February 18, 2025
Early in the morning we arrived in Cairns. Overnight my ugly cough from a few weeks ago intensified to the point, that I thought it wouldn’t be a good idea to be in close proximity to other people riding on a bus and train. For today we had planned a scenic tour on the Kuranda Railway with a gondola ride down the mountain. We decided that Carol would go on the train ride and I would stay on the ship.
By 10:30 I had enough of the ship and decided to go for a walk into the City. On my walk I managed to pick up a few supplies like toothpaste etc. Cairns looked like a nice City, I noticed quite a few modern hotels and fashion clothing stores. On the way back to the ship I made a brief stop at a waterfront cafe for a flat white and a muffin. For the afternoon I laid low and tried to stay away from people. Just sucking on cough candies and drinking hot tea with lemon.
My adventure started with a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. The railway line travels 33 kms between Cairns Station to Kuranda Station. Construction on the railway line started in 1887, it was built to bring supplies to the rich mining belt in this area of North Queensland. Gold was found in these mountains in 1873. The track travels through 15 hand carved tunnels, 55 bridges, 98 curves and past a stunning waterfall. I love trains and found riding in a heritage coach over a dense tropical rainforest that is over 135 million years old amazing. It is the oldest rainforest in the world.
We disembarked in the little village of Kuranda and had about an hour to wander through the town checking out the artisan shops. I chose to get myself a yummy mango shake which our guide had recommended.
We then headed over to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and started our 7.5 km descent to Cairns. So much fun to soar above the ancient rainforest canopy. I kept hoping that I’d see a huge snake hanging from a tree below me. I did not see a snake but I did hear the call of many unusual birds in the canopy. The breeze on the ride down was lovely as it was a hot and humid day. One of the two stops on the cable car ride was a stunning view of Barron Falls. The mist from the falls seemed to be carried down into river gorge.
It was a good day! Australia never ceases to amaze me with its stunning and diverse landscapes and its unique animals.
Cheers
Cor and Carol
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