Rainforestation Nature Park facts for kids
Rainforestation Nature Park is an exciting place to visit in Far North Queensland, Australia. It's located just five minutes from the town of Kuranda. This amazing park covers about 100 acres (40 hectares) of beautiful rainforest, which is part of a special World Heritage area.
The park first opened in 1976 and was originally called Mountain Groves. Before it became a park, the land was used to grow coffee and oranges. Over the years, Rainforestation has grown a lot. It now offers visitors a chance to learn about Australia's native wildlife, explore the ancient rainforest, and discover the rich culture of Indigenous Australians.
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Explore Rainforestation Nature Park
Rainforestation Nature Park offers three main adventures for its visitors. Each part gives you a unique way to experience the natural beauty and culture of Australia.
Army Duck Rainforest Tour
The Army Duck Rainforest Tour has been a popular attraction since the park first opened in 1976. On this tour, you get to ride in a special vehicle called an Army Duck. These vehicles are actually old World War II Army Ducks that can travel both on land and in water!
As you journey through the rainforest, a friendly guide will point out many different local plants and animals. You'll learn about the amazing variety of life that calls this ancient forest home. The tour then continues onto a lake, where the Army Duck floats along, giving you a different view of the surroundings. You'll also pass through a tropical fruit orchard that has more than 40 different kinds of exotic fruit trees. It's a great way to see how diverse the plant life is in this region.
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
Opened in 1993, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience is a fantastic way to learn about Indigenous Australian culture. The word "Pamagirri" means "silent snake." This experience includes a lively performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Troupe. They perform in a special amphitheatre surrounded by the rainforest, making it a truly unique setting.
After the dance performance, you can join the Dreamtime Walk. On this walk, you'll learn about traditional Aboriginal customs and skills. You might even get the chance to try throwing a boomerang yourself! You can also learn how to play the didgeridoo, a traditional wind instrument. It's an interactive way to connect with the ancient traditions and stories of the Pamagirri people.
Koala & Wildlife Park
The Koala & Wildlife Park opened in 1996 and is home to many amazing Australian animals. Here, you can walk along elevated boardwalks, which give you a great view of the animals in their natural-looking habitats.
You'll see famous Australian creatures like koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. But there are also other fascinating animals, including powerful crocodiles, clever dingoes, and shy wombats. Keep an eye out for the colourful cassowaries, which are large, flightless birds. You can also spot various lizards and snakes. It's a wonderful opportunity to get up close with some of Australia's most unique wildlife.