About
Rainforestation Nature
Rainforestation Nature Park is part of the CaPTA Group and was established by Charles and Pip Woodward in 1974. The park is set on 100 acres of World Heritage Rainforest and situated ten minutes travel from Kuranda Village, and half an hour by coach or car from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
Rainforestation is a major tourist attraction combining iconic Australian wildlife, authentic Indigenous culture with the famous Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and the Wet Tropics’ most unique rainforest viewing from an genuine WW2 Army Duck.
Our Commitment
To present a world-class attraction to our worldwide clients in an entertaining and informative manner, and to ensure that Rainforestation is a pleasurable and rewarding place to work for our employees.
Rainforestation Nature Park is committed to reducing environmental impacts and educating customers about our unique rainforest environment. Alongside this, we are dedicated to preserving and protecting Aboriginal cultural authenticity and integrity and are committed to sharing authentic Aboriginal culture through our Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. Our dedication is shown through our Respecting Our Culture certification.
Some of our commitments in practice:
- We proudly promote the unique ecology of FNQ’s rainforest, local indigenous culture in partnership with the traditional Djabugay people, and Australia’s unique fauna and flora.
- All indigenous artworks and artefacts sold in our Pamagirri gallery are authentic and have been produced by our Pamagirri artists and their families.
- The Pamagirri Dances performed at Rainforestation have been approved by an elder of the Djabugay Traditional Owners.
- Our Pamagirri Guides are from various groups around Australia and share their personal culture through incorporating their own languages throughout the Dreamtime Walk and Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout.
- Some of the traditions identified by our indigenous team members as being important to keep authentic are language, connection to the land, culture and music. We share all elements of these traditions throughout our dance and dream-time walk.
- The Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout is an authentic insight into each Pamagirri guides interaction with their own culture. Each guide incorporates their own unique cultural traditions, customs and spiritual transitions, which keeps the experience authentic.
Vision & Mission Statement
OUR VISION
Trailblazers in nature based experiences.
OUR PURPOSE
A connection to, and pride in, people and place.
OUR MISSION
We develop and champion passionate people, innovation and the love of nature to deliver transformational moments.
Global Peace Park
In recognition of the efforts to foster indigenous tourism and employment in the region, Rainforestation Nature Park was announced as an International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) Global Peace Park in June 2022. There are over 450 IIPT Global Peace Parks throughout the world, which dedicate a piece of land to the commitment of 'Building a Culture of Peace'.
From Then to Now
Rainforestation Nature Park was purchased by Charles & Pip Woodward in 1974. It was initially an orange orchard, named Mountain Grove. After extensive construction, the park was officially opened as a tourist attraction on 29th July 1976, with amphibious Army Duck tours and the Colonial Restaurant. The park now offers three key experiences in one location – the Koala & Wildlife Park, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and the Army Duck rainforest tours. It is part of the CaPTA Group, which is now run by Charles and Pip’s three sons Michael, Ben and Peter.
Charles and Pip Woodward purchase Mountain Groves, an orange orchard. Shortly after, extensive constructions begun.
Mountain Groves officially opened as a tourist attraction on 29th July 1976, with amphibious Army Duck tours and the Colonial Restaurant.
Boomerang throwing demonstrations introduced by Boonga (Jimmy Edwards) to entertain guests before and after Army Duck tours.
Mountain Groves renamed to Rainforestation.
Introduction of Dreamtime Walk Cultural Tour and Pamagirri Dance Troupe. Construction of Pamagirri Cultural Centre, Amphitheatre and Rainbow Serpent walkway.
Koala and Wildlife Park opens, featuring an array of native Australian wildlife, including saltwater crocodile Jack the Ripper.
New Army Duck platform completed. Rainforest Gift and Artefact Shop expanded to sell local souvenirs.
Outback Restaurant expanded to seat 400 people.
Tropical Treats opens; a kiosk selling fruits, ice creams, juices and local honey.
The addition of 2 new Army Ducks takes the fleet to 11.
Treehouse Restaurant opens, which seats additional 100 people.
Pamagirri History
Rainforestation Nature Park was purchased by Charles & Pip Woodward in 1974. It was initially an orange orchard, named Mountain Grove. After extensive construction, the park was officially opened as a tourist attraction on 29th July 1976, with amphibious Army Duck tours and the Colonial Restaurant. The park now offers three key experiences in one location – the Koala & Wildlife Park, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and the Army Duck rainforest tours. It is part of the CaPTA Group, which is now run by Charles and Pip’s three sons Michael, Ben and Peter.
Charles Woodward and local Indigenous man Boonga (Jimmy Edwards) introduce boomerang throwing lessons. This was to entertain tourists waiting for Army Duck tours.
The authentic Indigenous experience was ran by Aboriginal and Torres Stait Islander people and featured spear throwing, didgeridoo playing and boomerang throwing lessons.
The centre was erected, displaying authentic Aboriginal art and artefacts. The Woodward family worked alongside Djabugay Elder, Lyn Hobber and Donald Enoch to form the Pamagirri Dance Troupe.
TheRainforest Amphitheatre was built and linked to the main building with a walkway themed on the Rainbow Serpent.
Michael Warrasum, one our our Pamagirri Guides and Dancers, achieved a world record for spear throwing.
Pamagirri Manager, Elder William Enoch Snr beat Michael Warasum's record in traditional spear throwing with the aid of a woomera.
The Amphitheatre was extended.
The track for the Bush Tucker walk was constructed and the Bush Tucker Walk began. This experience consisted of a rainforest walk highlighting plant and medicinal foods.
The Pamagirri Gallery opens in the Cultural Centre. The gallery displays and sells authentic Aboriginal artwork and artefacts from our own Pamagirri artists and their families.
The Bush Tucker Walk evolves and changes name to the Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout to include more aspects of Indigenous culture and connections with the ancient rainforest.
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience wins Gold in the 2019 Queensland Tourism Awards for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Culture.
