Kuranda QLD

Today we ticked off Cairns’ No. 1 attraction, combining the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a day in quirky Kuranda.

We arrived early at Freshwater Station only to find the train was delayed an hour due to a rail union strike in Brisbane! Once on board, we enjoyed the scenery as we slowly chugged up the mountain.

Built over 130 years ago following the discovery of gold in the region, the train winds its way through rainforest, tunnels and across towering bridges. We disembarked briefly for a photo at Barron Falls, before arriving in the eclectic, hippie rainforest outpost of Kuranda Village.

The village and original Rainforest Markets are an experience - most politely described as ‘bohemian’ with a mix of stalls offering everything from dreamcatchers to incense, tie-die t-shirts, crocheted hats, assorted dead animal products, potential food poisoning and someone who promised to read my aura 😳 We politely declined all of it and instead opted for lunch at the Kuranda Hotel, where we embraced the tourist experience with crocodile and kangaroo spring rolls. Surprisingly delicious - at least on the way down.

We mixed it up for the downhill journey aboard the Skyrail, gliding above the ancient rainforest. We stopped at Red Peak for a short boardwalk among the towering trees, all part of an ecosystem estimated to be up to 180 million years old. Apparently we were among the last passengers to ride the original 1995 gondolas, which will be replaced in the coming months with brand new glass bottomed ones. Missed it by that much 🤏

Back in Cairns, the boys detoured for a quick hit at the driving range while I braved the local Woolworths - easily the most intimidating experience of the day. I’m proud to say I don’t look like a West Cairns local!

As if the driving range wasn’t enough competition, the boys finished the day with a fiercely contested mini-golf championship back at the caravan park.Read more