Cairns

The drive to Cairns was fine. Some gusts of wind and a bit overcast, but we drove the 350km in about 4.5 hours including a stop for breakfast! We arrived in Cairns to hazy sunshine and spent the afternoon exploring and swimming in the pool.

Day 2.

A similar day, overcast but with the sun breaking through at times. We took a trip to the rainforest. Took the scenic railway up through the hills to Kuranda. The train ride was nice and very informative. Up to 1500 men worked on the line, digging out the 55 tunnels by hand. It took only 5 years to build the train line, an ambitious project to revive the fortunes of Cairns, which had faltered after the gold rush. 

Kuranda itself was disappointing. A tacky little place full of expensive tourist tat.

Next stop was the Rainforest station where we took an old army duck over land and water for an informative trip through the rainforest.

Learnt that it's not just the insects, reptiles and sea creatures that are trying to injure or kill you, but so are the plants! One we saw will give you a sting containing a neurotoxin, which can take 6 months to resolve!

Also saw some lovely ferns some of which are epiphytes, including that word so we don't forget it. This refers to plants which make their home on another plant without damaging the host. They also have tree ferns in Australia, much like the NZ ones,

Made the trip back to Cairns on the sky train, a 7.5 km cable car ride, high above the trees. It was lovely. We were able to make 2 stops on the way down, for photos,

Day 3.

The worst day yet, weather wise. It has been cloudy all day with some rain too. Have booked to go to the reef tomorrow so hope it cheers up.