rainforest tours — Down Under Tours
Kuranda, Skyrail & Scenic Rail Tour
Down Under Tours- Experience the scenic beauty of a World Heritage Rainforest Tour in Cairns!
Let Down Under Tours take you on a memorable adventure through the World Heritage-listed rainforest showing you the amazing scenic beauty in Cairns’ own backyard. You will be picked up directly from your accommodation for a fantastic day of sight-seeing, education and adventure through the rainforest.
Start the day aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Weave through the dense rainforest canopy, chartering through 15 tunnels and 37 bridges passing picturesque waterfalls, rivers and wildlife. The Kuranda Scenic Train was built between 1882 and 1891 by hundreds of men and is a display of tremendous engineering. Upgrade to Gold Class and enjoy uninterrupted views of Cairns’ World Heritage-listed rainforest as well as complimentary drinks and nibbles. While enjoying your peaceful ride through the rainforest don’t be surprised if you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time; the antiquated train boasts primitive views of the natural rainforest for which Cairns is famous.
Your train ride will disembark at the famous rainforest village, Kuranda, that features a selection of activities to keep anyone busy for the day. Go on a tour to one of the many fantastic wildlife attractions. Be enchanted by the gloriously colorful and magical butterflies at Butterfly World. Come view over 75 species of birds including species unique to Australia such as the cassowary, kookaburra and the graceful black swan at Birdworld. View snakes, spiders and many other venomous creatures at the Australian Venom Zoo, cuddle a koala at the Koala Gardens and learn about the Cairns aborigines, local wildlife and even view an Estuarine crocodile at Rainforestation.
If you aren’t interested in viewing wildlife you may want to check out a series of scenic sightseeing treks through the rainforest. The Kuranda markets are open daily and showcase arts and crafts from locals around the Cairns region. After a busy day sightseeing around Kuranda you may wish to grab a bite to eat at one of the tasty takeaway shops or traditional Australian pubs.
At you designated time, aboard the world-famous Skyrail and glide over the rainforest canopy back to your accommodation in Cairns. Skyrail has won several tour awards such as Australia’s best major tourist attraction in 1999, Queensland’s best tourist attraction in 2000 and an International environment award in 2001. The development of Skyrail, just over ten years ago, was done without the removal of a single tree and the sustainable practices are continually followed in their daily operations.
Skyrail is the perfect tour to see the rainforest of Cairns and gives you a bird’s eye perspective of the immensity of this World Heritage-listed attraction. On your descent back to Cairns, there are two stops. First you will stop at the Barron Falls Station where you can enjoy stunning views of the Barron Falls and learn more about the rainforest at the state-of-the-art rainforest interpretation centre. The second stop is at Red Peak Station where you can tour around a 175-metre boardwalk through the rainforest. Learn about unique rainforest plants and wildlife — and make sure to bring your camera!
After your 1.5 hour journey on Skyrail a luxury coach will pick you up and drive you back to your accommodation. Now it’s time to rest, relax and prepare for your next exhilarating tour — perhaps this time to the Great Barrier Reef?
