Why you should go
Tjapukai will give you an insight to Aboriginal culture, a story that began more than 40,000 years ago.
The particular tribe you learn about here is the local Djabugay people.
You can see how to light a fire without a matchstick, learn
about bush medicine, watch dance performances and listen to the sounds of the
didgeridoo. There is also the chance for you to learn to throw a boomerang as
well as plenty of other interactive demonstrations.
What is Tjapukai?
This cultural centre began life in 1987 and moved to its current location by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at Caravonic in 1996. Now a village, restaurant and gallery, it has been visited by thousands over the years including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Tjapukai is, reportedly, the largest Indigenous employer of any tourism enterprise in Australia.
This cultural centre began life in 1987 and moved to its current location by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at Caravonic in 1996. Now a village, restaurant and gallery, it has been visited by thousands over the years including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Tjapukai is, reportedly, the largest Indigenous employer of any tourism enterprise in Australia.
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| Tjapukai |
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda a pretty secluded mountain village. On your journey you pass through World Heritage-protected rainforest, said to be the oldest on the planet. There were two stops on the trip, Red Peak where a ranger explains about the landscape and Barron Falls to see the cascading water, so you can get up close and personal with nature.
Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda a pretty secluded mountain village. On your journey you pass through World Heritage-protected rainforest, said to be the oldest on the planet. There were two stops on the trip, Red Peak where a ranger explains about the landscape and Barron Falls to see the cascading water, so you can get up close and personal with nature.
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| Barron Falls |
Kuranda
A quaint village, 25 kilometres (approximately 15.5 miles) from Cairns surrounded by rainforest is a lovely spot to while away a couple of hours. It has plenty of captivating boutiques selling handicrafts including jewellery and Aboriginal art. There are also plenty of places to stop for a coffee or a snack. A quirky and interesting place.
A quaint village, 25 kilometres (approximately 15.5 miles) from Cairns surrounded by rainforest is a lovely spot to while away a couple of hours. It has plenty of captivating boutiques selling handicrafts including jewellery and Aboriginal art. There are also plenty of places to stop for a coffee or a snack. A quirky and interesting place.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
A highlight of the day is the trip back to Cairns or Freshwater. During the hour-long journey you pass through rainforest, see steep ravines and get another view of Barron Falls.
A highlight of the day is the trip back to Cairns or Freshwater. During the hour-long journey you pass through rainforest, see steep ravines and get another view of Barron Falls.
The Cairns-Kuranda Railway was constructed between 1882 and
1891 and even today is hailed as an engineering feat. Nowadays the tunnels and
bridges are a tribute to the many pioneers who died working on the railway.
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| Passing past the Barron Gorge on the Kuranda Scenic Railway |
This day tour is another must on your itinerary while
visiting Port Douglas or Cairns.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
There are plenty of tour companies operating trips. I travelled with Down Under Tours. For more information visit downundertours.com
