army duck tour kuranda

Kuranda Village, Army Duck Tour with Train and Skyrail (KDB)

• Driver/guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Kuranda Scenic Train
• Army Duck Tour
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
• Entry/Admission - Freshwater
• Entry/Admission - Rainforestation Nature Park
• Entry/Admission - Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
• Food and drinks
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (Entry available at own cost $24 per adult)
• Freshwater, Barron QLD 4878, Australia Freshwater Train Station
• Pick up time is approx, please reconfirm your booking and pick up time 24 hrs prior to travel.
• Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
• Infants must sit on laps
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Most travelers can participate
• Some Covid restrictions may apply
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Freshwater Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Kuranda Scenic Railway Freshwater Station Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details Pass by Barron Gorge National Park
• 2 Kuranda Village Stop: 2 hours See details
• 3 Rainforestation Nature Park Stop: 3 hours - Admission included See details
• 4 Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• TammyL463 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Great Day Trip We were unable to do the train part of the tour because of a landslide on the tracks the night before. When picking us up the tour company gave us the option of a full refund or taking a bus to Kuranda. Since we had limited time in the area we chose the bus ride. The only issue is that it got us to town before 9:00 and nothing was open. When the driver dropped us off he said things would open around 9:30 but it was actually closer to 10 and even when they did open there was not a lot in the town to see. The markets have very few booths open and wasn't really worth the time. Rainforestation was interesting. There is the ability to get your picture holding a Koala but you have to book it in advance directly with them not through the tour company. The cable car ride back was the best part. Great views the whole way. Be sure to got off at the first stop and see the waterfall. It is beautiful. Read more Written March 27, 2024
• Bev W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Daintree day tour What a great day and our tour guide Lisa was fabulous. She has a wealth of knowledge and just added to our day. She was very considerate to all her passengers and made sure we all understood times and meeting places onthe tour and made sure everyone was enjoying themselves. Highly recommend this company and Lisa. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• Odyssey05411983608 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles To rushed! We did so much today. We needed more time at each place. You cannot do all this in one day and enjoy it. Need 2 days to see everything. The butterfly sanctuary was wonderful but again not enough time to enjoy it. The Aboriginal Dancers were excellent. Wildlife Park was good too. If you have very little time do this tour. Otherwise spread it over 2 days Read more Written March 20, 2024
• lyndseyfisher1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great all round trip, well worth doing We had a great trip today Lisa was our guide and was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the area and interesting to listen to. The trip to the wild life park in Port Douglas was lovely as the wildlife were given the most “ natural “ environment…loved the birds.Had an interesting trip to The Mossman gorge and lovely lunch. Even saw crocs on the Daintree river tour which was a bonus. Read more Written March 4, 2024
• JILL C 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trip to Kuranda Great trip to Kuranda via train…wonderful lunch…time to shop… saw dances by aboriginals… threw a boomerang…petted kangaroos… back down the mountain via sky rail Read more Written March 3, 2024
• Paradise57193916540 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge Lisa was a really good guide. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. All the places we visited were interesting and great fun !! The day passed without a hitch and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Read more Written February 28, 2024
• 674aleciam 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Not ok Buses weren't on time, no tour guides, nothing explained properly train ride was made to sit with random people while there was an empty carriage Read more Written February 25, 2024
• R1613ARthomash 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing trip It was a fantastic experience to embrace the creature in the creation and the First Nation culture. The team was excellent in guiding us occasionally to make our trip memorable. Thanks to all. God bless Read more Written February 25, 2024
• theat808 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tropic Wings - Wildlife Habitat, Mossman Gorge and Daintree River cruise. Had Lisa as our lovely hostess and driver. She had such a wealth of information and we were never bored. Our tour was meant to go up to Cape Tribulation, but Jasper put a stop to that and we visited Mossman Gorge instead. It was absolutely lovely. The whole day was! Wildlife Habitat, Daintree River cruise & Mossman Gorge. Morning tea & lunch were provided and were delicious. 5*'s to Lisa! Thanks for a lovely day. Read more Written February 17, 2024
• LetsGooooooo 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good execution -- but marketing department unethical The tour was well-executed, with buses clean, drivers courteous, etc. I give the operations staff 5 stars. The problem I had with them was that they use 3rd party sites to advertise their tours and offer discounts if you use the discount codes that they offer there, BUT they do an inadequate job of actually letting you book with the codes. (!) In other words, they say that the code can be used on "some" of their tours but when you go to book, all of the tours are presented without discriminating between the eligible and ineligible tours. And if you try to apply the code, nothing happens: no discount, no error message. In my case, I spoke to a phone rep and trusted them to retroactively apply the credit. But no. This sort of "baiting the customer" is poor form, and I do hope others out there will be vigilant. Read more Written February 14, 2024
• Rose J 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day out Great day out. The Skyrail up to Kuranda was mindblowing. The guides were knowledgeable. The local tribespeople were welcoming and gave us a great insight into their history, hunting, music and dance Read more Written February 11, 2024
• ricetraveler 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rainforest Adventure I had originally booked the Cape Tribulation and Daintree Wilderness tour, but the damage done by the typhoon made that trip impossible. Tropic Wings quickly pivoted and reconstituted the excursion to include Daintree, the Mossman Gorge, and the Wildlife Habitat at Port Douglas. All in all, it was a delightful day,. We saw koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and cassowaries, among other wildlife, had a beautiful and informative walk through the rainforest, and took an exciting wildlife and crocodile cruise. Our guide for most of the day, Lisa, was knowledgeable, intrepid, and accommodating. I recommend this excursion. Read more Written February 7, 2024
• tonybU2695ZG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles SkyRail Feb24 Such good service. A great relaxed ride over the rain forest canopy. Don't go if you can't watch the beauty. You can stroll around at the top or visit the attractions Read more Written February 6, 2024
• 215elainen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles We had the best day on the Daintree, Mossman Gorge & wildlife tour🩶 We had the best day on this tour. The wildlife park our favourite part of the day. We got to see so many animals up close including a koala and also kangaroos (which are so friendly you can pet them). We also got to meet an indigenous man which was so interesting to hear about his life. The rainforest was very beautiful and you could take a lovely refreshing dip in the river here. Lastly we got to see wild crocodiles on a boat ride. 100% would recommend this tour. Lisa, our guide, was amazing. She was so considerate to all the guests on the tour and was so engaging. She provided lots of information and encouraged us to ask any questions we wanted. Thank you so much Lisa for making our day so special. Read more Written February 6, 2024
• JoannaP2729 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Experience This was an incredible journey and was able to hop on and off to see the Rainforest up close along with Baron Falls - great experience! Read more Written February 5, 2024

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Kuranda Village, Army Duck Tour with Train and Skyrail (KDB) provided by Tropic Wings Cairns Tours

• The Tour Specialists
• Things To Do

Kuranda Rainforest Army Duck, Skyrail, Kuranda Train | KDB

Tour Code: 168

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns

Tour Highlights

• So many to choose from! Whether it be patting a python or riding through jungle on a WW II Army Duck, you’ll find each diverse step of the tour an adventure!
• Get your flash on ready, because it’s going to get dark for a moment! The tunnels you’ll encounter on the Kuranda Train and Scenic Railway are handmade, cut into mountain, and over 130 years old! Snap the unique selfie of a lifetime!
• Kuranda is surrounded by rainforest with stunning walks and markets to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for the friendly water dragons in the market area!

Description & Tour Inclusions

Included in price, kuranda scenic railway.

• Kuranda Village
• Army Duck Rainforest Tour

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Combining the Skyrail journey up the mountain and the Kuranda scenic railway journey down, This is one of the most stunning day tours you will have to explore the wonders of this World Heritage Rainforest site and the iconic rainforestation.

After being collected from you hotel you will start your journey to Kuranda onboard the award winning Skyrail cableway as you glide above the rainforest canopy in the “The World’s Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience” as you marvel in the beauty of the Barron Fall’s with its cascading waterfall and the plunging crevices of the Barron Gorge.

At the Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda you will explore the rainforest in a restored WWII amphibious vehicle called an Army Duck that will take you into the depths of this World Heritage rainforest on a unique jungle adventure. Your tour guide will drive you past ancient tree trunks, prehistoric ferns and rare flora and fauna dating back 150 million years. As you cruise down the rainforest river you may see turtles, fish, frogs, snakes (non-venomous) and other lizards and insects. You and your family will be filled with wonder at the amazing sights of nature not to mention the thrill of travelling in such an historic novelty vehicle.  

Your return trip will be onboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway as it winds it way through the lush rainforest and spectacular waterfalls.

This is a great day for your family to enjoy, with the added bonus of adding flexibility for you to suit the day tour around all your own interests and preferences as you have extra time to explore Kuranda and the attractions it offers.

1 Day | Kuranda Army Amphibian Duck Tour, Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Train

Your tour bus will pick you up from your accommodation in Cairns between 7:00am and 7:40am (a more precise time will be given when you book) and take you Skyrail station at Smithfield where you will begin your journey to Kuranda.

If you wish you may self-drive to smithfield and join the tour there.

This is one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia. This historic train journey will take you from the lowlands of Freshwater Station up to 328m (1076.12ft) to the rainforest and village of Kuranda. This amazing feat of engineering will take you up into the mountain, amongst the rainforest and allow you to view the spectacular Barron Gorge and the cascading waterfalls of the Barron Falls.

This ambitious construction was started in 1886 and completed in 1891. It was a massive feat of engineering as it was built through such difficult terrain. With steep gradients and dense jungles, plus violent Aboriginals defending their forest home there was a lot to overcome. The train was converted in World War II to an ambulance that was used to transport wounded soldiers from the SW Pacific Islands and New Guinea battlefields.

You will be travelling on a 1720 Class Diesel Electric Locomotive which was built in 1966. At 60 tons this locomotive train is comparatively light which is perfect for the branch line?

Your journey will include commentary and you will receive a trip companion that includes information and history of this unique railway journey. You should reach Kuranda around 10:25am.

World Heritage Kuranda – “The Village in the Rainforest”

Kuranda is a quaint village that has been attracting visitors for over a century and it has a quirky hippie style old charm about it. You will certainly see some interesting sights. The village shops are filled with wonderfully crafted clothes, jewellery and homewares all with their Kuranda charm and creative edge.  Local Indigenous artworks and artefacts like boomerangs, didgeridoos are displayed alongside hand crafted ceramics, crocodile skins and Crocodile Dundee hats.

You will be picked up from Kuranda around 12:00noon to go on your Army Duck Tour. After your Army Duck Tour departs at 1:00pm. The Army Duck Tour goes for 45 minutes. Once the Army Duck Tour is finished you will be taken back to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway terminal at 2:00pm for the last leg of your trip. Your Skyrail return trip leaves at 2:30pm

What to do in Kuranda

• Butterfly Sanctuary

An unbelievable 60% of the total species of butterflies that inhabit Australia are found in this 0.1% of the country in the rainforest. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary displays this diversity in celebration of this amazing insect.In a lush, vast enclosure you will walk among hundreds of beautifully coloured butterflies including the iconic electric blue iconic Ulysses Butterflies that are regarded as the unofficial emblem of the area of Tropical Far North Queensland Australia. If you wear bright pink or red colours, you never know, they might land on you thinking that you are a large flower.  Australian Butterfly Sanctuary opening hours are from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

This area has 7% of all the birds in Australia. Many of these birds are housed in a massive aviary so you can view them in their natural environment as they fly around the lakes, ponds and waterfalls of this amazing enclosure. Bird World houses 45 species of birds that are native to the local area including a host of parrots, lorikeets, bowerbirds and the pre-historic rare 1.8m (6ft high) Cassowary. You can get up close and feed the birds as well. Open 9.00 am – 4.00pm. ?

• Kuranda Village Markets

The Kuranda Markets are world famous. In this “Village in the Rainforest” there are two markets located in Kuranda, one on the original market area and the other one is in the Heritage Markets.

Kuranda has been a refuge for artists and artisans and a tourist destination for over a century.   Today it is still as beautiful and is home to many artists and artisans whose wares and artworks are sold in the markets of Kuranda that visitors love for their craftsmanship and beauty.  Whether for something to wear, a souvenir or just because you fall in love with an item, Kuranda offers a unique shopping experience.  Sip on a juice from a fresh coconut and watch and listen to the musicians that perform there.

Rainforestation Army Duck Tour

This is your chance to experience the rainforest from a completely different and unique perspective. Hop on board this amphibious World War II Army Duck (it is officially spelt DUKW) that will be your tour vehicle for this rainforest tour.  Each Duck holds 30 passengers and their design consists of 6 wheels with a propeller and a rudder.  As you are immersed into the jungle for a 45 minute unforgettable rainforest tour, your knowledgeable Duck Captain and tour guide will take you on a journey of discovery and adventure.  You will find out about this amazing environment as you learn about ancient ferns that date back 150 million years, rare orchids, figs that strangle and trees that sting.  The rainforest contains 3% of the frog, marsupial and reptile species in Australia with 90% of the butterfly and bat species with 7% of the bird species and with over 12,000 types of insects.  All this is in an area of the country that only takes up 0.1% of the landmass of Australia. The Army Duck Tour operates from Rainforestation Nature Park.

You will then be taken for a splash into a rainforest lake.  With the propeller whirring your Army Duck will cruise around the water’s edge whilst you view turtles, eels and fish.  You might even see water dragons or sunbathing pythons.

• Why’s it called a Duck? Information on your amphibious tour vehicle

Rainforestation has twelve Army Ducks that were built between 1942 and 1944 in Detroit. The name DUCK is actually from DUKW which comes from “D” which indicates that the vehicle was designed in 1942, “U” means “Utility”, “K” indicates that it is an all-wheel drive and “W” indicates that it has a two powered rear axle.

Although DUKWs were originally used for mainly military use other civilian organisations such as fire stations, police departments and rescue units also use them. The Australian Army even loaned two DUKWs to the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition.  They were also used locally in Cape York to supply lighthouses on remote islands.

They have been used as rescue vehicles in many a disaster. They were used extensively in New Orleans to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Locally, the DUKWs were used in the 1955 Hunter Valley Floods.

The DUKW weighs 7.5 tons and goes at a respectable 10km/h (6.4mph) on water and a top speed of 80 km/h (50-55 mph) on land.  It is 9.3 m long (31 ft) and is of a steel construction.  The high capacity bilge pump system will keep the DUKW afloat in case of a leak. The DUKW also has a unique feature in that the driver can vary the tyre pressure so that it can be fully inflated for hard road surfaces and deflated for softer surfaces like sandy beaches.  The Rainforestation DUKW’s were recently converted to LPG gas.

After your tour at 1.00pm you have the choice of getting transport back into Kuranda or staying on for lunch and exploring Rainforestation Nature Park further.  Transport will then pick you up at 2.30 pm to take you to the Skyrail Gondola station to start your amazing journey back down the mountains towards Cairns.

The views and the stop-off stations on the way up on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway will give you total ‘aaah!’ factor as you see the most amazing sights that nature can offer.

Descending in your Skyrail gondola from 328m (1076 ft) back to the lowlands this is the perfect way to finish your day.  All the while you will have 360 degree views of this World Heritage Rainforest.  Looking out from the rainforest you will also see out to the horizon of the Coral Sea as it stretches out to The Great Barrier Reef. Truly stunning. This is the only place in the world where a rainforest meets a reef.

The rainforest around Kuranda was claimed as a World Heritage site in recognition of the importance of this pristine jewel of nature and is one of only nineteen such sites in Australia. This World Heritage Site contains nature from an ancient super continent call Gondwana.  It was from this ancient forest that unique animals and marsupials originated in this rainforest eco-system.

There are two stations along the way where you can get out and wander along to soak up the views.

• Red Peak Station, Kuranda Skyrail

The Red Peak Station is located at 545m (1788ft) above sea level and is the highest station.

From this Skyrail station you can take a walk along a 175m (574ft) boardwalk that will have you looking up at the trees and not down.  From this level you can’t help but be impressed by the wonder of these giant trees and feel immersed in the experience. This is the oldest rainforest in the world and the true majesty of the trees and plants around you are just stunning.

At this station you have the opportunity to go on a complimentary guided tour along the boardwalk.  Your tour guide rangers are there to answer any questions and to impart their knowledge to you in an easy-to-understand and fun way. The surrounding rare flora and fauna has a fascinating history with some species being so rare that they are only found in this rainforest pocket.

Take as long you like to wander along the boardwalk and soak up the ambiance of this amazing natural wonder.

Pick up the next Skyrail gondola to the next Skyrail Station. 

• Barron Falls Station, Kuranda Skyrail

As you approach this station you will see the amazingly dramatic view of the steep sides of the Barron Gorge with its granite walls lined with thick rainforest vegetation.

The Barron Falls Station has three lookouts and is located above the Barron Gorge with views across to the top of the Barron Falls and the mighty torrents of cascading water (especially dramatic in the Green Season December to March). The top of the Barron Falls is at 125m (410 ft) is quite a sight as you view the gushing water of this dramatic waterfall being forced through the rock crevices as it cascades through to tumble in a foaming fury to the depths below.

If you want to gasp at the amazing spectacle of nature it doesn’t get much better than this.  This is not Hollywood special effects but the amazing results of nature as you take in the amazing view of the rainforest framing the Barron Falls and the Barron Gorge. It’s not just the sight of this natural wonder, but the sheer noise of the water and the fresh mist of the water vapour as it settles on your face which makes it a total sensory experience.

You will return back to your accommodation around 5.00pm.

Pick up by your coach transfer from Cairns accommodation: 7:00am – 7:40am

Skyrail Cableway Journey at 0930

Arrive in Kuranda 10:25

Free time in Kuranda approx: 10:25am - 12:00noon (plenty of time to grab some lunch, visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or the markets...etc)

Bus pickup to go to Rainforestation at 12:00noon

Army Duck Tour: 1:00pm

Bus transfer back to Kuranda at 3:00pm

Scenic railway depature at 3:30pm 

Back at Cairns accommodation by coach transfer: 5:30pm

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Tour Details

Tour languages offered.

Departs From

Departure time.

• Departs Cairns 8.00am
• Returns Cairns 5.30pm

Pickup Locations

Destinations.

• Rainforestation Nature Park Kuranda

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

9 hours (approx)

Fitness Level Required

Additional information.

Languages: the Army Duck tour has pamphlets available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, German and Italian

Eco Certifications

What to Bring

Walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera & film, food or money for souvenirs, meals.

Customer Reviews

Christine h.

Reviewed on July 12, 2016

It was a well organised and very pleasurable trip for us and our two young grandchildren. Our coach driver was always prompt and a very friendly man who showed he loved the area and cared for his visitors.

Child Policy

• Children 3 & under travel free
• Child price applies to children ages 4 - 14
• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be in writing.

Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee.

Please see our  Terms and Conditions  for details prior to booking.

Operator's Cancellation Policy: 100% cancellation fee applies to day tours if cancelled within 24 hours prior to departure or no shows.

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au $104.00 Family: au $506.00

Choose Your Option

15 yrs & over

Ages of Children

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Kuranda Village, Army Duck Tour with Train and Skyrail (KDB)

Queensland, Queensland

Join a full day tour to Kuranda, in World Heritage-listed rainforest. Experience the award-winning rainforestation Army Duck Rainforest Tour (45 min) with an experienced tour guide. You’ll travel to Kuranda by Kuranda Scenic Railway and return by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

DESCRIPTION

Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Kuranda Scenic Railway Freshwater Station, Barron QLD 4878, Australia

Coach transfer from accommodation to Freshwater Railway Station. Travel to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Journey through stunning rainforest, beautiful waterfalls and past steep canyons. Stop at Barron Falls station to view this mighty waterfall.

Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: Barron Gorge National Park, Wrights Lookout Rd, Queensland Australia

Enjoy views of the Barron River and Baron Gorge National park.

Stop At: Kuranda Village, Coondoo St, Kuranda QLD 4881, Australia

Enjoy free time in the funky Kuranda village! Browse the original rainforest markets, visit one of the many quirky cafes.

Stop At: Rainforestation Nature Park, Kennedy Highway, Kuranda, Queensland 4872 Australia

Venture through the rainforest on an authentic amphibious World War 2 army duck. See rainforest flora on land and then splash into the lake to continue your tour. (45min) Visit the tropical fruit orchard.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield, Queensland 4878 Australia

Travel back to Cairns by flying over the rainforest in a gondola on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Return to accommodation via air conditioned coach.

Duration: 1 hour

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Kuranda Train & Skyrail

• Cairns Pick-up
• Port Douglas Pick-up
• Attractions
• Scenic Railway

Rainforestation Nature Park | Self Drive or Transfers

Rainforestation & Kuranda Village by Coach Includes Rainforestation’s Army Duck Tour, Koala & Wildlife Park, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience & free time in the Kuranda Village, with return transfers. Departs Cairns around 8:30am and returns at 4.30pm.

Booking Options

Rainforestation | Self Drive Koala & Wildlife Park, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and Army Duck Rainforest Tour. Allow 3 hours for experience. 

Rainforestation + Transfers Return bus transfers from Cairns Rainforestation Nature Park Entry,  Army Duck Tour, Koala & Wildlife Park, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience & free time in the Kuranda Village.

Rainforestation + Transfers + Butterfly Sanctuary Return bus transfers from Cairns Rainforestation Nature Park Entry,  Army Duck Tour, Koala & Wildlife Park, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience & free time in the Kuranda Village & Entry in to Australian Butterfly Sanctury.

Rainforestation + Transfers + Pamagirri Experience + Lunch Return bus transfers from Cairns Rainforestation Nature Park Entry,  Army Duck Tour, Koala & Wildlife Park, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience & Art Workshop & Lunch at Rainforetation.

8:00am - 08:40am | Pick-up Accommodation Pickup from Cairns 

08:40am | Kuranda Range Travel to Rainforestation Nature Park by coach via the scenic Kuranda Range.

9:15am | Arrive at Rainforestation Nature Park.  Wander at your leisure. A series of elevated boardwalks provide close-up uninterrupted views of various Australian animals and reptiles. See crocodiles, wombats, snakes, dingoes and a cassowary, and hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. 

10am | Army Duck Rainforest Tour Duration | 45 Minutes

Travel deep into the rainforest on both land and water on a guided tour. Rainforestation has twelve of these historical vehicles which hold up to 30 passengers and uses a 6 wheel drive, propeller and rudder. During this 45 minute rainforest tour, your knowledgeable Duck Captain will identify and explain fascinating plants and wildlife as you pass by before splashing into the lake for a cruise with more wildlife to be seen.

After your tour, visit the tropical fruit orchard which features over 60 different species of exotic tropical fruit trees, and you’ll learn about fruits of the region and the world.

11:30am Pamagirri Dreamtime Walk Duration | 30 Minutes

This half-hour guided tour along an all-weather walkway modelled on the Rainbow Serpent gives further insight into Aboriginal traditions and beliefs and how several ancient implements were used.

Enter the Pamagirri Cultural Centre at Rainforestation and experience Tropical North Queensland through the eyes of the people who have been its custodians for tens of thousands of years.

Try your hand at boomerang throwing and after a demonstration and a few lessons, you’ll be ready to test your skills. The area is specially netted for your safety, as boomerangs do come back!

When you observe spear-throwing, you’ll be amazed at the distance the Pamagirri Guides can throw spears using a Woomera.  As a matter of fact, two of our Pamagirri Guides are in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest spear throws!

Discover how the spear was used for hunting and to uphold traditional law in tribal communities. Thankfully, spears are not used for punishments today like they were in times gone by – but you will get an opportunity to take aim at a target instead.

At the end of the tour, your personal Pamagirri Guide will be available to answer questions and take photographs.

12:00pm | Pamagirri Dance Performance Duration | 30 Minutes

The rainforest amphitheatre provides a beautiful backdrop for the Pamagirri Dance Performance; a traditional dance performance depicting aspects of Indigenous culture including animals, food gathering and hunting.

The rainforest serves as the theatre walls whilst sounds of wildlife provide accompaniment to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo and clapsticks. During the performance, the Pamagirri Dancers will explain how didgeridoos are made and used in ceremonies, and then reveal the techniques used to play this ancient instrument by imitating the noises of Australian animals. Listen carefully for sounds imitating Kangaroos or the Kookaburra.

Be sure to watch the performance closely – there’s a surprise for the audience at the end! The amphitheatre is wheelchair accessible and has a large protective canopy and tiers of comfortable wooden seats with the capacity for four hundred people. The dance programme is available in fourteen different languages.

12:00pm - 2:00pm | Kuranda Village Free Time Depart Rainforestation on the Kuranda Shuttle for your transfer into Kuranda Village. Alternatively, you may wish to stay longer at Rainforestation.

On arrival to Kuranda Village, wander through the shops and markets offering local handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts.

4:00pm | Return to Cairns Your coach departs from outside the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

A great tour with a fun & interesting guide

Kellie Bosanquet

Fantastic way to see the rainforest, especially if you are mobility impaired for any reason. The guide was very knowledgeable.

Thi Thanh Van Tran

Thank you Gene for customise the tour for us

Suzann Murray

Kids loved the army duck. Great staff everyone Very friendly and helpful.

James Wiernas

Great, all the way around. I was very pleased...Super trip!

Michael Man

The army duck is a must.

More Reviews

Rainforestation Nature Park is located a short drive from Kuranda Village, nestled amidst the rainforest and surrounding World Heritage Listed areas.

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Kuranda Day Tours

Skyrail does not operate on the following dates due to maintenance, kuranda scenic train not operating due to maintenance on.

Skyrail, Kuranda Village, Rainforestation-hotel transfers

FROM $171 Departs daily 8am - 5:30pm Begin your eco-friendly journey on our electric coach to Kuranda. Visit Rainforestation Nature Park for unique wildlife encounters and an authentic World War 2 Army Duck tour. Explore Kuranda in your own time before returning via Skyrail. Includes hotel transfers.

This Skyrail tour with Tropic Wings offers wildlife, rainforest, Kuranda Village and more! Begin your Skyrail tour by travelling to Kuranda via a 100% electric coach. Visit the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park to explore the rainforest on an authentic World War 2 Army Duck on land and water. Visit the Koala and Wildlife Park and view crocodiles, snakes, dingoes and the endangered Cassowary and Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Enjoy free time in Kuranda Village before boarding the 3.45 pm Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Soar over the ancient rainforest canopy and stop to explore the rainforest at ground level at Barron Falls and Red Peak. You will be met and transferred to your chosen accommodation at approx 5.30 pm. Itineraries may operate in reverse or a different sequence. Market days Wednesday - Sundays

Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail Day Tour with return hotel transfers

FROM $168 Departs daily 7.30am - 5.30pm Experience a day of adventure from your Cairns hotel with Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway. Glide above the rainforest in comfortable six-person gondolas and explore Kuranda in your own time. Enjoy the 1.5 hour journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historic railroad that travels through the breathtaking World Heritage Listed Rainforest.

Travel to the rainforest village of Kuranda in style with our Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway package! Fly over the rainforest canopy on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Explore the rainforest at Red Peak and Barron Falls stations and join a guided ranger tour. Experience the brand new “Edge” lookout, which offers uninterrupted views of the mighty Barron Falls through glass panels. Enjoy your spare time in Kuranda Village. Browse for jewellery gifts and more at the Original and Rainforest Markets or taste a range of culinary treats at Kuranda’s many quirky cafes. Visit the world’s largest butterfly flight aviary at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or enjoy a relaxing walk along the Barron River. Experience the world’s most beautiful railway journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and journey past stunning rainforest waterfalls and past steep gorges. Stop at Barron Falls station and see the stunning Barron Falls.  Kuranda original and heritage markets open Wednesday through to Sunday

Optional Kuranda River Cruise & Lunch (Not available Monday and Tuesday)

Enjoy a tranquil 45-minute Wet Tropics calm water cruise on the Barron River in Kuranda aboard the MV Kuranda. The commentary highlights various aspects of the World’s most ancient tropical rainforest in Australia, river life and the history of Kuranda. The river is home to a host of wildlife including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, snakes, fish and birds. Occasionally a wild cassowary may be spotted on the edge of the rainforest by the riverbank. Following your cruise make your way to Cafe Mandala for lunch where there will be a reserved table for you. Choose anything from Café Mandala’s menu to the value of $20 and pay the Cafe owner separately for anything ordered over the amount.

Kuranda Army Duck Tour with Train & Skyrail

FROM $201 Departs Daily 7.30am - 5.30pm Start your Cairns adventure with Kuranda Scenic Railway through lush rainforest. At Rainforestation Nature Park, explore flora and fauna in their natural habitat on historic Army Ducks. Free time in Kuranda before a serene return on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Transfers included. Photo Credit: Tourism Australia

Start your day with a trip on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and enjoy the incredible views, as you glide above the rainforest canopy. Allow 1.5 hours to complete the experience, this includes time at Red Peak and Barron Falls. Enjoy a tour across land and water on the historic World War II Army Ducks at the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park ,spotting flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Enjoy free time in Kuranda and then finish your day with Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding your way down the mountain through rainforest, past waterfalls and including a stop at the breathtaking Barron Gorge. You will be met at Freshwater station and transferred to your Cairns chosen accommodation. Kuranda Markets open Wednesday - Sunday.

Electric Bus to Kuranda • Return Kuranda Scenic Train

FROM $161 Departs daily 7.45am - 5.15pm Experience emission-free travel from your Cairns hotel to Kuranda on a 100% electric bus. Explore Rainforestation Nature Park with an authentic WW2 Army Duck tour, guided Koala & Wildlife Park Tour,  and Pamagirri Dance Performance in the rainforest amphitheatre. Enjoy free time in Kuranda before returning via the scenic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Transfers included.

You will be collected from your accommodation or nominated pick-up point between 7.45 am -8.45am. Travel to Rainforestation Nature Park via the scenic Kuranda Range. Travel from Cairns to Kuranda on our 100% electric coach (subject to availability) and return on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Please be advised if you are travelling with a pram - collapsible prams and strollers can be stored under the Heritage Class seats provided they are no more than 25cm in height once collapsed. Large prams or non-collapsible strollers are unfortunately not accepted onboard Kuranda Scenic Railway. This action-packed Kuranda Day Tour includes the Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of Australia’s most stunning scenic train journeys. Wind through the lush World Heritage Rainforest and past stunning waterfalls and gorges. Visit Rainforestation Nature Park and explore the rainforest on land and in water tour on a World War 2 Army Duck. Visit the Koala & Wildlife Park and see koalas, Tasmanian Devils, crocodiles and the endangered Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo and Cassowary. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. Learn about authentic Indigenous culture on the award-winning Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Join a Dreamtime Walk spanning a didgeridoo playing presentation, spear throwing presentation and boomerang throwing. Watch a traditional Indigenous dance performance. Transfer to Kuranda Village to spend time visiting the markets before returning to Cairns on the 3.30 pm Train. 5:15 pm Your Coach will be at the Cairns Railway Station to transfer you back to your accommodation. Please tell your Driver Guide if you do not require a return transfer.

Classic Kuranda Day Tour with Scenic Train and Skyrail, Rainforestation Nature Park, lunch & hotel transfers

Adult $275|Child $145|Family $695 Departs daily 7.30 am - 5.30 pm You will enjoy the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as part of your transfers as you embark on a full-day adventure to Kuranda and the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park. Ride an amphibious WWII Army Duck through the rainforest, meet Aussie wildlife at the Koala and Wildlife Park, visit the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch.

Join Tropic Wings, the longest-established coach operator in Cairns, for a full-day adventure to Kuranda, located in World Heritage Rainforest. Your Kuranda day tour includes a visit to the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park. Explore the tropical rainforest from a totally unique perspective aboard an amphibious World War II Army Duck. Your Duck Captain will take you on an entertaining and educational tour over land and water. Wander at your leisure through the Koala and Wildlife park to familiarise yourself with a host of unique Australian wildlife - especially those from North Queensland. Visit the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, including boomerang and spear throwing and traditional Aboriginal dances as they perform traditional dances in the Rainforest Amphitheatre. Enjoy lunch at the Treehouse Cafe for Aussie BBQ with a selection of meats, salads, vegetarian options and tropical fruits. You will enjoy the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as part of your transfers.

Please be advised if you are travelling with a pram - collapsible prams and strollers can be stored under the Heritage Class seats provided they are no more than 25cm in height once collapsed. Large prams or non-collapsible strollers are unfortunately not accepted onboard Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Kuranda Scenic Train & Skyrail - Self Drive

FROM $125 Departs daily 8.30 or 9.30am - 5.15pm Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am trains (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore markets and attractions of Kuranda, then return via relaxing Skyrail. Transfers from Skyrail to Cairns Railway Station included.

Make your way to the Cairns or Freshwater Railway Station 30 minutes before your train journey. Experience two of the most popular tourist attractions in Far North Queensland—journey aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda village. Leisurely explore Kuranda, the famous 'village in the rainforest', before returning to Cairns, gliding above the canopy of World Heritage rainforest and learning more about this ancient ecosystem with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Skyrail Rainforest Cable and Kuranda Scenic Train take approx 1.5 hours in each direction. Kuranda Markets open Wednesday to Sunday.

Journey aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns Railway Station at 8.30 am or 9.30 am. The original Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class carriages offer the old-world charm of travelling in authentic timber carriages, some of which are up to 100 years old.

Upgrade to Gold Class on the 9.30am Train service (see below for list of inclusions)

Experience your scenic journey in the refurbished original redwood heritage carriages. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and numerous photographic opportunities as you wind through the World Heritage-listed rainforest.

• Leisurely explore Kuranda, the village in the rainforest
• Travel on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway from the Kuranda Terminal at 2.30 pm or 3.30 pm departure
• Transfer by shuttle coach from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Caravonica Terminal to Cairns Railway Station

Shuttle Transfer Times

• 2.30 pm Skyrail departing Kuranda meets the 4.00 pm bus transfer from Skyrail Caravonica Terminal, Smithfield to Cairns Railway Station
• 3.30 pm Skyrail departing Kuranda meets the 5.20 pm transfer from Skyrail Caravonica Terminal, Smithfield to Cairns Railway Station

Cairns station Parking is at Cairns Central shopping centre – please ensure that you provide your number plate details upon check-in to validate for free parking. Freshwater station has free parking all around the station.

• Visitor Information
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• Koala & Wildlife Park
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The Army DUKW

• Big Nature Package
• Rainforest Discovery Package
• Exclusive Koala Experience
• Koala & Wildlife Photos
• Park Passes
• Group Activities & Team Building
• Functions & Events
• Children’s Parties
• School Programs
• Wildlife Volunteer Programs
• About Rainforestation
• Sustainability
• About Cairns & Kuranda

About the Army DUKW

The DUKW (colloquially known as Duck) is a six-wheel-drive amphibious modification of the 2-ton capacity CCKW trucks used by the U.S. military in World War II. DUKWs are still in use today, as well as purpose-built amphibious tour buses, primarily as tourist transport in many attractions world-wide. In Australia the largest fleet of DUKWs is right here at Rainforestation. The first DUKW was acquired by Rainforestation owners Charles and Pip Woodward in 1975 and there are currently twelve DUKWs operating on a daily basis. To ensure the DUKWs are well maintained at Rainforestation we have two full time engineers who carry out running repairs. The DUKWs share 85% of their parts with the GMC CCKW truck however parts unique to the DUKW are getting extremely rare. Our mechanics are very clever at manufacturing some of these parts.

One of the most originally conceived vehicles in military history, the Army DUKW was produced as a solution to a problem encountered in the early days of the Pacific conflict – time and again American supply vessels found themselves standing off shore from beleaguered forces with no way of landing vital supplies. In response two men, Palmer Cosslet Putham and Rod Stephens, envisaged an amphibious vehicle capable of ferrying men and cargo from ship to beach. The Army Duck was to become the product of their innovation. As a basis for their design Putham and Stephens chose the tried and tested General Motors two and a half ton truck. A waterproof hull was substituted for the truck’s standard bodywork and a propeller and rudder added for operation in water. Although these additions elevated the weight of the completed vehicle to over six tons, 85% of Duck parts were in common with the original GM truck, an important consideration in keeping to a minimum any teething problems that might occur with the new vehicle. Only thirty-eight days after the completion of the mock-up the first Duck rolled out of the workshop.

From the outset the project met with skepticism from many elements within the military establishment and even after initial demonstrations enthusiasm was muted. One last attempt to win the Brass over was organised, otherwise the Duck seemed destined to join a long list of military oddities that had seemed like a good idea at the time. Then luck took a hand. Four days prior to the demonstration a Coast Guard vessel ran aground nearby in heavy seas. When all other attempts to recover the stranded crew failed the Coast Guard requested help and the two Ducks being prepared for the demonstration were rushed to the scene. In heavy seas the two ducks successfully retrieved the crew. Shortly afterwards the vessel broke up. Over the next few days the story of the dramatic rescue was widely publicized and the subsequent demonstrations were well attended. Gradually the military began to recognize the potential of the new vehicle. The Army Duck was finally on the way to becoming the huge success it was ultimately to prove.

War Time Use

The DUKW was supplied to the US Army, US Marine Corps and Allied forces. Two thousand vehicles were supplied to Britain under the Lend-Lease program and 535 were acquired by Australian forces, 586 were supplied to the Soviet Union, becoming the basis for the BAV 485. The DUKW was used in landings in the Mediterranean, Pacific, on the D-Day beaches of Normandy, Operation Husky, and during Operation Plunder. After World War II, reduced numbers of DUKWs were kept in service by the United States, Britain, France and Australia with many more stored pending disposal. Australia transferred many to Citizens Military Force units. The US Army reactivated and deployed several hundred DUKWs at the outbreak of the Korean War with the first Transportation Replacement Training Group providing crew training. DUKWs were used extensively to bring supplies ashore during the Battle of Pusan Perimeter and in the amphibious landings at Inchon. Ex-US Army DUKWs were transferred to the French military after World War II and were used by the Troupes de marine and naval commandos. Many were used for general utility duties in overseas territories. France deployed DUKWs to French Indochina during the First Indochina War. Some French DUKWs were given new hulls in the 1970s with the last being retired in 1982. The Royal Marines still use a small number of these vehicles for training purposes in Scotland.

Technical Specifications

Our twelve Army Ducks were all built between 1942 and 1944 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, and can carry 30 passengers each.The designation of DUKW is not a military pun – the name comes from the model naming terminology used by GMC: the D indicates a vehicle designed in 1942, the U meant “utility (amphibious)”, the K indicated all-wheel drive and the W indicated two powered rear axles.

The DUKW prototype was built around the cab over engine (COE) six-wheel-drive military truck GMC ACKWX , with the addition of a watertight hull and a propeller. The final production design was based on the CCKW. The vehicle was built by the GMC division of General Motors (called Yellow Truck and Coach at the beginning of the war). It was powered by a GMC Straight-6 engine of 270 in³ (4.416 litre). The DUKW weighed 7.5 tons and operated at 6.4 mph (10 km/h) on water and 50-55 mph (80 km/h) on land. It was 31 feet (9.3 m) long, 8.25 feet (2.4 m) wide, and 8.8 feet (2.6 m) high with the folding-canvas top up. 21,137 were manufactured. It was not an armored vehicle, being plated with sheet steel between 1/16″ and 1/8″ thick to minimize weight. A high capacity bilge pump system kept the DUKW afloat if the thin hull was breached by holes up to 2″ in diameter. The DUKW was the first vehicle to allow the driver to vary the tire pressure from inside the cab, an accomplishment of Speir’s device. The tires could be fully inflated for hard surfaces such as roads and less inflated for softer surfaces—especially beach sand. Petrol consumption is 4-6 mpg (1 kpl) on land, and 1 mpg (0.3 kpl) in water. However, recently our fleet of Army Ducks was converted to run off LPG gas. This is a much cleaner and greener fuel than petrol and reduces our greenhouse emissions by over half.

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