Kuranda Rainforest Scenic Railway and Skyrail | Cairns, Australia

Outdoor Breakfast Area - Hotel All Season Cairns

As soon as we finished our breakfast, we headed down to the train station just a couple of blocks away. While we were on our way to the train station, we noticed that people in Cairns were more laid back - it was more of a country-side living compared to the other cities we've been.

That's us!

Wide Roads

It took us a while before reaching the train station because we realized that they have wide roads and big lot-cuts so a 3-block walk is not as easy compared to here in Manila. We also had a hard time finding the entrance to the train station.

By the time we arrived at the train station, we were all sweaty and tired but we were just in time as the ticketing counters just opened. We have already made reservations on this activity so it didn't take much time by the counter.

Our Train

Train Interiors

After entering the platform, the kuranda scenic train is already waiting for its passengers. It was the first time for most of us to hop on board an old-school Harry Potter like train. As the passengers filled the cabin, we were informed that we are to drop by another station (called FreshWater Station) in the city to pick-up more passengers. We passed through the city and the different residential areas before reaching the next station. There were more people who boarded this time and everyone was looking forward to seeing the rain forest of cairns.

Kuranda Rain Forest

As we traveled towards the mountains, the train's electronic tour guide started to narrate the history of the rainforest. As the steam train slowly climbed the mountain, the enthusiasm of the people started to grow until finally we could see Cairns from above the mountains.

As we approached Barron Falls, the audio guide informed us that we are allowed to go down for a few minutes to enjoy the view. As the train stopped, I saw one of the most spectacular falls I've ever seen in my entire life! It was majestic and the waters were like roaring thunders! You can see a foggy bottom as the mist from the falls slowly evaporates to the hot and humid atmosphere.

Upon our arrival in Kuranda, we hurriedly boarded a bus heading to Koala gardens. This is the place where we could hug a Koala and have a photo opportunity with it. As we entered, crocodiles were the first animals to welcome us. Walking forward through the bridge, we could see the koala sanctuary and we quickly went to that direction. We spent most of our time there preparing for our photoshoot with the koala. I wanted to experience again how it feels to carry this grippy creature who spends almost 20 hours sleeping and the other 4 hours eating. The last photo I had with a Koala was a decade ago!

After our photos were taken, we headed to the Wallabee zone to feed them. We were all very afraid at first but we enjoyed later on until we realized that we have to be going as we needed to catch our cable car ride.

Bought my take-away lunch here

Bought some Macadamia Nuts for $5.50 each pack

We purchased take-away lunch and walked back to the train station as there were no more bus to take us back. I had a good 10 minute eating while walking exercise as we walked up and down the slopes. By the time we reach the cable car station, I finished my huge burger and drinks.

We arrived to the cable car station just in time, so we followed the queue. After reading the guidelines, some of my friends started to eat their take-away while queuing since food is not allowed inside the gondola. All 5 of us boarded and fitted in one gondola and we were ready to depart kuranda.

We enjoyed every scenic view while we were on our way down. We were able to spot barron falls from above, but this time, from a different angle. The whole trip going down lasted for a couple of minutes and we could see the Tjapukai area as we neared the grounds - yes, we were ready for Tjapukai -- our next set of adventure.

Overall, the Kuranda activity was just "ok" for us. The scenery were nice, the people were friendly and the animals were cooperative. But,  I wouldn't do this again if I went back to Cairns because I've already did it -- only for that reason. It's only my opinion and who knows? You might enjoy it more than I did. :)

 

For more information about Kuranda, visit http://www.kuranda.org/

Cheftonio 
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