Rainforestation Nature Park Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout

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A 45-minute walk into the rainforest at Kuranda with a Pamagirri Aboriginal guide, who tells the story of his own people and shows the plants, bush foods, remedies, shelters and tools that kept them alive in the rainforest. It is a smaller, more personal session than the park's dance show.

Days

About 45 minutes

Group size

Guided walk with a Pamagirri guide

Start / finish

Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Make your own way to Kuranda; walk on foot

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Rainforestation Nature Park Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout

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Included experiences

Rainforest walk — bush foods and plant remedies with an Aboriginal guide
Culture talk — totems, body painting and the passage into manhood
Survival skills — traditional shelters, artefacts and tools

Rainforestation Nature Park Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

ARRIVING AT RAINFORESTATION, KURANDA

Your walk starts at Rainforestation Nature Park, 100 acres of tropical rainforest on the Kennedy Highway, about half an hour's drive up the range from Cairns and five minutes out of Kuranda village. The park has welcomed visitors since 1976 and stands on the country of the Djabugay people, its traditional custodians. Walks set off late in the morning or early in the afternoon, and your session is confirmed when you book. Wear sturdy shoes: this is the one experience in the park that leaves the paved paths and the roofs behind, so it takes you closer to the forest floor than anything else here.

THE STORY: YOUR GUIDE'S OWN PEOPLE

Before you set off, your Pamagirri guide tells you who he is and where his people come from. This is not a scripted show but one man's account of his own culture and how closely it is tied to the forest around you. The Wet Tropics rainforest has been World Heritage-listed since 1988 and is one of the oldest living rainforests on earth. He explains the traditions young men learnt in the bush on the spiritual passage into manhood, and the customs handed down with them, such as totems and body painting. The group is small and the setting quiet, so it is easy to ask questions as you go.

INTO THE FOREST: BUSH FOOD, MEDICINE AND SHELTER

Then you walk, on an uneven track that rises and dips between the trees. Your guide stops at the plants, fruits and berries that fed his people and the ones used as medicine, and shows how traditional shelters were built and how artefacts and tools were made from what the forest provides. Through the story of his own mob he carries Aboriginal life from its earliest history to the present day. Look up as well as down: the rainforests of this range are full of strangler figs, which start as a seed dropped high in a host tree and send their roots all the way to the ground. If heavy rain makes the track unsafe, the guide gives the talk under cover instead.

AFTER THE WALK: THE PAMAGIRRI GALLERY

About 45 minutes after setting off you're back in the heart of the park. The Pamagirri Gallery in the gift shop sells artwork and artefacts, some of them made on site by the guides, so you can take home a piece by someone you've just walked with. If you've booked them as well, the Army Duck rides, the Pamagirri dance show and the Koala & Wildlife Park are all on the same grounds, and the park's café and licensed restaurants serve lunch. Then it's the short run back to Kuranda village or down the range to Cairns.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Rainforestation Nature Park, 1030 Kennedy Highway, Kuranda, about 30 minutes' drive from Cairns and 5 minutes from Kuranda village. Free parking on site (locked overnight).
Departure time: Daily at 11am and 1pm; your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 45 minutes.
Fitness: Moderate fitness. The path is uneven and undulating.
Please note: This is the one Rainforestation activity that is not under cover; in wet weather it is replaced by a talk. Without a car, the Trans North bus from Cairns stops at the park, or take the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail and the park shuttle from the village.

What to bring

Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes

What is included

Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout with an Aboriginal guide, about 45 minutes

Not included

Transport to the park (the Kuranda village shuttle bus is an extra fare)
Food and drink (sold in the park's café and restaurants)
Army Duck Rainforest Tour, Pamagirri dance show and Dreamtime Walk, and the Koala & Wildlife Park, unless booked as well

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.