Tropic Wings Kuranda Army Duck Experience

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A full day from Cairns to Kuranda: up on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a tour on the historic World War II Army Ducks at Rainforestation Nature Park, and back to Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Days

Full day, about 10 hours

Group size

Max 10

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Coach transfers from Cairns CBD, Skyrail cableway up, Kuranda Scenic Railway down

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Tropic Wings Kuranda Army Duck Experience

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Included experiences

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — gondola over the rainforest canopy
Rainforestation Nature Park — Army Duck tour by land and water
Tropical fruit orchard — self-guided
Kuranda Village
Kuranda Scenic Railway — Barron Gorge and waterfalls

Tropic Wings Kuranda Army Duck Experience - SDT

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: SKYRAIL OVER THE CANOPY

Pick-up from your Cairns hotel is around 7:30am, and the coach takes you to the Smithfield terminal for a 9:30am ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Opened in 1995, it carries you 7.5 km up the range in six-person gondolas, just metres above the canopy, in about 40 to 50 minutes of riding. Break the journey at Red Peak, at 545 metres the highest point on the line, for a boardwalk among the giant kauri pines, and at Barron Falls station, where lookouts open onto the gorge. From up here you see how the rainforest pours down the range to the coast.

LATE MORNING: KURANDA VILLAGE

Skyrail lands you in Kuranda, a village in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, listed in 1988. There's time to wander the markets, where the Original Kuranda Rainforest Markets have traded under the trees since 1978. If butterflies appeal, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is home to the Cairns birdwing, Australia's largest butterfly (entry is extra, with a discount for this tour). Then a short transfer takes you out to Rainforestation Nature Park, 100 acres of rainforest on Djabugay country, welcoming visitors since 1976. The park's restaurant serves lunch from 11:30am to 1:30pm if you'd like to eat there, at your own cost.

MIDDAY: THE ARMY DUCK

Now climb aboard an Army Duck, an amphibious truck of a type built in the United States for the Second World War, when more than 21,000 rolled off the lines. It drives along forest tracks and then straight into the water. Your Army Duck captain helps you spot the snakes, fish, turtles and birds around you and explains the ferns, orchids, strangler figs and the stinging tree, whose fine hairs can hurt for weeks. Afterwards, wander the Tropical Fruit Orchard at your own pace to see what grows in this climate. You can then head back to the village or stay on at the park until it's time for the train.

AFTERNOON: THE KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

Be at Kuranda station for the 3:30pm departure of the Kuranda Scenic Railway. The line was finished in 1891 after crews cut it up the range largely by hand, with 15 tunnels, and over about 1 hour 45 minutes the train drops 328 metres to sea level. Watch for Barron Gorge and its falls, and for Stoney Creek Falls, where the line curves across an iron bridge right beside the water. A coach meets you at Cairns station and takes you back to your hotel.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Cairns CBD hotels.

What to bring

Your voucher
Comfortable walking shoes
Money for souvenirs, lunch and attractions
Bottle of water
Hat and sunscreen

What is included

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Army Duck Rainforest Tour
Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Cairns CBD

Not included

Lunch, souvenirs and other attractions

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.