I got back from Australia a few months ago and kept meaning to write a trip report, but never got around to it. I relied heavily on this board when planning the trip and hope that our experience might help someone else.

To help put the following into perspective, my friend and I are two women in our late 20s. I'm from Southern California and she's from the New York area.

Because it runs kind of long, I'm breaking it down by city - Sydney, Cairns, Ayers Rock, Perth/Western Australia, Adelaide and Melbourne.

** CAIRNS **

Some friends suggested we stay in Palm Cove and so glad we listened.  Cairns itself is apparently more of a city (though i can't say for certain as we never made it into Cairns proper) so people looking for a beach experience should head about 20 min north.  We didn't have a car, but didn't need one as all of our activities offered a transport option.  Oh, we also booked our activities the night we arrived.

SEA TEMPLE RESORT
Beautiful!  So happy we stayed there.  We booked through http://www.villaparadiso.com.au and wound up saving about AU$150 a night... and we got upgraded to a penthouse with two bedrooms, kitchen, an upstairs deck and a private jacuzzi.  Be careful with the hotel's activity desk though - there were at least 3 instances where they didn't forward reservations to the actual tour operators (happened to us once and to at least three other groups we were talking to in the lobby).  Easily rectified by finding the direct numbers and booking the activities on your own.

GREAT BARRIER REEF
I cannot say enough good things about Calypso Charters http://www.calypsocharters.com.au.  Some other companies have massive boats that hold 300 people, but Calypso's are much smaller.  The staff was friendly, helpful, fun and ensured that we had a great experience.  Get there early to have your pick of where to sit as people tended not to move around much from their original locations.  We chose the upstairs deck in the back and loved it.  Bring extra sunscreen, a hat and a change of clothes.  

KURANDA
We took http://www.kurandascenicrailway.com.au/ up and then the http://www.skyrail.com.au/ back down.  We were short on time and so booked the half day option that the tour operator suggested, which really wasn't enough time.  That said, it was lovely.  Highly recommend taking the Skyrail down as the view of the rain forest and ocean is breathtaking.

Hello Pomme.....We will be taking our second trip to Kuranda. On our first trip we took skyrail both ways, and loved it. Is the train ride a special experience, or now that you've done both skyrail and train, would you recommend one over the other?

Thanks for the report, Pomme and glad you enjoyed your time in our neck of the woods.

when will you be coming marthag? Due to a landslide in February wet season the Kuranda train line has been closed and latest estimate is May before the mountain side is shored up and secured.

Skyrail will be closed for maintenance from 15 May for two weeks, this double whammy to Kuranda Village isn't making the shopkeepers happy at at all.

Kuranda train takes a different route to Skyrail, so you're not going over same ground twice as Skyrail return. With Skyrail going over the rainforest canopy and train travelling through it you do get different perspectives and views. Also, Kuranda train is of great historical significance to Far North Queensland and is a tribute to those who braved the hostile elements and difficult terrain back in the 1880's to build the line.

Hi Pat.....thanks for the helpful insight.We won't be returning to your area until October,2008, but I'm already planning for that much anticipated visit. I'll plan to take the train one way to/from Kuranda.

Thanks Pomme949, I've enjoyed all your mini reports!

I've taken the train to Kuranda a couple of times. I enjoyed it much more than the skyrail. Definitely worth the time for me...my husband was a little on edge as you literally do hug the edge of the mountain as you ride up and some parts of the ride can be a little nervewracking. If you know anything about construction you will appreciate what it took to build this railroad. Study the history to get the full experience.