and then we are above the tropical rainforest
we head for the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
the weir for the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station that generates a max of 66 MW
the train passes the Barron Falls, not much water this part of the year
towards our endstation, Smithfield, from where a bus will bring us back to Cairns
we start the descend towards the coast
there are several stops with boardwalks to explore the forest
in 2004 we are back in Kuranda with much better weather
the Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cablecar at Kuranda
The
Djabugay lived here for more then 10 millennia, but were slaughtered or driven out when the Europeans came to explore the
area. First permanent settlements sprung up around 1885.
Timber and coffee were the main industry. Business flourished
and soon a technically challenging railroad between Kuranda and Cairns was constructed in 1891.
Presently Kuranda's
strives on tourism, and for a good reason.
The natural beauty of the region is best experienced by taking the Scenic
Railway from Cairns to Kuranda and from there the
Skyrail cableway over the lush tropical rainforest to Smithfield.
We first took this route in July 1999, but fog and rain prohibited a good
view from the Skyrail. When we returned in October 2004 we found the weather much more cooperative and enjoyed the rides.
we leave the station at Cairns aboard the scenic Railway, on our way to Kuranda
the climb to Kuranda is 348 meters along the mountain flanks
the railway station in Kuranda is the end of the scenic line
the Skyrail soars high over the Barron River
these are the Barron Falls seen from high above
