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5 Ways to Experience the Rainforest in Cairns, Australia

Home to one of the world’s oldest surviving rainforests, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef offers ancient trees, crystal-clear waterways, and incredible Australian wildlife. Incentive planners will be spoiled for choice to reward delegates with these unique, transformational experiences!

Planning an incentive or business event in Cairns? The Wet Tropics rainforest offers a range of delegate experiences, from Skyrail and heritage rail journeys to horseback riding, white-water rafting, Indigenous-guided walks and wildlife experiences.

Here are five ways to incorporate the rainforest into a Cairns business event program.

1. See the rainforest from above & below

Jump on board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glass gondolas and soar over the lush green canopy of the rainforest. Stretching 7.5 kilometres long, Skyrail gives delegates a bird’s-eye view of the spectacular Barron Falls. Delegates can take a guided tour with an Indigenous ranger along elevated boardwalks at one of the two cableway stations. Arriving in the rainforest village of Kuranda, delegates can wander the markets and visit Kuranda Koala Gardens for a close up wildlife experience. In the afternoon, delegates board the heritage-listed Kuranda Scenic Railway for the return journey to Cairns through rainforest tunnels with waterfall views, whilst marvelling at the stunning landscape in the comfort Gold Class carriage, with premium service and locally sourced refreshments.

2. Explore the Rainforest on Horseback with Kur-Cow

For a completely different perspective, saddle up with Kur-Cow Barnwell Farm and experience the rainforest on horseback. Located just outside Kuranda, Kur-Cow offers guided trail rides through rolling hills, open paddocks, rainforest edges, and scenic creek crossings. Delegates who are up for more adrenaline and adventure can swap the horse for a quadbike!

Arrive back at the farm for a traditional cook-your-own Aussie barbecue on the deck overlooking the sprawling property. Then take a hayride to feed the cows, meet the resident farm animals, and experience quintessential Queensland farm life.

3. Feel the rush of rafting or the tranquillity of tubing

If delegates are looking for excitement, white water rafting is one of Tropical North Queensland’s most thrilling rainforest adventures.

A unique team-building experience, delegates can take on the rapids of the Barron River for an afternoon of adventure on the water. Those seeking a more tranquil experience can live like a local and glide down the Mulgrave River on an inflatable tube, soaking up views of the towering rainforest, listening to the sounds of native birds, and appreciating the beauty of their surroundings.

4. Walk in the footsteps of the Kuku Yalanji in Mossman Gorge

Delegates seeking a truly immersive and transformational experience can head to Mossman Gorge and walk through the rainforest with an Indigenous guide. There, they will discover the deep connection the local Kuku Yalanji people have to this remarkable place. Learn about traditional bush medicine and painting techniques, how to make a boomerang and canoe, and even how to wash clothes with native leaves!

Located within the Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge offers rare beauty with its ancient trees, giant granite boulders, and rainforest waters. They might even catch sight of the elusive Cassowary!

5. Combine culture, wildlife and history at Rainforestation

Experience the fun of an historic WWII army duck ride along narrow rainforest tracks, before going amphibious on the lake during this unique tour. Delegates can butterfly spot, learn about the ancient plants of the forest and look out for water dragons!

Get up close and personal with Australia’s native wildlife, including koalas, wombats, crocodiles, and kangaroos, before taking a Dreamtime Walk with the local Pamagirri at Rainforestation Nature Park. Learn how to throw a boomerang and spear, then finish with an exceptional cultural display of Indigenous dance. You can even nominate your colleagues to get up on stage and learn the shaky leg dance!

From rainforest experiences above the canopy to wildlife encounters, horseback riding, white-water rafting and Indigenous-guided walks, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef offers a range of ways for business event delegates to experience the Wet Tropics rainforest.

Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is a complimentary service offering support to meeting and event planners looking to bring a business event to our breathtaking location in Australia.