Cairns, Australia 2.16.18

Jungle Train to Kuranda and Skyrail.

Jungle, Train, Kuranda and Skyrail   9:00-3:00  Saw rainforest beauty by train and from the air via the Skyrail.   We experienced Kuranda National Park’s tropical rainforest and a local village.   We did not see an extraordinary biodiversity and a rich profusion of wildlife as stated in the description. First, we traveled seventy-five minutes on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing the Barron waterfalls and forests.  Our train passed through tunnels carved into the mountainsides.  After time at the quaint Kuranda village looking at crafts, we boarded the Skyrail, a cable car spanning about 4.5 miles over the forest.  There were views of surrounding countryside and mountain ranges.  

Kuranda Scenic Railway offered a unique journey through World Heritage-Listed Rainforest.  This journey wound its way from Cairns to Freshwater Railway Station, through the World Heritage-listed rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park to the mountain village of Kuranda.  

The rail trip had fifteen hand-made tunnels and over thirty-seven bridges.  Originally opened in 1891, this railroad is an engineering feat that has stood the test of time.  Up to 1500 men at a time using hand picks, shovels and dynamite carved through mountainous landscape to construct the 37 km of track.  

After we looked around the market place and had some ice cream, we went to the Skyrail for our return trip. It took seven years to process the required permits. for the Skyrail.   A ten square meter area would be cleared.  The pylons were dropped in place from helicopters and then constructed.  The cleared area was replanted.  The Skyrail construction was completed in less than two years.  

Kuranda Scenic Railway

This was the last of 15 tunnels that we passed through while riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway.  

We rode in vintage cars with no air conditioning on a very hot day, but when the train was moving we had a breeze.  

This was the view from the Viking Sun on the morning of 2/16/18, Cairn's Australia.  

Skyrail

Skyrail View

Skyrail view

Falls are much more impressive in the rainy season.  

FACEBOOK  Cairns, Queensland, Australia.  The day was spent enjoying amazing views.  We traveled on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda passing through Kuranda National Park’s tropical rainforest. The seventy-five minute rail trip included fifteen hand-made tunnels and over thirty-seven bridges.  Originally opened in 1891, this railroad is an engineering feat that has stood the test of time.  Up to 1500 men at a time using hand picks, shovels and dynamite carved through mountainous landscape to construct the 37 km of track.  

After we looked around the market place and had some ice cream, we went to the Skyrail for our trip down the other side of mountain to Smithfield which lasted seventy-five minutes, also.  The Skyrail is 7.5 km long and has two stops, one of which is a transfer station.  It took seven years to process the required permits for the Skyrail.   A ten square meter area would be cleared.  The pylons were dropped in place from helicopters and then constructed.  The cleared area was replanted.  The Skyrail construction was completed in less than two years.  

After dinner on the ship, we went out to walk around Cairns.  We passed a Fresh Seafood Restaurant and I mean fresh.  The people were eating on the decks of three fishing boats docked beside each other.  As we walked the promenade, we passed a man-made beach and swimming pool area in the waterfront park.  Remember, you can't swim in the ocean here.  Since it was Chinese New Year-The Year of the Dog, we encountered a huge celebration with a large Dragon Dance and a great fireworks display.  We looked around in the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino which was decorated for Chinese New Years.   All the decorations were red symbolizing good fortune and joy.  We had an ice cream cone (thanks Jorem) on the promenade that had many restaurant and cafe options.  

Great day with magnificent views of the rainforest and fun night in Cairns.