Golden Anniversary Tour - Tropical North Queensland
Kuranda Rail and Skytrain
Thursday 2nd August, 2018
To and From Kuranda
Freshwater Station
nother early start saw us heading for the Freshwater Railway Station to catch the Kuranda Scenic Rail train up through the rainforest to Kuranda. The station was cute, fairly new but built in the old time style, with a snack bar in an old carriage. The platform was very long, with a lovely view up to the hills. We were quite early, not really sure why we had to start so early but still we got there in good time to explore the station and buy a couple of souvenirs. It is obviously a very popular tourist attraction, mobs of people everywhere.
Us on Kuranda train
nce we got into the train we found it also old time style, all timber panelling and no glass in the windows, guess they don't need it up here. There were, however, bars across, they would not want to lose anyone, especially children.
From Kuranda train
From Kuranda train
From Kuranda train
he trip was a great experience , reminding us of the many scenic mountain railways we have travelled, but at the same time, better than a lot of them.
Bridges, tunnels and cuttings, awesome views out to the coast, Barron River Falls (although, having dammed the river upstream of Kuranda, the Falls were not as spectacular as they could be after rain. It is dry season). But it was still spectacular.
Kuranda Hotel
Kuranda Village
hen we arrived at Kuranda, we wandered in the markets, past the iconic and picturesque hotel, buying some local handcrafts and coffee and tea for Lorraine, soaking up the bohemian atmosphere.
Then we were picked up and shuttled to the Rainforestation. This is a nature reserve, with many exhibits, native animals and birds, and also a couple of restaurants and picnic areas.
Army Duck at Rainforestation
ere we joined an Army Duck tour on land and water. This was fun and quite informative, although rather rough. The old ex-military amphibious landing craft are very well-suited to this kind of terrain and we jolted off the track and splashed into the water while being told about the various vegetation. We didn't see any wildlife, however.
From the Army Duck at Rainforestation
Us with Crocodile at Rainforestation
ur shuttle bus driver had given us a voucher for photos with either a koala or a crocodile which we really had not intended to take up but it was obviously a freebie in celebration of our anniversary. Everywhere we have been people have known about us, courtesy of Deanna, I guess. Since they were free, we decided to have the photos taken. I held the little crocodile (snout taped up for safety) and Mac held the koala, a cutie named Pavlova. The photos were really very good and a lovely souvenir.
Us with Pavlova the Koala
e then shuttled back to Kuranda where we had a nice toasted sandwich and a coffee in a café and wandered through some more markets. It is a vaguely hippy place, like Nimbin, lots of handcrafts and tie dyes etc. Some very expensive jewellery as well, mainly opal and pearls, and some stunning art.
Mac bought a new hat because he had left his new panama behind on a bench outside the Hilton when we were picked up. He has been wearing my white cap all day. But he found this hat, which will fold up for packing and is made of mesh (at least the crown is) and was not too pricy.
The Skyrail Terminal
hen it was time for the stroll down to the Skyrail terminal to catch the cable car back to the coast. I was amazed how blasé I felt, knowing how scared I used to be of cable things. I think losing the weight made me feel psychologically more comfortable about dangling from a string!
From Skyrail
t was a spectacular flight on top of the forest canopy, an amazing sight and a completely different aspect of the forest.
I saw a little croc on the river bank from what seemed like a mile high.
From Skyrail
e stopped half way down to change cables and went for a guided walk on a boardwalk with a very knowledgeable guide. This broke up the journey and cleared the queue, so we had a very pleasant trip down with a young American guy, here on business but very interested in all things Oz.
ack to the Hilton, where someone had handed in Mac's panama, so now he has hats galore.
Unfortunately we found that the room had not been serviced at all, last night's bottle, glasses and cups still dirty, bed unmade, bins unemptied. This has put a bit of a damper on what has really been a very pleasant stay - their acknowledgement of our celebration was great (Deanna again) but service very sloppy.
Anyway, last night tonight, we have a reservation at Dundee's Restaurant.
Later:
e had a delicious meal at Dundee's. We shared what they called a "Tapas Plate" - various breads and dips, guacamole, olive tapenade and bush tomato. Very nice too. Then Mac had The Aussie Connection: kangaroo and crocodile satay skewers with rice, salad and veges. I had grilled eye fillet with chips and green salad. Lovely. A bottle of rose and coffee. No room for dessert. Squiffy again! I think we should probably stick to just one glass of wine each. I hate to think what our weight is!!
Tomorrow the train to Brisbane, a treat in store.
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