Cairns Rainforest Dome

The "Land Down Under" boasts of many tourist spots, and one of its most popular is the Cairns Rainforest Dome. Committed to promote wildlife conservation through environmental awareness among its guests, this tropical sanctuary is found in the center of Cairns city, Queensland's capital in the north. Encased within a glass dome, which is 20 meters in height, it is placed atop the world-renowned Reef Hotel Casino. Beside the entry to this exotic park, which is through the hotel's foyer, is a souvenir shop. Moreover, to make sure that all its guests are able to access the different areas of the rainforest zoo, special ramps and rails are created for disabled visitors in the Dome.

Often called a "forest within a city", transportation to and from the Dome is not at all difficult since it is situated near Cairn's central business district. It is also just walking distance from another popular tourist spot, the Cairns Esplanade. Because the park is located near several 5-star hotels, travelers can experience first class accommodation here, while visiting the Cairns Rainforest Dome.

Inside the Dome

The park's layout is similar to a theme park's, while it presents its visitors with a miniature rainforest, which is complete with wild and exotic amphibians such as lizards, chameleons, iguanas, frogs and rare species of turtles. At the same time, Dome travelers can also interact with the koala bears in the koala handling area. Meanwhile, colorful, tropical bird species such as lorikeets, parrots, rosellas, cockatoos, and doves flock around, while guests roam around the glass-encased dome. Endemic animals such as curlews and kookaburras are also some of the wildlife that travelers can see and experience in the "forest within a city". Moreover, its exotic fauna also includes endangered snakes such as the Amesthystine Python, and the pademelons, while lush, tropical plants flourishing in the Rainforest Dome include palm trees and huge, leafy ferns.

The Rainforest Dome presents several shows created especially for tourists. In the Reptile Rap, rainforest rangers interact with and feed crocodiles in front of the audiences. Meanwhile, the main tourist attraction in the rainforest is the world's largest salt water crocodile, Goliath, living within the reptile area of the Dome. Travelers are given the opportunity to feed certain animals during the feed-out tour, while animals found only in Australia such as the koala bears are showcased in the Mammal show. The Rainforest Dome also offers dining areas, so guests can eat and enjoy their delicious meals, while watching the wild animals frolic around the dome. As an added treat, guided tours run simultaneously throughout the day, giving travelers bits of information about amazing Australian wildlife.