Kuranda & Outback Tours Kuranda with Hartley's Crocodile Park and Scenic Train

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A full day from Port Douglas taking in Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway up to Kuranda, the Kuranda Scenic Railway back down, and sunset drinks in Palm Cove, with tickets and all transfers included.

Days

Full day, about 10.5 hours

Age

All ages; infants 0–3 free

Group size

Small group, max 20

Start / finish

Port Douglas / Port Douglas
Port Douglas, at dusk

Return

Port Douglas, at dusk

Transport

Coach with hotel pick-up in Port Douglas, Skyrail cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway

Meals

Morning tea; lunch at own cost in Kuranda

Route

Map of Kuranda & Outback Tours Kuranda with Hartley's Crocodile Park and Scenic Train

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Included experiences

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures — crocodile-feeding boat cruise
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures — cassowaries, koalas and wildlife
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — Red Peak and Barron Falls stops
Kuranda — free time in the rainforest village and markets
Kuranda Scenic Railway — waterfalls, tunnels and Barron Falls Lookout
Palm Cove — esplanade stroll at sunset

Kuranda & Outback Tours Kuranda with Hartley's Crocodile Park and Scenic Train

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: HARTLEY'S CROCODILE ADVENTURES

Pick-up from your Port Douglas hotel is at about 8:20am, and half an hour down the coast road you're at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, a wildlife park that has been on this stretch of coast since 1934. Morning tea is included. First comes a boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon, where keepers dangle meat from a pole and saltwater crocodiles, the largest reptiles on earth, power up out of the water to take it. Then you have free time in the park: catch a cassowary feeding, see the crocodile farm, watch a croc show, and meet the koalas, kangaroos and wombats.

MIDDAY: SKYRAIL UP TO KURANDA

At about 11:35am your guide drives you on to the bottom station of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Opened in 1995, it runs 7.5 km over the canopy of Barron Gorge National Park, in the Wet Tropics, World Heritage-listed in 1988 and one of the oldest living rainforests on earth. You step off at two stations on the way up. Red Peak, at 545 metres the highest point on the line, has a boardwalk through the forest. Barron Falls station looks across the gorge to the falls, a roaring curtain after heavy rain and a few threads late in the dry season.

EARLY AFTERNOON: FREE TIME IN KURANDA

Kuranda sits about 330 metres up, at the top of the range. Its Djabugay name, Ngunbay, means place of the platypus. In the 1970s the old railway town filled with artists and alternative settlers, and the markets they started still set its tone. Your guide meets you at the top and shows you around before setting you free for about two hours. Browse the arts, crafts and galleries, and have lunch in a café (at your own cost). For an extra cost you can add the Kuranda Riverboat on the Barron River, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld or Kuranda Koala Gardens, all close to the main street.

LATE AFTERNOON: THE SCENIC RAILWAY DOWN

At about 3:30pm you board the Kuranda Scenic Railway at Kuranda station, built from 1913 and famous for its tropical gardens. Work on the line began in 1886, and about 1,500 men cut its 15 tunnels and 55 bridges largely by hand. On the way down the train pauses at the Barron Falls lookout, crosses the bridge in front of Stoney Creek Falls and winds round the tight bend at Jungara. After about an hour and a half you roll into Freshwater station, where the bus is waiting.

SUNSET: PALM COVE AND HOME

The last stop is about half an hour in Palm Cove as the light goes. Palm Cove is a short strip of sand with a row of old paperbark trees between the beach and Williams Esplanade. Look out to sea for Double Island, the rainforest-covered island just offshore. Walk the esplanade or the jetty, or have a sunset cocktail, wine or beer (at your own cost). Then it's north along the coast road, and you're back at your hotel in Port Douglas at dusk.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Wait at the front entrance of your Port Douglas hotel. The driver has several pick-ups, so times may vary slightly; your pick-up time is reconfirmed the day before by text, WhatsApp and email.
Departure time: Around 8:20am.
Finishes: Back in Port Douglas at dusk.
Duration: About 10.5 hours.
Fitness: A moderate amount of walking. Guests must be able to get on and off transport on their own or with minimal help. Skyrail and the Scenic Railway are wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair access on the tour is limited by uneven ground and the vehicles.
Suits: All ages. Infants 0 to 3 travel free on a parent's lap. Guests must be 18 or over to buy alcohol at Palm Cove.
Dietary needs: Cafes and restaurants in Kuranda cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
Please note: Operates 7 days a week in peak season, with limited departures in low season. Runs in all weather unless it is unsafe; umbrellas are provided. Some Kuranda market stalls may not open every day from November to April.
Cancellation: Full refund or free rescheduling up to 24 hours before departure; no refund within 24 hours or for no-shows. If severe weather stops the tour, you can reschedule free or get a full refund.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Hat
Camera
Sunscreen
Water
Light snacks for small children

What is included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Port Douglas
Entry to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Crocodile-feeding boat cruise on Hartley's Lagoon
Morning tea
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway trip
Kuranda Scenic Railway journey

Not included

Food and drinks other than morning tea — available to buy in Kuranda and Palm Cove
Entry to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Bird World and Koala Gardens
Kuranda Riverboat cruise

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.