Exploring the Daintree: Gondolas, Trains & WWII Ducks in the Rainforest

Tropical North Queensland has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into another world—lush, ancient, and full of surprises. In just two days, I floated above the Daintree, wound through it by train, and even cruised its wetlands in a WWII-era amphibious vehicle. Talk about seeing the rainforest from every angle!

The adventure began with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding silently over the treetops of the 130-million-year-old Daintree. There’s something surreal about drifting above a place that ancient, where the green stretches endlessly and the air feels thick with history. A stop in Kuranda—a charming rainforest village—meant time to wander through artisan shops and, yes, restock my stash of Swedish candy at The Not Just Chocolate Shop (because research, obviously).

Next, I traded sky-high views for a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a marvel of 19th-century engineering that twists through tunnels and over bridges, hugging the cliffs as it makes its way through the jungle. Built by hand in the 1890s, this train still chugs along its original route, offering spectacular views of Barron Falls—absolutely roaring this time of year.

And then, for the wildest part of the journey: hopping aboard a WWII-era Army Duck, an amphibious vehicle that rolls straight from land into the water without skipping a beat. These quirky machines, originally designed for military use, now offer a one-of-a-kind way to explore the rainforest’s wetlands. We spotted turtles, tropical birds, and even a rather lazy-looking crocodile lurking among the reeds.

To round out the day, I spent some time at a wildlife park, where kangaroos lounged like sleepy dogs and koalas dozed in their eucalyptus havens. It was the perfect way to wrap up a trip that blended nature, history, culture, and—of course—chocolate.

Traveling with MS, I truly appreciate experiences like this—seamlessly accessible, stress-free, and rich with adventure. Whether soaring above the trees, rolling through the rainforest, or floating on a WWII Duck, this corner of Queensland reminded me that exploration is always possible—and always worth it.