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As I’m a volunteer conductor on Melbourne’s iconic Puffing Billy Railway, it was compulsory that I ride and enjoy the experience of the Kuranda Scenic Railway. I had pre-booked tickets from Melbourne, but judging on the number of people on the train, I didn’t need to bother – perhaps I was there on a quiet day.
We decided to “lash out” and travel first class for the forward journey and heritage class for the return. Whilst I would have liked to combine the train with the Skyrail, sadly Lady Gaw is a wimp when it comes to such overhead rides and experiences.
We boarded the train and settled in to the luxury of first class (called Gold Class) from Cairns that left at 9.30am. We headed through the suburbs of the city while peering into private back gardens, past the international airport before we arrived at what is considered the main station of Freshwater, which looked like a sleepy hamlet that only came to life with the arrival of each train – then the real fun started.
The train line was an engineering and rail building challenge as it was originally built in a number of stages from Cairns to the gold mining area of Herberton and finally completed in 1910. Perhaps the most difficult section of the line is through the Barron Gorge, which meant a large number of tunnels, very sharp bends and bridges all had to be built. It is a very spectacular trip to the terminus of the scenic railway at the small and I think over-rated town of Kuranda. We enjoyed the ride while nibbling away on the pastries as supplied in Gold Class. There was a stop and a chance to get out and enjoy the panoramic view of the Barron River Falls.
We explored the town of Kuranda before returning to the spectacular railway station and then the trip back to Cairns in Heritage Class.
I felt the Gold Class was overpriced at $46 per person. It did include a selection of drinks, various savories, sweet treats and finally coffee or tea as well as a souvenir pack containing a pen, brass hat or lapel badge and a postcard. I would have liked to travel on the scenic railway when the river was in full flow over the spectacular falls. Heritage class offers harder seats, less panoramic windows and no in-train catering. There are toilets and a water cooler in all carriages.
Overall a great experience and particularly for the train buffs like me.
About the photos:
1. Two locomotives and part of the string of carriages crossing the famous Stoney Creek Bridge.
2. Interior of the Gold Class carriage - opposite direction is catering section.
3. Barron Falls - would love to see in full flood.
4. Robb's Monument - 2 large rock formations left in place as a monument to those who built the line.
5. Up close and personal with the hard working locos - and note the sign celebrating 120 years of train service on the line.
Updated May 2, 2012
Address: Cairns, Freshwater and Kuranda railway stations
Phone: (07) 4036 9333
Website: http://www.ksr.com.au/
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If you want to do something a bit different then why not head to the suburbs and check out the locals gardens.
It is free and all you need to have is a good pair of walking shoes,a hat and water.
You can walk,drive or take a bus.
Keep your eyes open for the colourful Crotons,you wont find them in the rainforests.
The photoes I have taken are from my own premises and lots of people admire the display.
Updated Apr 1, 2012
Address: Any suburb around Cairns.
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If you are interested in tropical plants and flowers and have some time to stroll around the streets of Cairns and or suburbs (including the Botanical Gardens) then you will see some beautiful plants palms and ferns.
At first people are wowed by the greenery but if you look more closely then you may be surprised at all the colourful plants and flowers this area has to offer.
I have no idea what the botanical names are but I still love taking photoes and hope you enjoy them. Best thing is it is free and all you need is a good pair of walking shoes, camera,hat, sunscreen,insect repellent and water.
Written Mar 31, 2012
Address: All private and public gardens of Cairns.
CAIRNS
the temperature was extremely hot when I arrived in Cairns and wanted to have a swim. I soon found out that this was a no no as the sign said beware of crocodiles!! wheere I was staying was right on the boardwalk and a great place it is with its lovely maicured lawns and free BBQ areas..but the seafront was just mud flats and not very appealing at all especially at low tide.
At the city end of the "boardwalk" is located "The lagoon" this is a wonderful swimming complex cared for by the lacal council and is just a wonderful free swim spot that is free of any of those "nasties" that seem to plague the water here in the tropics..
This is a wonderful place for all the family with a shallow area for the little kids and also deeper areas for adults...This is extremely cool and clean...The lagoon is surrounded by areas with some shady areas also to sit out on your towel weather it be grass or sand.. A great spot indeed.
Written Jan 8, 2012
Address: LOCATED AT THE END OF THE BOARDWALK
I highly recommend you to visit also rainforest of Daintree.
I took a day trip and I saw and learnt a lot.
This rainforest is a part of Wet Tropics World Heritage Site and its studied that its nutrients is one of the reasons why Australia has another great place to visit : The Great Barrier Reef.
Reason why I would go back:
- rocks at Mossman Gorge
- scenery at Flagstaff Hill Lookout
- crocodiles at Daintree River
- peace at Cape Tribulation Beach
- walk in the rainforest
And next time I would stay a night and enjoy more of peace and BEAUTIFUL nature!
Written Jan 4, 2012
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Trinity Beach is a real favourite with the locals and visitors alike..the sandy palm fringed beach and the lush rain forest backdrop has a character of its own...it is the forth beach north of Cairns City and is on the local sunbus route.
During the wet season the stinger nets are put up and lifesavers are on duty...so please swim between the flags and in the nets to avoid being stung.
Trinity Beach has picnic and bbq areas and a great fish and chip shop on Vasey Esplanade,and also the Trinity Beach Tavern if you get hungry.
If you are into beach walks then Trinity is a great place to do that...you can sit on the rocks at the southern and northern ends and watch the sun rise or set over the Cairns slopes or the rocks are a good place to catch a fish or two.
There are heaps of holiday accomodation to suit all budgets if you choose to stay for awhile.
Enjoy..
Written Nov 12, 2011
Address: Trinity Beach,Cairns QLD
Cairns is a bustling place and the drivers can be crazy so be careful when driving.
Would recommend the Kuranda Skyrail experience. Was a great day out and you can also purchase a 3 park pass for the Koala Gardens, Birdworld and Butterfly Sanctuary on top. Kuranda is a small place but it's very lovely and the people are great. If you don't like birds don't go to Birdworld as they are 'loose' and will land on you. I barely managed to avoid the bloody Macaw aiming for my shoulder!! DON'T do the train back it is boring and unnecessary and expensive at $110 for a family one way. It's also 90 minutes long (yawn) so just do the Skyrail both ways unless you absolutely LOVE trains.
The Botanical Gardens are nice but not essential.
There is a huge shopping mall there with many many shops. It's not a shopping destination but you would be able to find anything you needed there.
We didn't go out on the Great Barrier Reef as we were told by locals the reef is only really good if you can scuba dive. Heard a horror story at the airport on the way back about a 20 min guided tour of the reef for those snorkelling and the focus was mainly if not solely on those wanting to dive.
Written Nov 11, 2011
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Hervey Beach is the most famous spot for whale watching, but if you can't go there, you can also do it in Cairns! The company Reef Magic just started to do whale watching trips here. However, the season only goes from July to August and not until November like in Harvey Bay - so be careful with the dates.
The trips start at 9.00AM and you spend around three hours watching whales before going back to Cairns. The reason why I really recommend them is that the boat is quite small, so no great masses of people. In addition, I really had the feeling that they respect the whales, they waited for them to come nearer and did not "chase" after them. As I love whales and don't want to hurt or disturb them, this is very important for me.
It was a fantastic trip and I think about it very often. We saw a pod of humpback whales several times. There was enough space on the boat to be comfortable and to take pictures (although mine are not good, but that is just because my camera is too slow). It was an experience I will never forget. To see these giant cetaceans and be so close to them - I can't describe the feeling. It was like magic.
Updated Oct 14, 2011
Address: The Pier at the end of the Esplanade
Website: www.reefmagic.com.au
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The Tanks art centre at Edge Hill is an amazing experience if you are looking for music,events,arts,culture in one of the Tanks that were used by the Navy during world war 2 for oil storage.Set in the beautiful rainforest along Collins Avenue and next to the Flecker Botanical Gardens,the Tanks offer something for everyone.
Gallery exhibitions,community arts, live local music,public forums,theatre performances,dance and market days selling local arts and crafts.
You can pick up a copy of TaNKs at a glance at any tourist information stall that gives you a list of upcoming events.
Tickets for events can be purchased at ticketLiNK.
A lot of events and art gallery's are free and check out the small but great ampitheatre.
There are 5 Tanks in all and the popular catchcry is 'think tanks'
Don't forget to check out the quirky wall at the main entrance (see my page regarding this)
Enjoy your time in this unique place.
Written Oct 13, 2011
Address: Tanks art Centre,Collins Avenue,Cairns QLD
Phone: 07-4032 6609
Website: www.tanksartscentre.com
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WOW!!! on Oct 29th the new Cairns Botanic Garden Visitor Centre will open its doors to the public.The centre has cost $6.2 million and is comprised of two distinct halves.
One side is for admin providing offices for Cairns Regional Council personnel from creative Cairns,Tanks arts Centre,,Cairns Botanic Gardens and Creative partnerships.
The other half ,which is closest to Mnt Whitfield has a retail outlet,a cafe and interpretive display and incorperating key sustainability features.The shop will be focussing on unique and locally created gifts and arts.
I was very excited today because I was invited to have a sneak peek..I was not allowed to take a lot of photoes but managed to get a few.
The design fits in beautifully with the surrounding rainforest,the windows reflecting the images of the trees and plants.There is also what I believe is an undercover sound/interpretive area that has a curved seating area for a lot of people.
As far as buildings go I am sure you will love this,it looks like it belongs here.
It will be open to the general public,seven days a week,from Saturday Oct 29th 2011.
Toilets and disabled facilities including wheelchair access.
Written Oct 12, 2011
Address: Collins Avenue,Edge Hill,Cairns,QLD
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WOW!!! on Oct 29th the new Cairns Botanic Garden Visitor Centre will open its doors to the public.The centre has cost $6.2 million and is comprised of two...
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