Day Tour
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Kuranda Rainforest, Army Duck and Train Day Tour from Cairns

(7 Reviews)
  • Departs from Cairns
  • 10 hours

 

Highlights

  • Visit Rainforestation Nature Park with Army Duck rainforest tour and wildlife encounters
  • Learn Aboriginal traditions with boomerang throwing, spear demonstrations & cultural dances
  • Return to Cairns aboard the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway via Barron Gorge

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What to expect

Start your day with a convenient hotel pickup in Cairns on Australia’s first 100% electric tour bus, heading straight to the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park. Here, you’ll climb aboard a World War II Army Duck amphibious vehicle for a guided journey across both land and water, as your driver highlights rainforest plants and wildlife.

At the Koala & Wildlife Park, meet some of Australia’s most beloved animals. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, look for the rare cassowary, and spot wombats, crocodiles, lizards, and more.

The adventure continues with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Take part in boomerang throwing, watch spear-throwing and didgeridoo demonstrations, and enjoy a traditional dance performance in the Rainforest Amphitheatre.

Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Kuranda Village, where you can wander the local markets, browse art galleries, or simply soak up the rainforest atmosphere.

End your day aboard the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through tunnels and over bridges with a stop at Barron Gorge before returning to Cairns and your hotel.

Itineraries may operate in reverse or in a different sequence.

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

★★★★★

M
Monika

8 July 2025

Bus driver was very informative and took us to Kuranda rain forest. The animal park was small but had a good selection of Australian animals which you could get close to. The duck vehicle tour was good but could be a little more off road. The aboriginal dance and activities were good. The driver took us to Kuranda village and we then walked to the train station. The train ride back was very good.

★★★★★

L
Lynn

25 Aug 2025

This experience was even better than the description. Even though we visited the Rainforest early in our trip this tour offered very different views. Having a chance to hold a Koala was unforgettable. The DUWK (Duck) boat experience was perfect – Scott was humorous but extremely knowledgeable. The aboriginal sessions added a great deal to our day. A little shopping time in Kuranda was well spent (no pun intended) The train ride back to Cairns was the perfect way to end our day.

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • Kuranda Scenic Railway
  • Free time in Kuranda Village
  • Army Duck Rainforest Tour
  • Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show
  • Dreamtime Walk
  • Koala & Wildlife Park
  • Return Coach Transfers from Accommodation (pick up & drop off)

Extra

  • Entry fee for the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary – discount available
  • Lunch

Time and Departure Location

Return transfers are included from selected Cairns hotels/locations. Please check availability to see pick-up points.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important Information

Not allowed
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Cruise ship guests

Know before you go

  • The ‘starting time’ is NOT the same as the pickup. Please refer to the email you will receive after booking from the local tour supplier for your correct pickup details.
  • Please call the local tour supplier and reconfirm your tour, pick-up location, and actual pickup time 24-hours before departure.

What To Bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Cash

Cancellation Policy

  • A full refund will be offered for customer-requested cancellations made up to 6 days prior to travel. Cancellations made within 5 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
  • Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
  • Please note that credit card processing fees paid at the time of booking are non-refundable.
  • Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
  • Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
  • Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

Frequently asked questions

How is the day divided between guided activities and free time?

The first part of the day follows a planned program at Rainforestation Nature Park, including the Army Duck rainforest tour, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and Koala & Wildlife Park. You will then have free time to explore Kuranda Village before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Railway at around 3.30pm for the journey back towards Cairns.

What can I expect during the Army Duck rainforest tour?

The Army Duck experience lasts around 45 minutes and travels through the rainforest on both land and water. Your Duck Captain will share stories about the surrounding plants and help point out wildlife along the way. You will also visit the Koala & Wildlife Park during the day, giving you more opportunities to see Australian animals up close.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes. The mix of wildlife encounters, the amphibious Army Duck, hands-on cultural activities and the Scenic Railway makes the day engaging for both children and adults. Most Rainforestation activities are short, organised and located on paved or covered areas, so families are not expected to complete long rainforest walks.

Can I bring a pram or stroller?

A small collapsible pram or stroller can be carried on the Kuranda Scenic Railway if it measures no more than 25 centimetres high when folded and fits beneath the seat. Children need to travel in a regular train seat rather than remaining in the stroller. Space for larger or non-collapsible prams is limited and subject to availability.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility?

Rainforestation has ramps, accessible toilets and accessible routes through the wildlife and cultural areas. Boarding the Army Duck requires transferring from the wheelchair onto a rear seat positioned at approximately the same height. The Kuranda Scenic Railway also has an accessible carriage, lifts and wheelchair spaces, although these spaces are limited and need to be arranged in advance. After booking, please contact us with the mobility device dimensions and any assistance required.

Can I choose a window seat on the Kuranda Scenic Railway?

Seats are allocated in advance and not every Heritage Class seat is directly beside a window. However, all passengers have access to the rainforest scenery, onboard commentary and the photographic stop at Barron Falls. Views appear on both sides of the train as it winds through the mountains, tunnels and rainforest.

Does the tour still operate when it rains?

Yes. The tropical rainforest can be especially atmospheric in wet weather, with greener vegetation and more water flowing through the surrounding creeks and waterfalls. The Army Ducks have tarpaulin roofs, and most Rainforestation activities are under cover. The outdoor portions of the program may be adjusted if conditions require it.

7 Reviews
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Verla

Couple Traveller

If you were an outdoors person and an animal lover, this is the tour for you. Animals everywhere, and the koalas and the kangaroos are so wonderful to see and hold. The staff was excellent and everything was quality. I highly recommend this to anyone.

July 15, 2025

Hailey

Family Traveller

It was a fun and great day! Loved the culture of the rainforest station and all the shops and activities of the Kurandra markets

July 12, 2025

Debora

Couple Traveller

Lovely day at the rainforest being driven on an army duck. A well organised trip with lots of pick ups before arriving the Kuranda RF. unfortunately we were unable to do the scenic rail part of the tour due to weather conditions, but a very reasonable refund was granted.

July 10, 2025

Martha

Group Traveller

Beautiful scenery. Enjoyed taking pictures during the trip. Loved the water falls, smooth ride. Happy that we went.

June 24, 2025

Paul

Group Traveller

The tour was excellent, the tour guide Tony was very knowledgeable about the plant life but we did not see any amphibious creatures on the duck tour

June 18, 2025
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