rainforest tours — down under tours
all inclusive — premium tour with hostess escorted
This all inclusive Kuranda tour gives you the ultimate rainforest experience. You will be picked up from your Cairns, Cairns Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation and swept away to a journey through the World Heritage-listed rainforest.
The first stop is the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and before you board the train you will meet your informative hostess that will guide you throughout the day. The characteristic Kuranda railway was built between 1882 and 1891 and is an obvious display of skilled craftsman ship and engineering. Whether you upgrade to gold class (which features exclusive views, snacks and refreshments) or are in the standard coaches you will experience breathtaking views of the rainforest, waterfalls, rivers, tunnels and bridges. Take a short stop at Barron Falls and see the rippling white water of the Barron River cascade over the cliff’s edge forming a marvelous waterfall; make sure to take plenty of pictures.
The end of the train ride will see you at the tourist/hippie village of Kuranda (just 25 kilometers west of Cairns) that’s situated in the heart of the World Heritage-listed rainforest. Kuranda features unique markets that highlight indigenous/rainforest themes, wildlife parks such as Birdworld, the Koala Gardens, the Butterfly Sanctuary, the Australian Venom Zoo and the Rainforestation (a theme park that combines rainforest, wildlife and indigenous culture,) a mixture of eateries such as Aussie style pubs and gourmet takeaway shops, and sightseeing walks around the rainforest. Keep in mind you only have 1.5 hours of free time while in Kuranda, so spend your time wisely!
From Kuranda Village your hostess awaits you at the entrance to Skyrail. Skyrail is an aerial cableway that glides effortlessly overtop of the rainforest canopy. This unique attraction has made a reputation of itself as an environmental leader, setting benchmarks for other tour operations in the world to follow. While on your tour you, yourself can learn a bit about the plants, animals and ecology of the rainforest at the interpretive center located at Barron Falls station and then on a guided boardwalk tour where you can see, touch and smell the unique plants of the region.
After your gradual descent back to Cairns it is only a short distance to Tjapukai Aboriginal Park — the next tour on the list. Here you will be greeted by an extravagant buffet lunch (and believe me it is extravagant!) and if you can manage to do your pants up afterward, there are plenty of things to see and do at Tjapukai.
Tjapukai is a great place to learn and experience the Australian indigenous culture which dates back over 40,000 years ago. This unique attraction is the first ever indigenous tourism attraction in Australia and has helped locals and tourists accept, learn and understand this rich culture. Tjapukai has received several awards praising its philanthropy and indigenous involvement such as the 2005 award for Australia’s best significant tourist attraction.
While at Tjapukai visit the cultural village and watch boomerang, didgeridoo and bush tucker presentations. At the creation theatre aboriginal actors and a holographic light show tell tales of the enchanting storywaters. Enjoy some traditional aboriginal song and dance at the Tjapukai dance theater and learn a bit about the history of the Tjapukai people at the History Theater. The magic space has been created for those interested in exploring ancient and modern aboriginal artwork.
After your action packed all-inclusive Kuranda day is complete, a luxury coach will pick you up and take you back to your Cairns, Cairns Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation for some much needed R&R.
