Skyrail/Kuranda Village
Kuranda Village sits in the midst of World Heritage rain forests just to the north of Cairns. You can get there by car, but a more popular option is to catch the Skyrail or train from Cairns. The Skyrail takes you on a 7.5-kilometer ride high above the treetops for a stellar bird's-eye view of the rain forest. You'll make a few stops along the way to take brief walks through the forest and see the gaping Barron Gorge. Kids will enjoy the informational, hands-on displays at the stops along the way.
Once you actually get to the village, the real fun begins. Kuranda features the Venom Zoo, where brave youngsters can view deadly spiders and hold a snake. At the Kuranda Koala Garden, your child can hold a live koala and get his picture taken. Various vendors line the streets in Kuranda, and you can watch the candymakers at work at the local candy shop. They periodically ask for volunteers from the audience to help make the candy.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Corner of Captain Cook Highway and Cairns Western Arterial Road
Cairns, Queensland 4870
Australia
011 (+61) 61 7 4038 1555
skyrail.com.au
kuranda.org
Wait-a-While Rainforest Tours
Wait-a-While Rainforest Tours will pick your family up right from your hotel's front door to take you deep into the local rain forest. Your informative guide will provide commentary along the way and stop at several points of interest. You can expect to see animals such as flying foxes (large bats), insects, platypuses, tree kangaroos and several species of possum. The tours typically start in the early afternoon and go into the late night (since some animals don't come out until dark), so make sure your child is up to the task of staying up late. Tours include afternoon tea and dinner.
Wait-a-While Rainforest Tours
PO Box 1471
Cairns, Queensland 4870
Australia
011 (+61) 7 4093 8414
waitawhile.com.au
Reef Magic Cruises
You'll find literally dozens of tour companies eager to take you out to the Great Barrier Reef, but Reef Magic may be the most kid-friendly. The boat will take you out to their platform out in the middle of the reef. The platform features an underwater reef viewing gallery, an enclosed children's swimming area, semi-submersible tours, on-site naturalists and scenic helicopter flights. While you're there, you'll enjoy lunch and will have unlimited access to snorkeling equipment. Adults (over the age of 18) can try a half-hour introductory scuba dive.
Reef Magic Cruises
Reef Fleet Terminal
1 Spence St.
Cairns, Queensland 4870
Australia
011 (+ 61) 7 4031 1588
www.reefmagic.com.au
