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Kuranda Tours | Kuranda Train | Wildlife - Aboriginal Park | TW | R1BT

Tour Code: 167

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns

Kuranda Tour - Best Family Deal
  • Enjoy the thrill of riding on a real World War II Army Duck through rare world heritage listed Kuranda rainforest and see native Australian animals! 
  • Travel on the historic Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway past stunning waterfalls and views of the Barron Gorge and Kuranda rainforest surrounds.
  • Enjoy the Pamagirri Aboriginal cultural show which tells stories about their culture in dance.
  • A Kuranda tour for those who wish to see as much as possible of Kuranda and her attractions in a one day tour from Cairns. Choose from 2 options either coach transfers or Kuranda train transfers in either direction

Included In Price

  • Coach up to Rainforestation Nature Park then coach to Kuranda Village and Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway down the mountain.
  • Coach transfer to/from your Cairns accommodation 
  • Army Duck tour
  • Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
  • Koala & Wildlife
  • Kuranda Village (optional) 2 Hours
  • Return trip to Cairns on Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway or Coach
  • Transfer back to Cairns accommodation

The perfect Kuranda tour options. Coach up to Rainforestation Nature Park then coach to Kuranda Village and Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway down the mountain. Two wonderful ways to visit Rainforestation Nature Park and Kuranda Village on a one day tour.

This is a brilliant Cairns tour that allows you to see and enjoy all of the Kuranda attractions in a one day tour.

And you can choose to ride the train up the mountain to Kuranda Village and coach to Rainforestation Nature Park or coach to Kuranda and Rainforest Nature Park and ride the Kuranda train back down the mountain to Cairns.

Sample Itinerary - Coach to Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park - Train to Cairns

8.00 -8.15am Your 100% electric tour bus will pick you up from your accommodation in Cairns. A precise time will be given to you at time of booking.

If you are staying outside the Cairns pick-up area then you can drive to Freshwater Train Station and arrange to pick up the tour bus from there for around 8:35am.

Your tour bus will take you on a scenic road trip up the escarpment range to an elevation of 330m (1,083ft) through the rainforest of this World Heritage site to Kuranda and to Rainforestation Nature Park.

Kuranda Attraction Number 1

9.15am Our first place we visit is Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda where you’ll be able to get up close to local native Australian wildlife and learn about Aboriginal culture and about the rainforests and their inhabitants. 

At Rainforestation Nature Park you may choose to cuddle a koala or have your photo taken (extra cost) holding a baby crocodile, enjoy hand feeding the kangaroos and wallabies. Meet “Jack the Ripper” the 5m resident crocodile who gained his name by allegedly killing his past 12 girlfriends. See Tasmanian Devils and endangered Lumholts's Tree Kangarooos.

The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience is a fascinating insight into the culture, skills and customs of the local Pamagirri Indigenous tribes. You will even get to throw a spear, a boomerang and play a didgeridoo.

You will travel through the depths of this World Heritage Rainforest site on an historic tour vehicle, a World War II amphibious vehicle. Your tour guide will take your through the lush undergrowth of this prehistoric rainforest on land and on water.

12.00 to 2.00pm You will have the afternoon to either shop around Kuranda “The village in the rainforest” at their renowned markets or see further Kuranda attractions.

3.15pm For a grand finale you will  return by one of the most scenic railway journeys in the country the Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway as you are taken past the Barron Falls Waterfall and the dramatic cliff faces of the Barron Gorge. A wonderful day of amazing sights and culture surrounded by the best that nature has to offer in this pristine rainforest. 

You will learn so much and have great fun doing it. A superb day for all the family that will be remembered for years to come!

5.15pm Your coach will be at the Kuranda Railway Station to transfer you back to your Cairns accommodation.  

Koala and Wildlife Park at Rainforestation Nature Park 

The Koala and Wildlife Park at Rainforestation Nature Park have a wonderful display of local native Australian wildlife. From a tiny Quoll to a large 1.5m (6ft) rare and highly endangered Cassowary there are animals to appeal to everyone. If you fancy you can havea photo taken when you Cuddle a Koala or a baby Crocodile (don’t worry Mum, the Croc will have his jaw taped close - extra cost payable on the day), see turtles, lizards and toads and hand feed the beautiful Kangaroos and Wallabies. There are not many places left in Australia where you can actually hold and cuddle a Koala, so this is something we recommend you do.

You’ll even get to meet “Jack the Ripper” a massive 5m (17ft) crocodile that has his name as he allegedly found his last 12 girlfriends rather delicious!

Your ranger tour guide will give a running commentary on the native Australian animals you will see and they will even describe each animal’s different characteristics.

Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience

Immerse yourself in this amazing cultural experience. This 30 minute tour will be led by your Indigenous Tour Guide, a member of the Pamagirri local Aboriginal tribe. You will be led on a cultural discovery as you learn how the Indigenous tribes have survived in this World Heritage rainforest for the last 50,000 years.

Your Indigenous tour guide will take you an all-weather walk way that is based on the symbol of the Rainbow Serpent. Discover how ancient tools were fashioned and used and experience Tropical North Queensland through the eyes of the Indigenous people that have survived and lived in this rainforest for the last 50,000 years.

Music and dancing was  a large part of their culture so you will see a traditional Aboriginal dance, with moves that have been passed down through generations and learn how the didgeridoo was used in ceremonies.  You’ll even have a chance to blow it and see what sound you can make.

Your tour guide will show you also how to throw a traditional spear with a Woomera and how to make a boomerang return to you. You will have a chance to try these for yourself. Don’t worry the boomerang area has nets so you won’t have far to go if you don’t perfect the technique.

Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout Walk - Extra Cost

If you would like a more in depth and personal experience of the Pamagirri Aboriginal culture we recommend you take the "Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout Walk". Your Pamagirri guide will take you through the Rainforest and point out various plants and fruits used in traditional remedies and food. You will also learn about the Pamagirri way of life: huts, tools and other objects and their use. Make sure you advise Rainforestation nature Park your intention to do the Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout at Rainforestation Nature Park Walk when you arrived. ThePamagirri Rainforest Walkabout at Rainforestation Nature Park Walk is an extra cost and is payable direct to Rainforestation Nature Park on the day of your visit. The Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout at Rainforestation Nature Park Walk is at 1:00pm and goes for 30 minutes

Commentary sheets available in 14 languages

Rainforestation Army Duck Tour

This has to be one of the most unique rainforest tours in Australia. You will be taken deep into this World Heritage Rainforest in a unique historic World War II amphibious army vehicle called a Duck.

Your Duck tour vehicle has a capacity of 30 passengers and underneath them is a strange combination of 6 wheels, a rudder and a propeller.  Your journey of discovery will take you for a 45 minute/1 hour tour into this pristine rainforest with your Duck tour guide and driver. You will drive over the rainforest floor with the canopy of tree foliage above you and through prehistoric fern leaves. The flora and fauna you are passing through has remained unchanged for the last 150 million years.  It’s unbelievable that this pocket of pristine rainforest which only takes up 0.1% of Australia is home to such natural diversity.  With 7% of the bird species,  3% of reptiles, marsupial and frogs, 90% of butterfly and bats and 12,000 species of insects, you will be exploring a pristine area of nature.

With a press of a button the propeller will be lowered on your Duck tour vehicle and you will be on the water and exploring the river banks.  You might see a basking turtle, a sunning python, fish and slithering eels.

Information on your amphibious tour vehicle – Why is it called a Duck?

Your Duck amphibious tour vehicle should really be called a “Dukw”, but as a term of endearment it has been nicknamed a “Duck”.  Rainforestation Nature Park has a fleet of 12 Duck tour vehicles.  They were originally built in Detroit between 1942 and 1944 to be used as part of the war effort. 

The “D” denotes the year that it was designed in 1942.  The “U” shows that it is a utility vehicle, the “K” is used to denote that it is an all-wheel drive and “W” indicates that it has two powered rear axles.

Despite the Ducks being manufactured for the war effort they are also used by civilian organisations such as fire, police and rescue departments.  The Australian Army even loaned two of these to the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition and were used locally to help deliver supplies to remote islands and lighthouses.

They have also been used with great effect in helping in post disaster work and were used in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and in the Hunter Valley Floods.

The Duck is 93m (31ft) long, is of steel construction and weighs 7.5 tons.  It has a top speed of 80 km/h (50-55mph) on land and 10km/h (6.4mph) on the water and has been converted to LPG. The Duck has some unique features which include an advanced high capacity bilge system and automatic tyre pressure adjustment that the driver can control from his driving seat.

When you have finished your rainforest Duck tour you are free to choose what to do for the rest of the day.

You can stay and have lunch at Rainforestation or take the tour bus to Kuranda and have lunch at the cafés and restaurants there.

If you wish to have lunch at Rainforestation then you can upgrade at time of booking to include lunch in your tour price.

Lunch At Rainforestation Nature Park (extra cost)

Depending on the demand on the day will affect how many tables are available and which restaurants are open. Restaurants are open from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Rainforestation has three restaurant areas: (New Covid Rules Apply)

  • Colonial Restaurant, which has beautiful views  across the lake and with an old world charm.
  • Treehouse Restaurant , dine under the shady fig trees and watch the children play in the Woodies Treehouse (if the restaurant is closed then they can still play in the treehouse under adult supervision).
  • Outback Restaurant is set amidst landscaped tropical gardens.
  • sandwiches burgers etc at this time

The food served is Aussie bush-tucker inspired. It is served as a buffet with tender steaks, BBQ chicken and pork sausages served with their signature dish of Kup-Murri sweet potatoes is yummy. There are vegetarian options which include stir-fries, tropical fruits, sandwiches, salads, snacks and cheeses.

You can alternatively take the shuttle bus at 1:00pm back to Kuranda Village which is only a few minutes away and have lunch in one of the cafes and restaurants there.

By choosing the 1:00pm shuttle bus back to Kuranda Village you should also have enough time to visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

If you have lunch at Rainforestation then the transfer will pick you up to take you to Kuranda for 2:00pm.

World Heritage Kuranda – “The Village in the Rainforest”

If you have lunch at Rainforestation your tour bus will take you to Kuranda after you have finished.

The tour bus will pick you up and take you to Kuranda Train Station for your scenic Railway return journey to Cairns.

Kuranda is a quaint, charming, town that has attracted visitors for the last century.  It oozes charm from every pavement slab and art-worked steel railing.  

Whist in Kuranda you can visit these other activities or you can just shop and hang out in the Kuranda markets and shops. Kuranda is a cultural hub for displaying indigenous artefacts, such  didgeridoos, boomerangs, artworks and you can even find crocodile skins!

  • Butterfly Sanctuary

If you love butterflies then this is butterfly heaven. Kuranda's Australian Butterfly Sanctuary has the largest collection in Australia and is home to over 2,000 where they are kept in an enormous enclosure.  It’s amazing that 60% of all butterfly species in Australia can be found in this World Heritage rainforest area. Walk around the Butterfly Sanctuary and be astounded at the amazing sight of these amazing coloured insects flitting around you.   If you are wearing bright colours you might find the butterflies landing on you thinking that you are a big flower.  Keep an eye out for the electric blue Ulysses Butterflies that are the unofficial emblem of North Queensland and the fluoro green of the locally named Cairns Birdswing.

  • Bird World

The biodiversity in this World Heritage Area is amazing. With 7% of all species of birds found here, this gigantic aviary houses 45 species of birds from the stately and endangered Cassowary to the cheeky rainbow lorikeets and Galahs to the brilliant Amazonian macaws. View these beautiful birds in a natural environment as Bird World has been naturally landscaped to incorporate a waterfall, trees and ponds.

  • Riverboat Cruise

This cruise will take you down the Barron River for 45 minutes of sheer beauty and serenity.  Your tour boat will glide silently by the majestic foliage of the rainforest.  On the banks you might see a lazing wild crocodile, or a resting turtle, waterdragons, or a Darter Bird with its outspread wings drying.

  • Kuranda Market

Kuranda Markets are world famous. There are actually now two as the original Market was so popular that the Heritage Markets area was added.

Kuranda, locally known as “the village in the rainforest” still retains its charm that has attracted visitors for over a century.

Artists and artisans have also gravitated living here over the century and continue to live in Kuranda. Their wonderful works of art and crafted products are sold at the markets, so you will be sure to find some unique and unusual items.

Sip on a coffee made from locally grown coffee beans or refresh yourself with a coconut juice from a coconut collected off local trees.

Kuranda Railway Station is a 5 minute walk from the centre of Kuranda.  You will be catching the 3.30pm train, so aim to be there for 3.15pm.

  • Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway

3.30pm This is regarded as one of the best rail journeys in Australia.  In an amazing feat of engineering this historic scenic railway was started in 1886 and was finished in 1891. It wends its way through the steep drops of the Barron Gorge and around the gushing waterfall of the scenic Barron Falls.  It will take you from the Tablelands at 328m (1076.12ft) down to the lowlands and Cairns at sea level.

This was built against all adversity as not only did construction have to be built on inhospitable terrain, with steep gradients, sheer rock faces and dense jungle but the local Aboriginals were also keen to defend their forest home and didn’t take kindly to the work being carried out.

In World War II the train carriages were converted to ambulance carriages to carry the wounded back from the battlefields of New Guinea and the South West Pacific.

The train you are travelling in is a 1720 Class Diesel Electric Locomotive that was built in 1966.  It is a lighter train which is ideal for this type of rail track.

This amazing rail journey will have ongoing commentary on the sights you are seeing and the history of the railway.

The train will stop at Freshwater for people that have driven there and will continue to Cairns where you will then be taken by your tour bus to your Cairns accommodation.  You will be back around 5.15pm.

Kuranda Scenic Railway – Heritage and Gold Class Upgrade

If you wish to upgrade please advise our Tour Specialist when you book - May not be available 

Heritage Class

You will be taken back to the time when the railway was first constructed.  You will be travelling in the original red-wooden heritage carriages with their historical décor and beautifully crafted interior. 

  • Seating in the re-wooden heritage carriages
  • Audio Commentary
  • Ambient, historical décor, historical photographs and cedar interior
  • Heritage class inclusions are:
  • Souvenir trip guide (available in 9 languages)
  • In Summer – chilled refresher towel
  • Filtered water

Gold Class - needs to be prebooked

Gold Class give customers that little bit of extra comfort and luxury to make this a memorable experience. 

  • Ambient décor with historical photos and cedar interior
  • Travel in club class lounge seating in this Victorian inspired décor.
  • Optional exclusive tour of the Heritage-Listed Cabin at Kuranda Station.
  • Souvenir trip programme
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway gift pack including Kuranda Scenic Railway badge, pen and postcard

Locally produced refreshments (please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements): cheeseboard with Gallo Dairyland Cheese and Macadamia Rainforest Cheese, freshly baked muffins with local fruit, Selection of sparkling wine,  Australian Sirromet Wines, Great Northern Brewing Company Super Crisp Lager and welcome mocktails.

See more Kuranda tour options here.

Tour Languages Offered
  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Spanish
Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time
  • Option 1.)
  • Coach to Kuranda - Kuranda Train to Cairns
  • 8:00 - 8.15am Coach pick ups from Cairns to Rainforestation Nature Park
  • 9.15am Arrive at Rainforestation Nature Park
  • 12.00 to 2.00pm Depart Rainforestation for a visit to Kuranda Village
  • 3.15pm Be at the Kuranda Village Train Station for your train ticket for a 3.30pm train depature to Cairns (do not disembark at Freshwater)
  • Returns Cairns 5:15pm to Cairns Train Station to transfer you back to your accommodation
Pickup Locations

Cairns

  • Pick up time will be confirmed at time of booking
Destinations
  • Kuranda
  • Rainforestation Nature Park Kuranda and Kuranda Village
Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

8.00 hours (approx)

Available for Purchase / Hire
  • Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway upgrade - needs to be pre-booked
  • Animal photo - picture of you holding a Koala or a small Crocodile
  • Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout Walk
  • Lunch is not included on this tour however you will have the choice to either enjoy lunch at Rainforestation or in Kuranda Village
  • If you decide to go back to Kuranda Village for lunch you should have enough time to include Butterfly Sanctuary
Fitness Level Required

Low, Disabled

Additional Information
  • Cancellation Policy: 100% cancellation fee applies to tours of 2 days duration and longer, if cancelled 72 hours prior to departure. 100% cancellation fee applies to day tours if cancelled within 24 hours prior to departure or no shows.
  • Languages: the Army Duck tour and the Pamagirri Aboriginal experience have pamphlets available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, German and Italian

Comfortable shoes & clothing (if you decide to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary you should wear a bright colurful shirt to attract a maximum of butterflies), money for souvenirs, Koala or Croc photo, snack and lunch

Containes notes on wheelchair accessContaines notes for the visually impairedContaines notes for the hearing impaired
Wheelchair Accessibility

Ramps and paved pathways available throughout the park

The Pamagirri Aboriginal Cultural centre is accessible with a designated viewing platform at the amphitheatre

Access to the Wildlife section is paved for viewing of all animals

Boarding Access

The amphibious Army Ducks can be boarded from platform 2 with barriers removed, seats are higher for ease of transfer from wheelchair

Hearing Impaired Information

Visual information available

Facilities

Accessible toilet facilities located next to the restaurant

Wheelchair Accessibility

Wheelchair lifts onto train carriage at Freshwater and Kuranda stations

Cairns Train Station level with platforms

Wheelchairs cannot exceed 630mm in width and 950mm in length

Boarding Access

No wheelchair access facilities at Barron Falls Station

Wheelchair compliant ramps at all stations

Onboard Access

Maximum 4 dedicated wheelchair areas on each train located in central carriages

Visually Impaired Notes

Information in braille at Cairns Station

Audio commentary during train journey

Hearing Impaired Information

Visual information provided

Facilities

1 wheelchair accessible toilet on board all train services and at Cairns, Freshwater and Kuranda Stations

  • Child price applies to children ages 4 - 14
  • Children 3 & under travel free

Cancellation Policy: 100% cancellation fee applies to tours of 2 days duration and longer, if cancelled 72 hours prior to departure. 100% cancellation fee applies to day tours if cancelled within 24 hours prior to departure or no shows.

100% cancellation fee applies to day tours if cancelled within 24 hours prior to departure or no shows.

Kuranda Tours | Kuranda Train | Wildlife - Aboriginal Park | TW | R1BT

Tour Code: 167

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns

Kuranda Tour - Best Family Deal

From

au$161.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au$89.00
Family: au$411.00

Tour Code: 167

From

au$161.00

15 yrs & over

4 - 14 yrs

0 - 3 yrs

Ages of Children
(Discounts May Apply)
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745

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