Tropic Wings Kuranda Deluxe with Kuranda Scenic Railway and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

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A full day in Kuranda from Cairns: an Army Duck ride, Pamagirri dancers, koalas and a BBQ lunch at Rainforestation, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, then the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway back down the range in the late afternoon.

Days

9 hours

Age

Child rate for ages 4 to 14

Group size

Shared coach tour

Start / finish

Cairns / Kuranda / Cairns
Cairns, train arrives about 5:25pm

Return

Cairns, train arrives about 5:25pm

Transport

Electric coach to Kuranda, Kuranda Scenic Railway back down the range

Meals

Aussie BBQ lunch

Route

Map of Tropic Wings Kuranda Deluxe with Kuranda Scenic Railway and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

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Included experiences

Rainforestation — Army Duck ride through the rainforest and onto the lake
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience — dance show, boomerang and spear throwing
Koala & Wildlife Park — koalas, cassowary, Tasmanian devils, hand-feed kangaroos
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary — guided tour of the aviary and breeding laboratory
Kuranda Scenic Railway — 3:30pm train down the range through 15 tunnels

Tropic Wings Kuranda Deluxe with Kuranda Scenic Railway and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary - EALT

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: UP THE RANGE TO RAINFORESTATION

Your electric coach picks you up from your hotel in Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas, and climbs the range to Rainforestation Nature Park, 100 acres of rainforest a few minutes outside Kuranda village, open since 1976. First you board an Army Duck, an amphibious truck built for the Second World War. The Duck Captain points out plants and wildlife along a rainforest track, then drives straight into the lake for a short cruise. Afterwards you call in at Tropical Treats in the fruit orchard to learn about the exotic fruits grown on the property.

LATE MORNING: THE PAMAGIRRI ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCE

Rainforestation sits on the country of the Djabugay people, and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience runs for about an hour. In the Rainforest Amphitheatre the dancers perform traditional dances about animals, hunting and gathering food, with the didgeridoo and clapsticks keeping time. Then you follow the Dreamtime Walk, a path laid out in the shape of the Rainbow Serpent. A guide shows you how to throw a boomerang in a netted area, and how a spear is launched with a woomera, before you take your own turn at the target.

MIDDAY: KOALAS, KANGAROOS AND A BBQ LUNCH

In the Koala & Wildlife Park, elevated boardwalks lead past northern koalas, a southern cassowary, dingoes, a wombat and Lumholtz's tree kangaroos, a species found only in these northern rainforests. This is also the only place in North Queensland to see Tasmanian devils, and Jack, an estuarine crocodile about 5 metres long, is hard to miss. Kangaroos and wallabies roam free, so you can hand-feed them. Lunch is an Aussie BBQ overlooking the lake.

AFTERNOON: KURANDA AND THE BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY

After lunch you head into Kuranda, the village in the rainforest that the railway first reached in 1891. At the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary more than 1,200 tropical butterflies fly free in a walk-through aviary. Watch for the green and gold Cairns birdwing, Australia's largest butterfly, and the electric blue Ulysses. A guided tour of about 30 minutes follows the butterfly's life cycle and takes you into the breeding laboratory, which holds up to 4,000 caterpillars. Wear something bright and one might land on you.

LATE AFTERNOON: DOWN THE RANGE BY TRAIN

At 3:30pm you board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for the trip down. The line was cut through the range by hand in the 1880s, and it drops 327 metres through 15 tunnels and over 55 bridges. The train edges along the Barron Gorge past waterfalls, and slows on the curve at Stoney Creek Falls, where the bridge sits right in front of the cascade. The train reaches Cairns at about 5:25pm, and the coach takes you back to your hotel in Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Cairns CBD hotels and most Northern Beaches accommodation, or from select Palm Cove and Port Douglas hotels if you book those options.
Departure time: The coach leaves Cairns CBD hotels at 7:45am; Palm Cove and Port Douglas pick-up times, and your exact time, are confirmed when you book. The train leaves Kuranda at 3:30pm.
Finishes: The train reaches Cairns at about 5:25pm, then the coach takes you back to your accommodation in Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas.
Fitness: Easy walking. Most paths at Rainforestation are paved and under cover; the Butterfly Sanctuary paths are concrete, with some narrow sections and slopes.
Suits: Families, couples and anyone who wants the train, wildlife, Aboriginal culture and butterflies in one day. Children aged 4 to 14 travel at the child rate.
Dietary needs: Tell us about any dietary needs for the BBQ lunch when you book.
Please note: Coaches have steps to board. Rainforestation has ramps to the dance show, Dreamtime Walk and wildlife park, and the Army Duck is boarded from a platform by sliding onto the rear seat. If you use a wheelchair or walker, tell us when you book so boarding help can be arranged.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Water bottle
A light rain jacket

What is included

Return transfers by electric coach from Cairns CBD hotels and most Northern Beaches accommodation
Rainforestation Nature Park entry
Army Duck rainforest and lake tour
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience: dance show and Dreamtime Walk
Koala & Wildlife Park
Aussie BBQ lunch
Tropical Treats visit in the fruit orchard
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary entry with guided tour
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Kuranda to Cairns

Not included

Koala photos and the behind-the-scenes koala experience (sold separately at the park)

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.