Monday 27th
Today we were going to be treated like royalty. A VIP trip along the Kuranda scenic railway with own butler and waited on throughout the journey, followed by a Diamond 7.5 km gondola ride. A chap named Glen came from Northern Exposures tours to collect us at 8.30am. Not cheap by any means but although we paid a good amount for the excursion we ended up being the only two on this tour. A private tour would have cost double so in fact, we felt it money well spent.
Arriving at Freshwater station Glen took us to our 'butler' where the cocktails were waiting. Then he got us great seats on the best side in the gold carriage to admire the views and waterfalls and said he would see us at Kuranda. From then on the 90-minute journey along the Macalister Range was spent enjoying food and drinks at the click of a finger and being pampered. Wow. I could get used to that!
At Kuranda, we had 2 hours to enjoy the town. Loads to see and do and not enough time. We shopped at the markets and went to the venomous centre. More snakes were held by yours truly as well as by Ian. I think to call him a wuss must have done the trick. Our guide Glen was waiting after the 2 hours ready to take us to Skyrail.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a 7.5-kilometre scenic cableway running above the Barron Gorge National Park and has the most spectacular views. With us being a Diamond class we had the gondola with the glass floor. Only every 9th gondola has this and is specifically reserved for those that pay a premium. As we glided over the rainforest canopy looking down it felt like we were flying over the trees. Quite an experience and not one for the faint-hearted. To do the 7.5km with two stops on the way took nearly 45 minutes. What a brilliant day and another recommendation by us.
And the wildlife seen as we alighted from the train,
Amethystine Python. |
1 comment:
Amazing trip, and one that is on our bucket list when we visit Cairns later in the year.
Jenny and Robin, Romany Rambler
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