Butterfly Sanctuary & Aussie Wildlife
Duration: 4 hours
Tour Code: cns-001
Departing by coach from the ship, you'll drive to Kuranda, a small township nestled in the majestic rainforest that borders Cairns. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of this charming village before visiting the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.
This aviary is home to over 1,500 magnificent tropical butterflies, all local to the area, including the electric blue Ulysses butterfly. As the butterflies are all rainforest species, the aviary is designed to re-create their natural habitat, complete with a running stream. Here, you will have a chance to learn about the many interesting behavioral patterns and the life cycle of these winsome insects. This includes egg laying, courtship dances, and butterfly battles over territory to name just a few.
Following your time at the Butterfly Sanctuary, you will re-board your coach and proceed to the Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, which forms part of this vast 100-acre park. Here, you can see koalas, wander amongst free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies, and visit an exciting nocturnal display. The Wildlife Sanctuary also gives visitors the chance to have a keepsake photo taken while holding an adorable koala. This photo is optional and not included in your tour cost.
At the conclusion of your tour, your coach will travel back down the mountain, affording you further scenic views of the Cairns region, the Coral Sea and Green Island before you are returned to the ship.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 1 1/2 hours of walking and/or standing, and those with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. The order of sights visited may vary and the itinerary may be reversed. This tour does not operate with a separate guide, but rather with a driver/guide.