Some of the amazing plant life in the north Queensland rainforest

Set among World Heritage listed rainforest Kuranda’s Rainforestation Nature Park provides visitors with an eclectic mix of experiences designed to showcase the cultural heritage, wildlife and botany of the amazing north Queensland rainforest.

Rainforestation Nature Park is a half hour trip by bus or car from Cairns, and 5 minutes away from the village of Kuranda.  While there were a handful of other families with young kids at Rainforestation Nature Park when we visited it was clear was that this is an attraction that is suitable for all ages.

Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. 

Our Pamigirri guide playing the didgeridoo.

This experience introduces visitors to  aspects of Australian Aboriginal culture.  The Dreamtime Walk incorporates boomerang throwing, spear throwing and didgeridoo, with the option of trying your hand at both the didgeridoo and boomerang throwing.    The Pamagirri Corroborree, a vibrant half hour performance introduces visitors to Aboriginal dance and music.  Readers of this blog will know that I am always looking for opportunities to promote a spirit of inclusiveness in my kids and, and as a positive Aboriginal cultural interaction the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience fitted the bill.

Army Duck Rainforest Tour

I felt like I had struck parent’s gold as I enjoyed our Army Duck Rainforest Tour.   The reason – the excellent commentary by our guide Chris who was extremely well informed in aspects of history and ecology.   Usually a comprehensive nature discourse would not have been tolerated by my two and four year olds.  The difference, this one was delivered as we roamed the rainforest in an amphibious, World War II era Army Duck.   Linking an intelligent nature tour with a novelty vehicle was a stroke of genius as far as this mum is concerned.

One of Rainforestation Nature Park’s Army Duck amphibious vehicles.

Koala and Wildlife Park

My kids never, ever tire of interacting with wildlife.  Rainforestation Nature Park’s Koala and Wildlife Park is the perfect size for small kids giving them the opportunity to feed kangaroos, pat a koala and marvel at a giant croc.

Freshwater crocs at Rainforestation’s Wildlife park

As well as the three main experiences that can be enjoyed in isolation or packaged together, Rainforestation offered some other gems.  The tropical fruit orchard, which grows over 40 different species of fruit is definitely worth a looksee. We also dined at the Outback Restaurant that serves a BBQ buffet.  Having a hard working husband I often visit attractions and dine on my own with my boys, but this was the first restaurant where a staff member accompanied me around the buffet to serve my food because she could see I had my arms full of kids!

Making a new friend at Rainforestation Nature Park

A passionfruit – just out of reach.

Some fruit from Rainforestation’s tropical orchard

 

Rainforestation Nature Park is a great wet weather option.  Not surprisingly, in the rainforest it often rains, it did on the day we visited.  Every aspect of the program was undercover with the exception being the Army Duck Tour, although our guide offered to cover the vehicle if it got any wetter.

Those wanting to experience all aspects of the park (the Big Nature Package – $110 for a family of four) should devote the better part of the day.

Rainforestation Nature Park is located on the Kennedy Highway Kuranda and is open from 9am daily.

Thank you to Rainforestation Nature Park and Tourism Kuranda for organising our visit to the park.

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