 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 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 wildlife.

They can even feed the wallabies themselves.

There is an opportunity for photos with a crocodile or koala, and they may even see a Cassowary for the first time... and for the bravest of them all, why not come up close and personal with a snake...

Wildlife Experience

The most famous citizen (and always a kid's 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.

Meet Jack The Ripper

Don't miss the Tropical Fruit Orchad, where you get to see some pretty unusual fruits from Tropical North Queensland but also from around the world: jackfruit, paw paw, mango, carambola, lychees... and so many more.

You can also sample some of these fruits or get your hands on some ice cream juices and snack at the Tropical Treats Juice Bar located at the orchard.

Rainforestation offers several options for lunch including a buffet lunch at The 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.

If you are staying in Cairns or anywhere on the Northern Beaches (Palm Cove, Trinity Beach…), book your family Rainforestation experience online here.

You can also experience Rainforestation while holidaying in Port Douglas, for more information and book online.

If you would rather speak to one of our friendly staff, please call 1300 761 612… we are open 6 days a week from 8:30am to 5:00pm

You can also read so much more about the things to do in Kuranda on our blog pages. 

Author:  Sophie Tabouel – The Tour Specialists

 

All photos courtesy of Down Under Tours

Sophie Tabouel

You May Also Like

Great Barrier Reef Blog