Kuranda, Queensland, AustraliaDrove to Freshwater Station in Cairns. Signs on highway not very good. Had to stop twice to make sure we were going the correct way. Good thing we allowed two hours; barely made it with ten minutes to spare.
TRAIN
Glad we paid extra for the Gold Class car. Regular cars were full--four people to each bench seat. Our car had empty seats so it was easy to take pictures on both sides. Got seats facing forward on the right side, which is along the gorges. Left side is against the mountain, which was good for the first falls.
Stoney Creek Falls is right next to the train.
Amazing views as the train snakes its way up the Macalister Range.
Commentary along the way about the history of the railway's construction in order to get food to the miners; quite a remarkable feat.
Surprised to get food several times throughout the two-hour journey--beverage/muffin/pastry; frozen mango slush, Anzac Biscuit. (Interesting history about the Anzac Biscuit.)
Commentary along the way about the history of the railway's construction in order to get food to the miners; quite a remarkable feat.
Surprised to get food several times throughout the two-hour journey--beverage/muffin/pastry; frozen mango slush, Anzac Biscuit. (Interesting history about the Anzac Biscuit.)
Barron Falls Lookout--Stopped for about 15 minutes.
Sweeping view of the gorge and the tiered cascade waterfalls.
Sweeping view of the gorge and the tiered cascade waterfalls.
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KURANDA VILLAGE
The village is in the middle of the rainforest. Mega tourist destination with shopping, cafes, etc.
Once past the first street of stores, it became much better with the little meandering lanes and their interesting shops and cafes.
Wanted to eat at the Crepe place; however, closed (refrigerator broke).
Once past the first street of stores, it became much better with the little meandering lanes and their interesting shops and cafes.
Wanted to eat at the Crepe place; however, closed (refrigerator broke).
Information Center--man said he liked "Frogs" in the Heritage Market Place.
Of course, we took his advice. What a great place. Sat at back corner table on the porch area. Huge burger fries, salad (very good). Entertained by the Lizards running along the porch floor eating the crumbs.
Of course, we took his advice. What a great place. Sat at back corner table on the porch area. Huge burger fries, salad (very good). Entertained by the Lizards running along the porch floor eating the crumbs.
Looked for way to get to the riverwalk, but couldn't find it. Randy's foot is hurting; think it was from when he fell on the dive boat. Nasty cut on shin so cannot walk much more. Time to walk back through town to get the Skyrail down. Stopped to watch a beautiful electric blue Ulysses Butterfly; they flit way too much to get a picture. Also enjoyed watching the children perform; they are so enthusiastic!
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SKY RAIL
Sky Rail back down the mountain. Long line at the station; waited about half an hour. On the way down, stopped at the several Stations.
Baron Falls Station -- Boardwalks through the rainforest to three separate lookouts providing breathtaking views of the Gorge and Falls.
Red Peak Station -- Ranger-led walk along walk among towering trees, lush palms, giant ferns and a diverse array of plants and wildlife. Interesting info especially about the berries of one of the trees being used for curing cancer.
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Lots of traffic back to Port Douglas.
Chilly's for dinner, which is such a neat Italian outdoor restaurant--like being in someone's backyard. Traditional pizza from Italy--thin slices of tiny potatoes and friaielli, garlic cheese base. Delicious!
Rainbow Laurekeets all over this town, constantly flying between trees.
Rainbow Laurekeets all over this town, constantly flying between trees.
2025-05-22