Day 11 Continued: An excursion to Kuranda

Consult most guide books about the Cairns area, and they will mention taking a trip to Kuranda. Kuranda is a charming little village tucked up high in the rainforest, accessible by train, car, or as we arrived: Skyline Gondola. We spent a couple of hours there, enough time to visit the zoo, hold, yes, actually cuddle and HOLD koala bears, eat lunch, and shop.

Upon leaving Kuranda, we opted for the Scenic Railway to take us home. It is an old-fashioned and comfortable train that soars through the sky, above the trees at times, over bridges where the train seems to be propped up on stilts, and past waterfalls all the way back to the city of Cairns.

Upon arrival in Cairns, we once again split into small groups and explored the pretty waterfront neighborhoods, ate dinner out, then returned to our rooms by 8pm to pack and turn in for the night. Wake up calls in the morning were scheduled for 3am to accommodate for our 6am flight.