Kuranda, lost in the rain forest

One village lost in the rain forest 

After one amazing day out admiring the outstandingly beautiful coral reef - it was time to explore the other local natural attractions -  the rain forest. Of course there are many ways to do that but we choose a easy one - Kuranda.

Now few things I learned about this “Village In The Rainforest”: home to the Djabugay aboriginal people the region attracted explorers looking for gold and timber business. In time of hippy era - and due to the building of railway and road connecting it with Cairns, Kuranda became home for arts-inclined people who choose the place for its spectacular scenery, great climate and cheap and free, self sufficient lifestyle.

And the place still has the spirit: art galleries and small chic shops selling local products, opal included, cafes and restaurants and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. We liked it!

We paid a visit to the koala garden - they were sleeping of course, we saw the small snacks enclosure and the Kangaroos and Wallabies yard - no Wallabies on the site though. 

What I like at most about Kuranda? The Bird World: a nice garden full of customer-friendly, mostly parrots, free-flying birds! They were happy with all those people feeding them, ready to interact, colourful, talkative and awesome.

After one coffee and a sandwich we walked to the railway station and embarked in the afternoon tourist train down to Cairns. The journey was again spectacular: trough Barron Gorge National Park with close views of dense rainforest, ravines and waterfalls. We get off last stop - Cairns Railway Station - walking distance to our hotel - and took a tour of the shopping mall around it.

It was a good day and I would definitely recommend a visit.

Kuranda, short trip from Cairns, North Queensland, Australia

Skyrail Rainforest on the way to Kuranda: view from Barron Falls 

And there it is: one village lost in the untouched tropical rain forest

The rain forest, pristine and thick and so many shades of green

On the way to Kuranda, one journey above the forest

Barron river

Posing here is one gorgeous Mustard Lorikeet

Picture perfect with Alexandrine Parrots

This splendid blue and yellow fellow here is a "Blue and Glod Macaw"

A close-up of this unbelievable tiny Fig Parrot

Pink and grey and silver: Galah

This beauty is a Scarlet Macaw

Koala - that s the best he can: they look cute but not so much interaction

Kuranda Scenic Railway a spectacular journey through the World Heritage Listed rainforest: steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the Barron Gorge National Park.

 Barron Falls: the river is being used to supply hydro-electric power station, so is now reduced to a trickle, except in times of severe rain

Barron falls again, view from the train this time

Approaching the lowlands of Cairns