Rainforest for Kids Experience - RainforeStation Nature Park

May 11

Up on stage they were dancing, and you could see the twitch of a kangaroo’s ear, the stamp of a paw, and the cheeky attitude of the youngster as he stirred the big roo into action.

We were out on the plains where the roos grazed, and battled and fought over their territories. It was the beat of the sticks and the thrum of the didgeridoo from the Pamagirri Dance Show that helped transport us there, and it had to be the highlight of our afternoon at the Rainforestation Nature Park…

**Pamagirri Dance Troupe perform the Kangaroo Dance**

For an ‘All in One’ Aussie rainforest experience, Rainforestation has really got it happening. You’ve got native animals to interact with, rainforest to explore (onboard an Aquatic Duck!!) and you also get a glimpse into the cultural history of Australia thanks to the local aboriginal clan.

It’s interactive, educational, fun and just enough variety to keep the kids happily entertained for a few hours, or if you’re really lucky, a whole day. We’ve been visiting this spot for years and it still seems to keep the kids amused whatever their age.

Rainforestation-army duck @adventuremumma.jpg

For us, the Army Ducks were first up on our Rainforestation experience. These amphibious war vehicles have been reconditioned and are used to explore well-worn muddy tracks and plunge into deep water, whilst all the time showing you the rainforest up close, without the need to get your feet wet.

For those that have never experienced an Australian tropical rainforest, this is a great little appetizer for what lies within. It’s also worth noting that kids can get a bit restless, forced to sit for the length of the tour (its around 45-mins) so bring some food, or even better see if they can have a ‘drive’ – it kept mine distracted for a while when they were younger ;).

**Audience participation is always welcome at the Dance Theatre**

This time around, the family favourite had to be the Pamagirri Dance troupe. As the indigenous dancers performed to the beat of the nulla-nulla and didgeridoo we were given a glimpse into the culture and the stories of the people who used to live on this land. Before I knew it the kids were up on stage trying out a few moves with the dancers (watch the short video below).

My kids are definitely not shy when it comes to performing and they, along with a chosen few, attempted a few moves that I have yet to see before on a dance floor.

**Josh was pretty good at the Boomerang**

Later we all got involved (although thankfully not on the stage) – throwing a boomerang, hurling spears and a quick blow on a didgeridoo. It was confirmation to many of us that we could never truly survive in the rainforest without modern tools, although I think my kids may have a slim chance judging by the way they threw their boomerangs.

For my daughter, it was a case of leaving the best till last - she had been bugging us relentlessly about the Wildlife Park. It’s small and compact with the right mix of native animals to keep the kids happy and smiling and Charlie has loved this spot ever since visiting as a youngster.

Charlie’s favourite part – the wildlife park

Flashback to a few years ago – Charlie in her element

Bon Bon & mum sharing a juicy leaf at the Rainforestation

Can you spot the tiny lizard on the tail of the big ‘lizard’

As usual the wallabies and roos lounged lethargically around, occasionally eating the odd morsel of food on offer, and possibly the cutest koala on record was found by Charlie.

Secretly, we all have had a crush on Bon Bon since discovering this little baby koala on Instagram. If she could have reached in for a cuddle Bon Bon would have definitely been coming home in her backpack.

**The koala habitat was another popular spot**

For me, I loved seeing the huge saltwater crocs chillaxing with tiny water dragons basking on their backs. For other kids the Barramundi ponds seemed to be where the main attraction lay. Huge barras lurked in the shallows and fought it out with eels whenever any food was thrown their way……and the poor ducks definitely played second fiddle in this lake.

So if you’re seeking a well-polished ‘rainforest for kids’ experience that gives you a little taste of all things ‘tropical’ BUT won’t leave you all muddy and wet, then you really can’t beat Rainforestation Nature Park. Great fun for all ages.

Good Things to Know:

Good in all types of weather
Open 9.00am to 4pm daily except Christmas Day (25 December)
Children’s prices apply if the child is between the ages of 4 to 14 years
Entry includes access to all tours and presentations
Souvenir Shop & Restaurant onsite
Rainforestation is wheelchair accessible
Located on the Kennedy Highway, on the way to Kuranda from Cairns (approx 10 mins from Kuranda) - Buses are available.

Click HERE if you would like to Book >> Rainforestation Nature Park.The 4 Park Passis worth investing in if you're spending some time in Cairns - Click HERE!(Entry to ALL 4 Parks: Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (Kuranda), Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome (Cairns), Rainforestation Nature Park (Kuranda) and Wildlife Habitat (Port Douglas) )If you're a LOCAL then opt for the Local's Annual Four Park Pass (it's the price of a family visit to Rainforestation) - Click HERE!You can read our reviews about their other Nature Parks below:

What type of rainforest for kids FUN have you experienced so far? Have you visited Rainforestation Nature Park?

Rainforestation-entry @adventuremumma.jpg

We received our tour complimentary BUT all views, opinions and photos in this article are 100% my own.

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