Saturday, 9 July 2011

Over and under the rainforest

Back down towards Cairns today in order to go on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda. This trip was recommended to us by Jennifer and it did not disappoint! We were whisked off by cable car over the rainforest canopy which was marvellous, it was such a great view of the rainforest. Jamie helpfully read out from the "trip guide" about the different kinds of trees and plants that we passed. We saw lots of vines growing up the trees, and basket ferns which grow high up on the branches. We went over Barron Gorge and Falls, although I think that they would have looked a lot more impressive in the wet season, and then over the murky Barron River into Kuranda. The village itself was probably the least favorite part of the trip for me. Once a remote village in the rainforest, Kuranda has been a tourist destination for more than a hundred years, it's very busy and consists of a few streets of souvenir shops and restaurants, with attractions such as a "bird world", "butterfly sanctuary" and "fossil and gemstone museum". We avoided all of these and went instead for a walk in the rainforest. Despite the fact that the walk is signposted from the village, we were the only people there, which was great. We had a very pleasant walk through the forest and along the banks of the river, and ended up at the station ready to get the scenic railway back down to Cairns. The train was very quaint and old-fashioned and all of its windows were open which created a refreshing breeze on such a warm day. The train went down the other side of the valley and we were provided with yet more beautiful views during the hour and a half long journey.
When we got back to Port Douglas we all went for a sunset drink at a restaurant beside the jetty, then we walked along Macrossan Street and back to the apartment for tea.
I phoned Jennifer and we had a chat; it's a year today since Mum died. 

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