Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Join Tropic Wings, the longest established coach operator in Cairns, for a full day adventure to Kuranda, located in the middle of World Heritage Rainforest. Your experience includes a visit to the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can take a tour on a historic World War II Army Duck, as well as \ feed a kangaroo and meet a Cassowary in the Koala & Wildlife Park. Be sure to visit the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience including boomerang and spear throwing and traditional Aboriginal dances. Travel to Kuranda on the new 100% electric bus and return on the renowned Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Order of Itinerary subject to change
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Air-conditioned vehicle
Expert Local Guide
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Food and drinks, unless specified
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Select a pickup point
Rainforestation Nature Park
Enjoy Army Duck tour of the Rainforest, Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance show and the Wildlife park - hand feed Wallabies and Kangaroos. options available for Koala or reptile photos
Kuranda
Spend time exploring Kuranda Village
Rainforestation : Army Duck Rainforest tour , Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Show , Wildlife park
Duration: 9 hours
Cairns: Tour available from Cairns City only and includes return transfers from all major hotels.
Pickup included
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
ho77and,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
Very informative guide and the duck boat was good fun. The aboriginal section of the trip was much better than I expected only the train journey while really nice is quite long two hour journey Would however recommend the trip, well organised and informative
GrandTour78236,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
People were friendly, informative and right on time. Transportation was good to the Rainforestation. Sit on the left side of the train in direction of travel if taking the scenic railway back to Cairns. (Heritage class)
Louise K,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
Firstly, driver had 8 different lots of info to give out on the bus there, and mine was the last. Was totally confused by the time we got to my stop. I thought the ‘Rainforestation’ was outdated, small and obviously man manufactured. Very different to the Daintree experience. Constant flow of tourists being shuttled in and out. My main concern was seeing a Koala trying to protect her baby from us, crossing her arms in-front then lowering her head so the baby was out of sight. Really upset me! Then there was the pictures of people holding very sad looking koalas, its banned in NSW and they are aware its detrimental to the animals, yet they still encourage you to do it. For a price of course! The Dingos had a very small enclosure and were pacing up and down and the free roaming Kangaroos cowered at the back trying to stay inconspicuous. We were constantly be reminded to visit the ‘ Butterfly Sanctuary’ in Kuranda again as an extra cost. Why butterflies need a sanctuary I dont understand, surely they are better off free?! And finally, we were given a numbered seat to sit in on the train. Mine was in the middle seat. There were two men by the window. I couldnt see a thing and literally got one photo of a waterfall on the right of the train! I definitely wont be travelling with Tropic Wings again.
von h,
Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
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 Leura and we then walked to the train station. The train ride back was very good.
Ramau66,
Dec 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
The excursion was super well organized and punctual!! The driver was very nice and accommodating. The national park was beautiful. But it's too bad the animals have so little space. But all in all a successful trip
785tanakam,
Oct 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
I went there at my daughter's request to hold a koala. There are fewer and fewer places in Australia to cuddle. The koala came out and posed so well while being held that the family was talking to people like "That's a Pro." The boomerang was strange, I threw it myself and it came back beautifully and I applauded. The people who were also dancing were serious and were emaciated after the dance. Thank you very much. Amphibious vehicles are interesting. I have felt the presence of nature, such as a laid-back crocodile, a bird bathing in the water, and a plant that hurts for three months when touched. We went there by rental car, so we could relax without worrying about time. Of course, you can buy tickets locally, so it would be nice to enjoy it on the course of your choice.
Lynn G,
Sep 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
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.
Deborah G,
Aug 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
The Duck Army experience was excessive, but I appreciate that the rest of the trip was really great and not too much hassle. It was worth choosing Kuranda over Daintree Forest, and it was easy and convenient to enjoy a night in Cairns.
CarloHelmond,
Aug 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Let's start with saying this is a long day and many activities packed into it. If you are looking to make the most of your day, this is your way to go. If you want it at a slower paces, have a look at the other tours they provide. The day starts with an early morning pickup. The time depends where you are on the list, but it can be pretty early if you are one of the first. There won't be a guide with you all the time. So you have to listen and know where you have to be at what time. The driver of the buss will make that pretty clear to you. You will get dropped at the Freshwater train station for the train ride to Kuranda. Along the way you will stop for a view of the Barron falls. Along the way you have some great views and you are also able to view the train itself while it winds its way to Kuranda. When you arrive at Kuranda, it is a short walk to the butterfly sanctuary. You do have a little time to have a quick look at some shops along the way, but don't lose track of time. The butterfly sanctuary allows you to have a look at some nice butterflies and offers the opportunity for some nice pictures. Next the buss will take you to the lunch location for a warm buffet lunch. Water is included, other drinks are not and need to be purchased. After lunch you will embark in a WWII 'duck' to drive around the rainforest and enter the water as well. It is just a short trip, but the explanations of the ranger are excellent. Also included is a visit to the small theater for the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. This includes music and dancing and gives some insight in the lives of the local people. This is followed by explanations of didgeridoo playing, spear throwing and boomerang throwing. At the last one you can have a go yourself, although it is limited to one try. The last part before returning to Cairns is a visit to the small zoo, with the typical Australian animals. Nice that it is included but it doesn't add too much. Along the way it is possible to have a picture taken with a koala (additional payment required). The bus will then take you back to the skyrail. Try to make sure you go as one of the first. Because of a ticket issue, we went last which prevented us from having time to walk around during one of the stops. We did manage to go out and see the Barron Falls again, but a ranger was making sure that we made it back on time to continue downwards towards Cairns where the bus took us back to the hotel. In all it was an action packed day. Would I do it again? Probably not as I would have liked to spend a little more time in Kuranda and visit the shops there. However it is a very good way to get a good feel about the area and the people that live here.
KanikaB110,
May 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
A lovely day spent at the Kuranda - starting with the bus ride up - soundless thanks to the electric bus, but with a chatty driver Adrian who gave us all the information we needed for the day trip. Had a lovely time feeding the kangaroos and seeing all the animals there. Then came the Army duck tour - with our extremely entertaining and funny guide - Mark - from Germany!! He did make us all comfortable about the fact that he is a German driving our WW2 army vehicle haha. Thanks for a marvellous time!

Operated by CaPTA Group