Tropic Wings Kuranda Rainforestation with Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Koala & Wildlife Park, Kuranda Scenic Railway

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A full day from Cairns to Kuranda built around Aboriginal culture: the Pamagirri dance show and Dreamtime Walk at Rainforestation, koalas and hand-fed kangaroos, free time in Kuranda village, then the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway back down the range.

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

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Tropic Wings Kuranda Rainforestation with Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Koala & Wildlife Park, Kuranda Scenic Railway

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Included experiences

Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience — Dreamtime Walk, boomerang and spear throwing
Rainforest Amphitheatre — traditional dance show with didgeridoo
Koala & Wildlife Park — guided walk, koalas, cassowary, Tasmanian devils
Kuranda village — free time at the markets and shops
Kuranda Scenic Railway — 3:30pm train down the range through 15 tunnels

Tropic Wings Kuranda Rainforestation with Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, Koala & Wildlife Park, Kuranda Scenic Railway - EPWT

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS UP THE RANGE TO RAINFORESTATION

Your electric coach collects you from your Cairns city or Northern Beaches accommodation in the morning, then climbs the range on the Kennedy Highway into the Wet Tropics, rainforest that has been World Heritage-listed since 1988 and is among the oldest on earth. About 30 minutes from the city you turn into Rainforestation Nature Park, 100 acres of rainforest a few minutes short of Kuranda village, open to visitors since 1976. The park sits on the country of the Djabugay people, the traditional custodians of the Kuranda area, and much of what you see today is under cover, so the day carries on happily in tropical rain.

LATE MORNING: THE PAMAGIRRI ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCE

The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience runs for about an hour and won gold for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism at the 2019 Queensland Tourism Awards. On the Dreamtime Walk, a path laid out in the shape of the Rainbow Serpent, a Pamagirri guide shows you how to throw a boomerang, then demonstrates the woomera, the spear-thrower that lets a hunter hurl a spear much further than by arm alone. Then it's your turn at the target. In the Rainforest Amphitheatre the dancers take over, with didgeridoo and clapsticks, performing dances about animals, hunting and gathering food. Expect to be pulled up to join in.

MIDDAY: KOALAS, CASSOWARIES AND THE FRUIT ORCHARD

A guided walk takes you through the Koala & Wildlife Park on raised boardwalks. Meet northern koalas, dingoes and Jack, an estuarine crocodile about 5 metres long. Look for the southern cassowary, a flightless bird that can stand as tall as a person, and Lumholtz's tree kangaroo, named after the Norwegian naturalist Carl Lumholtz, who studied the animals of this region in the 1880s. The park also keeps the only Tasmanian devils in North Queensland. Kangaroos and wallabies roam free, so you can hand-feed them. Afterwards, the Tropical Fruit Orchard is the place to try exotic fruit, fresh juice and ice cream. Lunch isn't included, but the park's café and restaurant serve it from late morning.

AFTERNOON: FREE TIME IN KURANDA VILLAGE

Then it's into Kuranda itself, a village on the edge of the Atherton Tableland, sitting at the top of a railway that climbs 327 metres from the coast. Its covered market lanes are packed with stalls of clothing, handmade jewellery, Aboriginal art and souvenirs, and the cafés spill out onto the footpaths. Take your time over a coffee, or wander down to the Kuranda Railway Station, a heritage station from 1915 that is famous for the ferns and tropical plants hanging all along its platform. It's also where your ride home leaves from in the middle of the afternoon.

LATE AFTERNOON: THE KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY TO CAIRNS

Find your seat on the Kuranda Scenic Railway for the trip down to the coast. Work on the line began in 1886 and it carried its first travellers in 1891. Hundreds of men cut it by hand through the range, and it still runs 37 km through 15 tunnels and over 55 bridges. Watch for the waterfalls of the Barron Gorge and the long views down to the cane fields and the Coral Sea as the train winds back towards sea level. You reach Cairns in the late afternoon, and the coach takes you back to your accommodation.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Cairns CBD hotels and most Northern Beaches accommodation.
Departure time: Pick-up between about 7:45am and 8:45am; your exact time is 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.
Fitness: Easy walking on mostly paved, covered paths at Rainforestation. Coaches have steps to board; if you use a wheelchair or walker, tell us when you book so boarding help can be arranged. Rainforestation's main areas have ramps.
Suits: Families, wildlife lovers and anyone after a good-value Kuranda day with the train. Children aged 4 to 14 travel at the child rate.
Please note: Lunch is not included. Rainforestation has a café and licensed restaurant serving lunch from 10am to 2pm.

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
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience: Dreamtime Walk and dance show
Koala & Wildlife Park with guided tour
Kuranda Scenic Railway, Kuranda to Cairns

Not included

Lunch, drinks and snacks
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.