Kuranda, Australia: Rainforestation Nature Park

Rain forests are usually interesting places, and the one that's located near Cairns has an attraction that takes several different approaches to the subject. In particular. Our visit to Rainforstation Nature included the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, which is a good way to receive an education on the Native culture. 

The attraction sits on 100 acres of rainforest; it was formerly used for agriculture before the area was turned into a park in 1976. Visitors are greeted with the scene of a very nice small pond in the tropical setting. 

Here visitors have the chance to hear the didgeridoo, a wind instrument that has quite a unique sound, and clap sticks, which I guess is the rhythm section of the Aboriginal band. From there, the guests go into an amphitheater and receive a demonstration of Pamagirri dance. It's not as easy as it looks, as some of the volunteers found out at the end of the program. 

Some trails go through the rain forest, and a walk is always a good idea. You never know what plants, creatures (kangaroos and koalas) and birds are around the next corner. There are also lessons about throwing spears and boomerangs. They don't let the tourists near the spears, but they do get a lesson and the chance to try the world's favorite returning toy. 

The gift shop pops ups at the entrance, complete with some works of art and an assortment of other items for sale - including boomerangs. You can take a duck boar tour of the rain forest during a visit, although we didn't have time for that.