Rainforestation Nature Park Rainforest Discovery: Army Duck & Pamagirri Walkabout

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Two back-to-back looks at the Kuranda rainforest at Rainforestation Nature Park: a ride on a World War II amphibious Army Duck that drives through the forest and then into the lake, and a guided walk with a Pamagirri Aboriginal guide on bush foods, remedies and traditions.

Days

About 1.5 hours

Group size

Shared Duck ride and guided walk

Start / finish

Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Army Duck amphibious vehicle in the park; make your own way to Kuranda

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Rainforestation Nature Park Package B - Rainforest Walkabout & Army Duck Tour

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Included experiences

Army Duck — ride a World War II amphibious vehicle through rainforest and into the lake
Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout — bush foods, remedies and traditions with an Aboriginal guide
Tropical fruit orchard — walk among exotic fruit trees after the Duck ride

Rainforestation Nature Park Package B - Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Army Duck Rainforest Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

ARRIVING AT RAINFORESTATION, KURANDA

Head up the range from Cairns to Rainforestation Nature Park, 100 acres of rainforest on the Kennedy Highway five minutes from Kuranda village, on the country of the Djabugay people. This package shows you the Wet Tropics rainforest, World Heritage-listed since 1988, from two sides: its natural history from the seat of a wartime Army Duck, and how the oldest living culture on earth lived in it, on foot with an Aboriginal guide. The two experiences run back to back, about 45 minutes each, and sessions start on the hour from mid-morning. Your times are confirmed when you book.

THE ARMY DUCK: THROUGH THE FOREST AND INTO THE LAKE

The Army Duck is a DUKW, the six-wheel-drive amphibious truck built in the United States during the Second World War to carry troops and supplies from ships straight onto beaches. More than 21,000 were made, and the park runs a fleet of twelve, each seating up to 30. Your Duck captain drives through the rainforest naming the plants and pointing out the wildlife, then steers straight down into the lake, where a propeller and rudder take over and the truck becomes a boat. Tarpaulin roofs keep the rain off. Afterwards you can wander the park's orchard of exotic tropical fruit trees.

THE PAMAGIRRI RAINFOREST WALKABOUT

The Walkabout is led by a Pamagirri guide who speaks from his own experience of his culture. Before setting off he talks about the passage into manhood and the customs that go with it, such as totems and body painting. Then you walk an uneven forest track while he stops at the plants, fruits and berries used as bush food and medicine, and shows how shelters, tools and artefacts were made from what the forest provides. Look out for strangler figs, which start as a seed high in a host tree and send roots down to the ground. This is the one activity in the park that isn't under cover, so wear sturdy shoes; in heavy rain it becomes a sheltered talk.

FINISHING UP: THE GALLERY AND THE TRAIN DOWN

Back in the park, the Pamagirri Gallery in the gift shop sells artwork and artefacts, some made on site by the guides. If you came up on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, opened in 1891 and cut through the range with 15 hand-dug tunnels, finishing by mid-afternoon leaves time to catch the afternoon train back down to Cairns. Otherwise the park's café and licensed restaurants are on hand for lunch before you head off.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Rainforestation Nature Park, 1030 Kennedy Highway, Kuranda. The park is open daily from 9am to 3:30pm.
Getting there: Rainforestation is on the Kennedy Highway, about 5 minutes from Kuranda village and about 30 minutes' drive from Cairns. No transfer is listed with this ticket: Trans North buses from Cairns stop at the park, and a park shuttle links Kuranda village with the Skyrail and Scenic Railway stations.
Duration: Two experiences of about 45 minutes each, back to back.
Fitness: The Walkabout path is uneven and undulating, so you need moderate fitness. The Duck ride needs none.
Please note: The Walkabout is the only activity in the park that is not under cover; in heavy rain it becomes a sheltered talk instead. Outside food is not allowed in the park. Times can change on the day.

What to bring

Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes for the Walkabout
A hat and sunscreen for the Duck ride on sunny days

What is included

Army Duck Rainforest Tour
Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout with an Aboriginal guide

Not included

Transport to Kuranda and the park
Food and drink (licensed restaurants on site)

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.