Port Douglas is an ideal destination for people who want to soak up the sun and explore the Great Barrier Reef. However, aside from the exhilarating aquatic adventures, there are other land-based activities that are definitely worth the time like guided tours that will educate you on the flora and fauna of the rainforest and local culture.
Experiencing the Rainforestation Nature Park
This unique tourist destination is located 5 minutes away from the Kuranda Village and 30-minutes away from Cairns. The eco-friendly nature park consists of 3 unique Australian experiences that include Army Duck Rainforest tours, Pamagirri Aboriginal experience and Kuranda’s largest koala and wildlife park. A guided tour through the Army Duck Rainforest will educate you on the flora and fauna on both land and lake.
The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience will enhance your knowledge of the aboriginal traditions, indigenous culture as well as animals, food hunting and food gathering. A 30-minute Dreamtime Walk with an indigenous guide will teach you hunting techniques, boomerang throwing and the play Didgeridoo. Your Pamagirri aboriginal guide will share his personal insights on the ancient surviving culture and its connection to the world’s oldest surviving rainforest. You can also purchase indigenous artwork and artefacts that were inspired by various aspects of the aboriginal culture and indigenous traditions.
Kuranda’s koala gardens is home to a wide array of Aussie animals that include wallabies, wombats, quokkas, gliders and freshwater crocodiles. You will have the opportunity to get close to the cute animals and have a souvenir picture cuddling a koala.
Experiencing the Flames of the Forest
Flames of the Forest is a unique dining experience in the rainforest. The unique menu is inspired by the local culture and set against a candle-lit black silk canopy with sparkling chandeliers. The dining experience is distinctly unique because you are literally surrounded by nature and spiritual and mystical people. Saturday nights are for the romantic at heart because it features a serenade from a solo acoustic artist. The rare experience will create memories that will last a lifetime.
Artwork at Janbal Gallery
Janbal Gallery is a special place that is protected by the Yiki people. Visitors to the gallery are allowed to paint, share their stories and learn about the Kuku Yalangi culture. Visitors can also browse through the gallery or purchase paintings of local aboriginal artist Brian “Binna” Swindley, the owner and artist to operate the gallery. Aside from Binna’s hand-painted originals, there are also local authentic aboriginal art, handmade jewellery by local indigenous artists, didgeridoos, artefacts and Janbal prints. Janbal or Quandong is the aboriginal name of Binna’s mother. When you visit the Jambal Gallery, you are keeping the Kuku Yulangi culture alive and strong.
You can pre-book Cairns Airport to Port Douglas transfers instead of waiting in line at the airport for a taxi to take you to your destination. Airport transfer services ensure that there is a vehicle waiting for you as soon as you land at Cairns Airport. Your driver is experienced and knows all the secure routes for use around the city.
