Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail

Although we had hoped to stay around Julatten to see some birds, we couldn’t find a good place to stay so we ended up in Cairns. On about the 7^th call, I ended up booking a caravan park. Our first day in Cairns was spent doing some chores but we spent a lovely evening with Kevin, Lana, Olivia and Harry.

On Saturday we took the Kuranda Scenic Railway up the mountain and Skyrail down. Unfortunately my camera battery was nearly flat so we couldn’t take many pictures. Highlights of the trip up were the stoney creek falls, the bring with 3 trestles and baron gorge falls although there wasn’t much water coming over, being as we’re well into the dry season. Apparently the building of the railway was one of the biggest engineering efforts in Australia. Kuranda was busy with lots of markets with a mix of sourvenirs, local art and rubbish. The crowds were quite noticeable when we queued to get onto skyrail. The view from the skyrail was spectacular. 

Next day we got organised for our picnic with Lana and Kevin. First thing was a walk through the Botanic Gardens (beautiful landscaped and cared for), Tank Centre (local art venue), then coffee at the restaurant where Margaret’s daughter Josie worked. Lana had found a great table for us all and we had another wonderful get together, followed by a walk along the marina.

 

These amusing birds call out at night at our van park - they sound like someone screaming - they're bush stone curlews

Stoney Creek Falls, taken from the train

Train crossing the amazing crossing which is held up by 3 trestles

 Barron Falls

The Barron Falls stop

Cairns Botanic Gardens

Nature puts pink and orange together

Pitcher plant that eats insects

So many epiphytes on this enormous tree

The Visitor Centre at the Botanic Gardens - presumably reflective to reflect the beautiful vegetation

Art inside the Visitor Centre

Some of the art outside the Tank Centre (old fuel tanks used to refuel Australian, American and UK boats during WW2)

an interesting Pandanus