Train To Kuranda

We will be on the Soltice when she stops at Cairns on Easter. Is it possible to take the train to Kuranda and Gonda ride back, without booking a tour? The train ride sounds unique and something we should experience. Any tips/advice would be appreciated.

Stayed in Cairns for 3 nights Feb.2012. We took the Kuranda Scenic Railway up to Kuranda and returned via the Sky Rail - Gondola. You can buy the KSR train & Gondola tickets at the station. Not sure where the cruise ships dock. Check their web site http://www.ksr.com.au for details.

It's certainly possible but you will of course have to arrange your own transport to and from the ship.

This can be easily done when docked in Cairns - a 20 minute walk to the railway station.

However, if you are tendering at Yorkey's Knob (20 kms north of Cairns) then not so easy...but still can be done. Not sure if there is a shuttle bus into Cairns itself (or even the station) from here these days - never used to be. Cab may be the only way to do it.

Always check your time available, for depending on ship's arrival and departure times in port, sometimes it is just easiest to do ship's tour.

Also suggest you check if any other ships are in Cairns at the same time as this can cause doing own tour difficult - too crowded and you may not get be able to get on - booked tours tended to get priority when we did rail and gondola a few years back.

The Solstice does not dock in Cairns - way toooooo big. This is a tender port for you - probably at Yorkeys Knob. Only ships the size of Rhapsody can dock in Cairns for the time being at least.

I've done the train/Skyrail trip twice. The first time, we had reserved seats next to a window. On the 2nd trip, we had "general" tickets and by the time we boarded, the only seats were on the aisle, 2 people away from the window. We did not see much. So unless, you can be assured of window seats, it might not be worth the cost.

The Skyrail, on the other hand, was really cool to me and I much preferred it to the train. You can always go both ways on the Skyrail and might be a good choice if your time in Cairns is limited by tendering.

We did ship tour (Rhapsody, so berthed in Cairns port) which was a bus to bottom of Skyrail, rode up to top*, had about an hour or so of free time for shopping etc and then caught our bus back to ship with a short city tour included. Back on board in time for (late) lunch.

If you go to Kuranda, try a mango or banana smoothy from the store there near where you exit the Skyrail :)

Note: this was our 2nd day in port as we overnighted in Cairns. The 1st day we did a long day tour (ship's tour) up to Daintree which was a great experience.

* we had preferential boarding of Skytrain as we were on 'official' tour

If you plan to do the Sky Rail/Gondola on your own , be prepared for a long wait if you happen to arrive at the same time as a pre arranged ships tour .

I tried to book the Kuranda railway on my own but all the reserved seats were already sold. I presume, to the cruise line.

The one problem you'll have with doing them without booking a tour is that while the train may go from Cairns Train Station, the Skyrail ends about 15km from town. Basically all a tour does is takes you between the two options. The tour doesn't guide you around Kuranda at all.

Here's a page all about Kuranda Train and Skyrail that lists all the info and options

http://www.visitcairns.com.au/store/products.aspx?categoryid=4a32207c-7356-4e3f-a801-2fd7d0db3693

We will be on the Soltice when she stops at Cairns on Easter. Is it possible to take the train to Kuranda and Gonda ride back, without booking a tour? The train ride sounds unique and something we should experience. Any tips/advice would be appreciated.

We were on the Solstice Top End cruise starting in Perth 15 Feb.

Here is my cc review:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=216863

We had booked the Celebrity excursion to Skyrail that called for taking the cable car (45 minute ride) over the rain forrest and return on the rail road.

The excursion was cancelled due to late arrival (due to a medical evacuation in route from Darwin) and more tendering problems in Cairns.

The cruise was great as my review states, except for the failures in the tendering process. We had serious tendering problems in Bali and more in Cairns (the two most important ports on the cruise).

You can book directly with Skyrail and for $88Au per person, they will pick you up at Yorkey's Knob and return you there after your visit to Skyrail. The only concern would be if the ship is late arriving or tendering as it was on our cruise.

There were people on our ship that didn't tender to Yorkey's until 2:30PM, which meant they could not go to Skyrail or anywhere of any consequence. Also, X did not handle well how the shuttle tickets were managed in Yorkey's. Apparently, there were two lines, one for buying the tickets and one for getting on the bus with the tickets. Some people got in the wrong line and had to start over. Also, some that had free shuttle tickets had no priority and had to wait until all those who had purchased tickets were on the bus.

We were lucky in that we went to Skyrail with an Aussie friend that we had met prior to the cruise at Miss Mauds in Perth. She added us to her Skyrail reservation. Also, I waited in in line over an hour early to get tender ticket #4, which got us off the boat to Yorkey's about Noon.

The last train from Kuranda leaves at 3:30PM, keep that in mind. Not sure if taking the train to Kuranda would be better, but Skyrail and Kuranda are great.

Living in Cairns I can probably give you some insider advice.

If you have the time to do both, the Kuranda Train and Skrail gondola do the train first.

The train ride is most appreciable if you know more about its history and the fact that this line was built from 1886 with only wheel-burrows, shovels, picks, some dynamite and strong hands of about 1500 workers from mainly Italy and Ireland. In the old days the trip featured panoramic views over the coast almost all the way whilst creeping up the hill through many tunnels and over countless bridges. Since the rainforest was placed under World Heritage listing in 1988, the trees cannot be trimmed or cut. Thus, today there are very few spots where you can get a glimpse of the former views. Do the train trip in the morning when you are still fresh, in the afternoon most people fall asleep in the train.

I believe it is a must that you reserve a seat in the Gold Class. This way you travel either with a window seat or with plenty window space where there are no seats and you can take good photos. The oridinary Heritage Class has benches to seat 4 people. Unless you are sitting at the window, you might as well stay at home. You can make reservations via their web site www.ksr.com.au

To get to the Kuranda train from Cairns, take a 20 minute walk to the Cairns Central Station or a taxi (around A$ 7). From Yorkeys Knob it is best to take a taxi if you don't want to mingle in with the crowds waiting for the shuttle bus. The taxi ride from Yorkeys Knob to Freshwater Station (not Cairns Central ! ) takes about 15 minutes and should not cost more than A$ 20. Freshwater Station is a beautiful sight with its many plants and special flair. Two trains leave from Freshwater at 8.50 am and 9.50 am, arriving in Kuranda about 10.30 am respectively 11.30 am. They leave Kuranda for the return passage at 2.00 pm and 3.30 pm, arriving at Freshwater some 90 minutes later. Be reminded that the squealling noise of the train's brakes on the way down may drive you crazy.

Skyrail starts operating at 9 am, and that is the time when bus loads of people want to get on the gondolas at the same time. You may have a chance as an individual traveller to be one of the first up if you turn up 15 or 20 minutes before 9 am. The crowds at 9am are one of the reasons why it is better to do the train up and Skyrail down in the afternoon. From 9.30 am on the situation eases.

The gondolas fit 6 people each and depart about every minute. Total travel time is 45 minutes. There are two stops where you should leave the gondola and explore the lookouts and displays nearby. Add 15 minutes for each stop. A great experience is to book a 40 minute walk into the rainforest guided by one of the local Aboriginals. This walk leaves from the second stop. It is only A$ 20 extra.

The last Skyrail gondola leaves Kuranda at 3.45 pm. To get to Skyrail from Cairns book their shuttle bus or pay about A$ 25 for a taxi. From Yorkeys Knob a taxi should not be more than A$ 15. The 7 km ride take only a few minutes. For more info www.skyrail.com.au

Kuranda Village started off as a tourist destination with its hippie and artist markets in 1978. Today there are the Original (hippie) Markets, the modern Hertiage Markets and possibly another 100 small shops. Overheads for shops in Kuranda are a lot less than in Cairns City, so there might be some good bargains. Even if you are not into shopping, enjoy the flair of the figtree lined main street, the many artistic features in the village, such as ornamented street posts etc, and the relaxed lifestyle of its people. My favourite food stuff are deliciuos crepes filled with smoke salmon or kangaroo at the Petite Cafe in the Original Markets. Apart from shops there are also some small zoos, one in which you can have a photo taken with a koala on your arm. Kuranda is about 300 meteres in altitude and as such a bit cooler and less humid in summer than the coast. Cheap ($ 8 to Cairns) public buses run frequently from Kuranda to Smithfield at the coast near the Skyrail bottom station from where you can take a taxi to Yorkeys. http://www.transnorthbus.com/cairnskuranda.asp John's Kuranda Bus Service is another company running schedules.The buses continue all the way to Cairns. Kuranda to Cairns takes 1 hour. There is an information booth next to the public toilets in thecentre of the village where you can obtain free information on Kuranda.

I know this post is over 3 years old but there is some great information. Many thanks for taking the time to share it. :)

Living in Cairns I can probably give you some insider advice.

 

If you have the time to do both, the Kuranda Train and Skrail gondola do the train first.

 

The train ride is most appreciable if you know more about its history and the fact that this line was built from 1886 with only wheel-burrows, shovels, picks, some dynamite and strong hands of about 1500 workers from mainly Italy and Ireland. In the old days the trip featured panoramic views over the coast almost all the way whilst creeping up the hill through many tunnels and over countless bridges. Since the rainforest was placed under World Heritage listing in 1988, the trees cannot be trimmed or cut. Thus, today there are very few spots where you can get a glimpse of the former views. Do the train trip in the morning when you are still fresh, in the afternoon most people fall asleep in the train.

 

I believe it is a must that you reserve a seat in the Gold Class. This way you travel either with a window seat or with plenty window space where there are no seats and you can take good photos. The oridinary Heritage Class has benches to seat 4 people. Unless you are sitting at the window, you might as well stay at home. You can make reservations via their web site www.ksr.com.au

 

To get to the Kuranda train from Cairns, take a 20 minute walk to the Cairns Central Station or a taxi (around A$ 7). From Yorkeys Knob it is best to take a taxi if you don't want to mingle in with the crowds waiting for the shuttle bus. The taxi ride from Yorkeys Knob to Freshwater Station (not Cairns Central ! ) takes about 15 minutes and should not cost more than A$ 20. Freshwater Station is a beautiful sight with its many plants and special flair. Two trains leave from Freshwater at 8.50 am and 9.50 am, arriving in Kuranda about 10.30 am respectively 11.30 am. They leave Kuranda for the return passage at 2.00 pm and 3.30 pm, arriving at Freshwater some 90 minutes later. Be reminded that the squealling noise of the train's brakes on the way down may drive you crazy.

 

Skyrail starts operating at 9 am, and that is the time when bus loads of people want to get on the gondolas at the same time. You may have a chance as an individual traveller to be one of the first up if you turn up 15 or 20 minutes before 9 am. The crowds at 9am are one of the reasons why it is better to do the train up and Skyrail down in the afternoon. From 9.30 am on the situation eases.

 

The gondolas fit 6 people each and depart about every minute. Total travel time is 45 minutes. There are two stops where you should leave the gondola and explore the lookouts and displays nearby. Add 15 minutes for each stop. A great experience is to book a 40 minute walk into the rainforest guided by one of the local Aboriginals. This walk leaves from the second stop. It is only A$ 20 extra.

 

The last Skyrail gondola leaves Kuranda at 3.45 pm. To get to Skyrail from Cairns book their shuttle bus or pay about A$ 25 for a taxi. From Yorkeys Knob a taxi should not be more than A$ 15. The 7 km ride take only a few minutes. For more info www.skyrail.com.au

 

Kuranda Village started off as a tourist destination with its hippie and artist markets in 1978. Today there are the Original (hippie) Markets, the modern Hertiage Markets and possibly another 100 small shops. Overheads for shops in Kuranda are a lot less than in Cairns City, so there might be some good bargains. Even if you are not into shopping, enjoy the flair of the figtree lined main street, the many artistic features in the village, such as ornamented street posts etc, and the relaxed lifestyle of its people. My favourite food stuff are deliciuos crepes filled with smoke salmon or kangaroo at the Petite Cafe in the Original Markets. Apart from shops there are also some small zoos, one in which you can have a photo taken with a koala on your arm. Kuranda is about 300 meteres in altitude and as such a bit cooler and less humid in summer than the coast. Cheap ($ 8 to Cairns) public buses run frequently from Kuranda to Smithfield at the coast near the Skyrail bottom station from where you can take a taxi to Yorkeys. http://www.transnorthbus.com/cairnskuranda.asp John's Kuranda Bus Service is another company running schedules.The buses continue all the way to Cairns. Kuranda to Cairns takes 1 hour. There is an information booth next to the public toilets in thecentre of the village where you can obtain free information on Kuranda.

A few things have changed since my post three years ago.

Kuranda Train: The Gold Class is no longer offered on the first train. The time tables are still the same, the fares have changed. Check out their web sites.

Skyrail: The Aboriginal Walk is no longer offered. For a few dollars extra you can book a gondola with a glass floor, allowing you a straight down view into the rainforest.

Kuranda Village: When walking into the village from either Skyrail or train you pass a timber church. Before you get to the church there might be my German friend Klaus selling Opals and other specimen from a small table in front of a shop. His speciality are boulder opals. These are my favourite. Klaus has no overheads in regards of expensive rent for a shop and is able to give you an extremely good price. He cuts the stones by himself.

Immediately after passing the church there is a proper opal shop with likewise good value stones. Overheads in Kuranda are generally a lot less than in Cairns or other big cities. The owner of this shop also goes out to the opal fields and digs himself and also cuts the stones.

Don't miss the Original Markets. This is the place where 1978 all the fuss about Kuranda started. Artists, Hippies and other alternatives founded the markets as a means of bartering their products. You may still see the one or other Hippie, now in their 70s.

In the Heritage Markets you have an opportunity to hold a Koala and have a photo taken. Go to the Venom Zoo and learn about Australia's most venomous snakes and spiders. Have a snake around your neck and a photo taken. Great feeling.

Try from the large selection of meat pies at Anabell's, or a German sausage at the "German Tucker" next door to Anabells (tucker = Australian for food).

Do you want to buy Aboriginal artwork or a didgeridoo? In the Boat you find the largest choice. Everything is authentic with name and photo of the artists. They have only genuine artwork and pay the artists well. They also have a shop on the southern end of the Esplanade in Cairns (next to the official Visitor and Information Centre). Ask for Marshall Whyler. He is a salesman there and one of the best didgeridoo players around. Didgeridoos are trunks or branches of trees. These are hollowed out by termites and are used to create very earthen sounds. If he is not there you can at least buy his CD BLOW.

If you want to try Kangaroo and or Crocodile meat, take a cab or walk to the very rustic restaurant COCK N BULL in Cairns, just one minute from the hospital.

Should you have time in Cairns after 5 pm, visit the NIGHT MARKETS between the Esplanade and Abbott Street, a kind of bazar with all sorts of souvenirs and other items. Not far from the glass blower's shop, in a corner, there is another guy digging for and grinding/cutting mainly boulder opals. His stall is so small you can easily miss him.

Bring your swim gear and jump into our LAGOON at the Esplanade, our free of charge swimming pool right n the heart of the centre. The water in the LAGOON is pumped from the Ocean and thus automatically replaced every 4 hours. There are life guards on duty, lockers, changing rooms, a coffee shop.

Involved in child care? Check out MUDDY'S PLAYGROUND at the northern side of the Esplanade. You will be surprised of what you see and wish you were four or five again.

Good dining along the Esplanade is at Barnickel Bill (Seafood).

I hope you enjoy Cairns and Kuranda.

A few things have changed since my post three years ago.

 

Kuranda Train: The Gold Class is no longer offered on the first train. The time tables are still the same, the fares have changed. Check out their web sites.

 

Skyrail: The Aboriginal Walk is no longer offered. For a few dollars extra you can book a gondola with a glass floor, allowing you a straight down view into the rainforest.

 

Kuranda Village: When walking into the village from either Skyrail or train you pass a timber church. Before you get to the church there might be my German friend Klaus selling Opals and other specimen from a small table in front of a shop. His speciality are boulder opals. These are my favourite. Klaus has no overheads in regards of expensive rent for a shop and is able to give you an extremely good price. He cuts the stones by himself.

 

Immediately after passing the church there is a proper opal shop with likewise good value stones. Overheads in Kuranda are generally a lot less than in Cairns or other big cities. The owner of this shop also goes out to the opal fields and digs himself and also cuts the stones.

 

Don't miss the Original Markets. This is the place where 1978 all the fuss about Kuranda started. Artists, Hippies and other alternatives founded the markets as a means of bartering their products. You may still see the one or other Hippie, now in their 70s.

 

In the Heritage Markets you have an opportunity to hold a Koala and have a photo taken. Go to the Venom Zoo and learn about Australia's most venomous snakes and spiders. Have a snake around your neck and a photo taken. Great feeling.

 

Try from the large selection of meat pies at Anabell's, or a German sausage at the "German Tucker" next door to Anabells (tucker = Australian for food).

 

Do you want to buy Aboriginal artwork or a didgeridoo? In the Boat you find the largest choice. Everything is authentic with name and photo of the artists. They have only genuine artwork and pay the artists well. They also have a shop on the southern end of the Esplanade in Cairns (next to the official Visitor and Information Centre). Ask for Marshall Whyler. He is a salesman there and one of the best didgeridoo players around. Didgeridoos are trunks or branches of trees. These are hollowed out by termites and are used to create very earthen sounds. If he is not there you can at least buy his CD BLOW.

 

If you want to try Kangaroo and or Crocodile meat, take a cab or walk to the very rustic restaurant COCK N BULL in Cairns, just one minute from the hospital.

 

Should you have time in Cairns after 5 pm, visit the NIGHT MARKETS between the Esplanade and Abbott Street, a kind of bazar with all sorts of souvenirs and other items. Not far from the glass blower's shop, in a corner, there is another guy digging for and grinding/cutting mainly boulder opals. His stall is so small you can easily miss him.

 

Bring your swim gear and jump into our LAGOON at the Esplanade, our free of charge swimming pool right n the heart of the centre. The water in the LAGOON is pumped from the Ocean and thus automatically replaced every 4 hours. There are life guards on duty, lockers, changing rooms, a coffee shop.

 

Involved in child care? Check out MUDDY'S PLAYGROUND at the northern side of the Esplanade. You will be surprised of what you see and wish you were four or five again.

 

Good dining along the Esplanade is at Barnickel Bill (Seafood).

 

I hope you enjoy Cairns and Kuranda.

Thanks for the info but I'm a bit confused.

Is it important to book ahead of time?

If we take the train from Cairns up and the sky rail down, how do we get back to Cairns?? Is the train available to board again?

Thank you for any help,

M&M

Thanks for the info but I'm a bit confused.

Is it important to book ahead of time?

If we take the train from Cairns up and the sky rail down, how do we get back to Cairns?? Is the train available to board again?

Thank you for any help,

M&M

I would recommend booking ahead of time. There is a combined ticket you can purchase. https://www.skyrail.com.au/tours

You would need to arrange for a transfer back to Cairns from the Skyrail terminal.

As was said in the last reply, you can book a return transfer from Skyrail to Cairns. Just be aware that these transfers operate only at certain times. After all, you may wish to catch your cruise liner before they leave without you.

Some visitors combine the visit of Kuranda with a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which is next to the bottom station of Skyrail. But you would have to be there by 2 pm to join in with their afternoon programm, starting with the Creation Story, then Dancing and fire making, then Aboriginal food and weapons, followed by a brief lesson in boomerang and spear throwing. The spear throwing is done using a second implement to advance the speed of the spear (spear thrower = woomera).

If you wanted to add Tjapukai in your itinerary you would have to get into the Skyrail gondola at Kuranda no later than 12.45. That leaves you with two hours in Kuranda if you take the first train.

The gondolas fit max 6 people and leave every minute. There are three segments of gondola ride. Each takes approx 15 min. At the first stop you can leave the gondola and go for a short stroll to see the mighty Baron Falls with an almost 300 metre drop (running really only after heavy rains). At the second stop you have to change the gondola as the cable car is split into two segments. At this second stop you can also go for a short stroll through rainforest.

You do not need to pre-book Tjapukai or Skyrail. In the train this is a different matter. Each passenger gets an allocated seat. Transfers also should be pre-booked. If you boat is in Cairns, the hotel for pick-up closest to the cruiseliner terminal would be the Casino Hotel or Hilton Hotel, a five minute walk.

If your boat is mooring off Yorkeys Knob they might offer a special pick-up. Failig that you can take a taxi to Freshwater Railway Station to get on the train. Skyrail bottom station is only about 6 km from the landing place of your tender boat in Yorkeys Knob.

As was said in the last reply, you can book a return transfer from Skyrail to Cairns. Just be aware that these transfers operate only at certain times. After all, you may wish to catch your cruise liner before they leave without you.

 

Some visitors combine the visit of Kuranda with a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which is next to the bottom station of Skyrail. But you would have to be there by 2 pm to join in with their afternoon programm, starting with the Creation Story, then Dancing and fire making, then Aboriginal food and weapons, followed by a brief lesson in boomerang and spear throwing. The spear throwing is done using a second implement to advance the speed of the spear (spear thrower = woomera).

 

If you wanted to add Tjapukai in your itinerary you would have to get into the Skyrail gondola at Kuranda no later than 12.45. That leaves you with two hours in Kuranda if you take the first train.

 

The gondolas fit max 6 people and leave every minute. There are three segments of gondola ride. Each takes approx 15 min. At the first stop you can leave the gondola and go for a short stroll to see the mighty Baron Falls with an almost 300 metre drop (running really only after heavy rains). At the second stop you have to change the gondola as the cable car is split into two segments. At this second stop you can also go for a short stroll through rainforest.

 

You do not need to pre-book Tjapukai or Skyrail. In the train this is a different matter. Each passenger gets an allocated seat. Transfers also should be pre-booked. If you boat is in Cairns, the hotel for pick-up closest to the cruiseliner terminal would be the Casino Hotel or Hilton Hotel, a five minute walk.

 

If your boat is mooring off Yorkeys Knob they might offer a special pick-up. Failig that you can take a taxi to Freshwater Railway Station to get on the train. Skyrail bottom station is only about 6 km from the landing place of your tender boat in Yorkeys Knob.

Thank you for the replies! I forgot to mention we will be staying in Cairns after our cruise. We intend to walk to the station. We just booked the combo package (prior to reading your reply) leaving @ 8:30 and then the skyrail @3:45 with a transfer back to Cairns. Since we are staying there, time is no problem.

After reading your info, we're considering changing plans because Tjapukai sounds interesting. How much time is needed to visit things in Kuranda if we don't want to add extra admissions? Is 2 hours enough time as your suggested schedule indicates?

Much appreciated,

M&M

You certainly can walk to Cairns Station. Most people board the train in Freshwater because they want to experience the beautiful station and see the small but interesting museum. But the Kuranda Station is likewise beautiful in the design of a Swiss Chalet and with lots of plants.

Two hours in Kuranda is for most people sufficient. Basically, Kuranda consists of about 100 shops and stalls. There is a lot of Made in China, but there are also locally made products, such as from timber. There are only two streets of interest for the visitor. To get to the end is a distance of 700 metres, not a great deal.

A hundred years ago there was only one tree still standing, the rest was felled. There were no trees for miles, as the land was used to grow coffee. Then, in the thirties one planted all the beautiful fig trees and others that make up the special flair of Kuranda. Thus, it is not only shops.

Even if you booked Skyrail for any given hour or time, it does not really matter at what time you turn up, as long as you have a ticket. They allocate times for groups mainly, so that there are no clashes of large groups turning up at the same time. The gondolas run continually.

You do not need to prebook Tjapukai. Just get there and purchase the entry ticket. But if you are certain that you want to start at 2 pm, it probably doesn't hurt to let them know. I am thinking mainly of the restricted space in the Creation Theatre (2 pm).

Are you staying in Cairns only for one night or even for another day? I could give you a nice itinerary for a visit to the Atherton Tablelands, just one hour drive from Cairns.

You certainly can walk to Cairns Station. Most people board the train in Freshwater because they want to experience the beautiful station and see the small but interesting museum. But the Kuranda Station is likewise beautiful in the design of a Swiss Chalet and with lots of plants.

 

Two hours in Kuranda is for most people sufficient. Basically, Kuranda consists of about 100 shops and stalls. There is a lot of Made in China, but there are also locally made products, such as from timber. There are only two streets of interest for the visitor. To get to the end is a distance of 700 metres, not a great deal.

 

A hundred years ago there was only one tree still standing, the rest was felled. There were no trees for miles, as the land was used to grow coffee. Then, in the thirties one planted all the beautiful fig trees and others that make up the special flair of Kuranda. Thus, it is not only shops.

 

Even if you booked Skyrail for any given hour or time, it does not really matter at what time you turn up, as long as you have a ticket. They allocate times for groups mainly, so that there are no clashes of large groups turning up at the same time. The gondolas run continually.

 

You do not need to prebook Tjapukai. Just get there and purchase the entry ticket. But if you are certain that you want to start at 2 pm, it probably doesn't hurt to let them know. I am thinking mainly of the restricted space in the Creation Theatre (2 pm).

 

Are you staying in Cairns only for one night or even for another day? I could give you a nice itinerary for a visit to the Atherton Tablelands, just one hour drive from Cairns.

Thanks, licuala, for all your help. We have a snorkel trip planned for our second and final day. We are looking forward to our time in Cairns.

M&M

I live in the area. You could always rent a car for the day (or longer) in Yorkeys Knob and drive up to Kuranda yourself. Would probably be cheaper and you would get to see more, you could even drive up to Palm Cove where there is a beach, restaurants and shops without the big city feel.

http://www.gemrentacar.com/

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Tjapukai is not worth the money, Rainforestation is much better. Look into going to Rainforestation for a couple of hours much better value for money.

We used this company last year, they took us on the Skyrail, what is a must to experience, visit to Kuranda, nice little shops with lots of Art and Craft.

It is a local company with an enormous experience and knowledge of the area. We loved it so much, and will try to book another tour to the Daintree area. Also a visit to a coffee plantation or Paronella park is on our list. I can highly recommend this company, if interested you can contact them as shown below.

http://www.cairnstablelandtours.com.au/

Appreciate these earlier postings and the recent updates. Totally loved what we did in these scenic and super interesting areas!! Need proof and visual evidence? Below are some visuals, plus there is much more on the live/blog that is connected below.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 169,431 views for this posting.

For this day in the Cairns area, we got, surprise, some rain while visiting the nearby rainforest areas. It was the sky ride to get up there, with several stop offs to explore these heavily forested areas. The Kuranda rail trip took us back a different routing, plus lots of interesting scenery, dramatic waterfalls, major engineering work, many train tunnels, big bridges, etc. The rail line dates back to 1891. For our group of six, we did the upgrade to the "gold" rail seating with plenty of wine, nice food/snacks, etc., in a wonderful, old-style rail car with great service and attention by the staff The great company and nice sights (plus the flowing wine), made it very much fun on a day with on and off patches of rain.:

Here are a couple of pictures giving more of a sample of our rainforest/rail experience. First, Susan and John riding on the luxury rail car. John is a former college roommate and is filling out a post card that the train provided that they will be mailing back free to the USA. Yes, those are empty wine glasses. Had about three large classes each. Made the trip very, very good and flowing with that "help"!! Plus good wine from the great vine areas near Adelaide. This picture also gives a good sampling for the interior on one of these Second is another sample showing the rail cars making a turn with a big waterfall on the right side. Fun sights!!:

Kuranda was a fun, charming town!! Here is a visual sample for its "style and flavor". Yes, it had lots of both, plus more "character" given its hippie past. It offers a variety of interests for travelers doing the Skyrail and/or rail trip from the nearby base of Cairns. Lots of varied shopping "opportunities", plus lots of food potentials. In the main street of this town, there are large, large banyan trees. This shows one of those massive works of nature in front of a cute drug and photo shop. We also enjoyed talking with a woodworker in his shop next to where we had a great lunch. Good talking with him, seeing his many different wood pieces. Great items he offered and learning what woods can be cut down or now due to their environmental practices there. There was a shop that had various leather items made from Aussie Crocodiles. There were two of these stuffed, full-sized crocs in this shop. Don't see these in Ohio or the USA too much!!:

Those photos must have been taken in our dry season. We have had quite a bit of rain lately, the Barron Falls are now in full flood ☺ (this is a screenshot from a video)

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