CAIRNS–tropical Heritage Hotel – 22/09/11

Cadet Reporter:   Michael Gavin

Last day in Cairns for all….Greg & Wanda, Dean & Karen, Michael & Dot all did the scenic Kuranda Village visit.    Up on the scenic winding train journey [ left at 8.30am taking approx 2 hours] to Kuranda up on the Atherton Table.   The railway was an engineering marvel, constructed 125 years ago.   The large curves enabled pictures of the front and rear of the train to be taken.  The gradient was very steep in many places.  A couple of waterfalls provided photo opportunities.

A wander round  Kuranda’s markets filled in time, along with a visit to the largest butterfly exhibit in the Southern Hemisphere.   A guided tour was very interesting, with details of a moth growing up to 14 inches wide [350mm].   The brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly was a favourite with everyone.

The return journey to Cairns was via – “SkyRail” - a gondola  high above the rainforest and a bus to our hotel.  The spectacular view of the rainforest  and coastal vistas was very special.  The return Skyrail trip took 40 minutes with a couple of stop-off points  which allowed time to get off and wander around and inspect close up the rainforest.

Tony, Jen & Peter C spent the day having car matters attended to, plus lunch at a Swiss bakery.

The above group all met for a final evening meal together at a Greek restaurant, which everyone enjoyed – Tony had his Hawaiian Pizza.    Ice creams from a Swiss ice creamery was had on the way to the hotel…..Then final packing for early departure next morning.

Farewells to Dean and Karen as Karen was flying home tomorrow and Dean was travelling with Greg & Wanda initially.