We are in Cairns, Queensland. One of the big attractions here is the rainforest. We took a historical train up to the village of Kuranda. Historically tin and gold were mined in the mountains. The miners and the business men were having difficulty getting supplies in. Eventually the train was built. There are 15 tunnels, two 180 degree turns and several cut aways. An engineering feat all by manual labour - mostly Italian and Irish workers. Reminded us of the White Pass railway built during the gold rush in the Yukon.
Back end of the train coming over the tressels.
Mal buys his Aussie hat in Kuranda.
New friend in Kuranda.
We took the Skyrail to get off the mountain. The gondolas travel over top of the rainforest canopy. The gondolas stopped at Barron Falls and Red Peak where we could get off and wander around on boardwalk paths. We were happy not to walk on the forest floor. We learned there are many plants, bugs and animals that are not very friendly. Nice to look at the forest but we are not equiped to be immersed.
The gondola whisks us away.
Barron Falls is pretty but more magnificent in the wet season when it will be roaring over the rocks. Happily we will be long gone by then.
Looking down into the forest.
Views from the gondola over Cairns and out to the Coral Sea.
An imitation dance of the Cassowary bird.
Throwing spears and boomerangs.
We are having a blast. It's great talking to the locals. Love the accent and they are very friendly and helpful. The weather in this part of the counrty is tropical. It's been very warm every day and HUMID. Thank goodness for air conditioning and the pools that have been at both our resorts so far.
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