OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES PORTSMITH

Discover where Australia begins at Tjapukai. Explore the rich history of the world’s oldest living culture, dating back over 40,000 years. Whether you visit the park by day or night, you’ll enjoy a unique cultural experience with performance, dance, food and arts. 

By day, the park is filled with interactive experiences to give you an authentic insight into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Learn the art of throwing a returning boomerang, and how a didgeridoo is played. Sample some traditional bush foods, and get an insight into the ancient medicinal value of native plants. And to make your trip extra memorable, you can also create your own souvenirs. The Tjapukai artists will guide you through the intricate art of weaving, creating natural rainforest style jewellery and painting your own returning boomerang in traditional Aboriginal style. 

Venue
Tjapukai is 15 minutes north of Cairns, next door to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, off the Captain Cook Highway. Guests can take advantage of Coach Transfers to and from Cairns and the Northern Beaches. A public bus service also stops there from Cairns and its a quick taxi ride from the town centre.

How To Get There 
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Cairns Western Arterial Road, Caravonica, 4878, QLD

Guidelines
Any dietary requirements should be advised when making a booking.

Opening Times
Tjapukai is open between 9am and 5pm, then from 7pm to 9.30pm. We are open seven days a week including public holidays. Tjapukai is closed on Christmas Day.

Cancellation Policy
Less than 24 hours notice prior to the arrival date 100% cancellation fee.

Numbers on the Day
No minimum numbers 

Suitable for Spectators
Yes

Weather
Tjapukai is an all weather venue.

Dress Code
Casual

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia - a quality wildlife park in the heart of Kuranda Village.

Situated next to the Kuranda markets, The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is home to over 1500 magnificent tropical butterflies that are hand reared on the premises.

All are local rainforest species, including an iconic Kuranda butterfly, the electric blue Ulysses Butterfly, and the majestic fluoro green and yellow Cairns Birdwing.

The aviary, set in the midst of Kuranda rainforest, was opened in 1987 and has been visited by over a million people since. Guided tours through the aviary and laboratory are conducted throughout the day, detailing a butterfly's life cycle and behaviour.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is included in several Kuranda tours with other Kuranda attractions, such as the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, and other Kuranda zoos such as Rainforestation Nature Park.

Icon of Tropical North Queensland: The original Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the world heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park.

Constructed between 1882 and 1891 it is considered an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. Rising from sea level to 328m, this famous railway takes approximately 2 hours to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest, home to unique Australian attractions and markets.

Freshwater Station is located 15 minutes outside of Cairns. It has a gift shop & Railway Museum. Breakfast is served daily in the open air restaurant or a choice to dine in an original railway carriage.

The journey includes an English audio visual commentary in every carriage and all passengers receive a corresponding souvenir trip guide available in 10 different languages.

Premium Class Travel: KSR Gold Class designed for the discerning traveler offers a more luxurious, personalised touring experience. It offers exclusive vintage green carriages with individual club-style seating, dedicated hostess and light refreshments including Australian sparkling wine, wine & beer. Guests receive a KSR Gold Class souvenir gift.
 

Gold Class Fares are only available on 0950 ex Freshwater & 3.30pm from Kuranda