Kuranda 13 August 2014
This was all booked through Bigcat Green Island Cruises, today we would head to Kuranda via the Historic Railway before been taken to "Rainforestation" for a cultural and horticultural sort of tour before been taking the Skyrail (a 7.5km cable car) back to Cairns. This included a bus transfer to and from our accommodation.
At 8am we were picked up from out resort and taken to freshwater station where the train would depart at 9am, the train snakes its was up through the mountains around Baron Gorge to Kuranda taking approximately and hour. Apon arrival at Kuranda we walked into the township, we would be picked up by a coach at 1145. to go to Rainforestation, a rainforest/wildlife sanctuary sort of thing.
The train arriving at Freshwater Station.
Stopped at Barron Falls Station.
Once at Rainforestation we were given time for lunch, this was a buffet at the cost of $25 which was quite reasonable given the selection of foods, after that we were given a wild life tour showing off various Australian native animals, followed by a spear and boomerang demonstration by some members of the local indigenous population, this was then followed by an indigenous dance show.
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After the dance we were taken on a tour of the rainforest in a 1940s army duck which was a unique experience, immediately following this tour we were taken to the Kuranda Skyrail Station by coach for the trip back to Cairns.
If you aren't keen on the historic railway then I would still recommend doing this, the Skyrail is a 7.5km cable car running over Baron Gorge between Kuranda and Cairns, it provides some breathtaking views and also had two enroute stops where you can get out and explore.
After leaving Kuranda there is a stop at Baron Falls, whist you can stay on at this station I would recommend getting out as it's a great spot to view Barron Falls
The next station along the way (I cannot remember the name) is a compulsory stop, this is because at this point the Skyrail is split, the gondola you are in will turn around and head back the other way, if you wish you can head straight into another gondola however there is a short walk around the rain forest you can do as well as an educational centre. Once you leave this station your descent into Cairns begins providing some truly amazing views of Cairns and surrounds.
Upon arrival at the end of the Skyrail we were met by our bus driver who took us back to our resort, arriving back approximately 1745, so it's a pretty long day!