RainForeStation Nature Park

The basics

Take a tour through Australia’s tropical rainforest via land and water aboard a World War II Army Duck as your guide explains the tropical plants and wildlife in the park. The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience provides insight into Aboriginal culture, with demonstrations in traditional-style dwellings, including boomerang throwing and spear throwing, along with dance performances.

All-day tours of Tropical North Queensland from Cairns to Kuranda via the Kuranda Scenic Railway, including a stop at the park, are available for booking.

Things to know before you go

• The park has accessible toilets and ramps to facilitate access to the Pamagirri Experience and wildlife park.

• Most park areas are paved and under cover; bring a hat if it’s hot and sunny, and wear sturdy footwear.

• Plan to spend about 2.5 hours at the park if you plan to do the duck boat tour, the guided wildlife tour, and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. If you are participating in the Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout, add at least 30 minutes.

How to get there

The Rainforestation Nature Park is located along the Kennedy Highway, just five minutes from Kuranda Village. Most tours to the park include roundtrip transport from Cairns plus the entrance fee. You can also take the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail to Kuranda and hop on the bus to the park for a fee.

When to get there

The park is open daily, 9am–3:30pm. Queensland, particularly Cairns and the surrounding Tropical North Queensland area, experiences two major seasons—wet and dry. The dry season runs from May to October, while the wet season is from November to April. In June and July, Australia’s school holiday periods take place, so expect larger crowds then. Since the duck boats have tarpaulin roofs and the other activities are under cover, except for the Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout, it is possible to explore the park in the rain.

What to know about Australia’s Indigenous culture

The Aboriginal peoples of Australia are part of one of two distinct groups—the Indigenous peoples of Australia and the Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Indigenous Melanesian people of the Torres Strait Islands, which are part of Queensland. The country’s Indigenous culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world, and the park aims to preserve and share it with visitors.

Is visiting RainForeStation Nature Park worth it?

Yes, RainForeStation Nature Park is a top attraction in the Kuranda rainforest. Admire tropical flora and fauna aboard a repurposed World War II army Duck boat, learn about Aboriginal culture at the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and get to know native Australian wildlife at the Koala and Wildlife Park.

How long does it take to visit RainForeStation Nature Park?

Plan to spend 2–3 hours at RainForeStation Nature Park for the main activities and attractions, including the Army Duck Rainforest Tour, Pamagirri Dance Show and Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout, Dreamtime Walk, and Guided Wildlife Tour. Schedule more time for extra activities like the Exclusive Koala Experience and private wildlife photo shoots.

Do you need to reserve tickets ahead of time to visit RainForeStation Nature Park?

Yes, there are limited spots for many tours and experiences inside the park so book your tickets in advance to secure the departure times you prefer. This is especially true for the Army Duck Rainforest Tour, the guided wildlife tours, and private experiences like the Koala Experience and photo shoots.

When is the best time of year to visit RainForeStation Nature Park?

The best times of year to visit RainForeStation Nature Park in North Queensland are spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild and rainfall is limited. Heat and humidity soars from November to March, while the period from June through August brings the chilliest days of the year.

How much does it cost to visit RainForeStation Nature Park?

The cost to visit RainForeStation Nature Park varies from single-experience tickets to packages. The least expensive ticket is the Koala and Wildlife Park (A$20 for adults) and the most expensive is the Big Nature Package (A$59 for adults), which includes three main attractions. Children ages 4–14 are discounted.

Is RainForeStation Nature Park family-friendly?

Yes, RainForeStation Nature Park offers free admission for kids under four and discounted tickets for children ages 4–14. The park’s interactive tours are suitable for visitors of all ages, and the park even hosts children’s parties. Educational wildlife presentations and activities like boomerang throwing are particularly geared toward younger visitors.