One family member is very fearful of heights, but we're going to attempt the Skyrail anyway. Any advice as to whether it's easier on the nerves to take it up or down? We'll take the train the other way. And are the two stations where you can get off also a challenge for those scared of heights --- are you on narrow high walkways? Skyrail experts, I need your help! Many thanks.
I'm not big on heights either, but you actually cruise over the tree canopy, so you don't necessarily see "big drops".
As to the two stations where you can get off - you walk on walkways, but even those don't seem to be hanging in the air, you just feel you're walking thru rainforest.
We took the train up and browsed around the town for a, then hour or two and on the skyrail down we did get off at both stations. But while sitting in the skyrail gondola, I sat with my back to the opposite direction of where we were heading - down - this way I couldn't see the height, rather the trees from where we had been.
It was real easy and at no time was I uncomfortable.
As to the two stations where you can get off - you walk on walkways, but even those don't seem to be hanging in the air, you just feel you're walking thru rainforest.
We took the train up and browsed around the town for a, then hour or two and on the skyrail down we did get off at both stations. But while sitting in the skyrail gondola, I sat with my back to the opposite direction of where we were heading - down - this way I couldn't see the height, rather the trees from where we had been.
It was real easy and at no time was I uncomfortable.
I agree with Sandi,
Its really not like looking over the top of a skyscraper. The blanket of trees below gives the impression of closeness, its really ok.
But as you approach the final 100m there is a fabulous view of the coast and Cairns in the background.
The only bit that frightened my family was when the gondola passed the support towers and made a load noise ! But its really great and not worth missing for the sake of a phobia.
The stop off points are in the forest so height is not an issue at all.
Have fun
Muck
Its really not like looking over the top of a skyscraper. The blanket of trees below gives the impression of closeness, its really ok.
But as you approach the final 100m there is a fabulous view of the coast and Cairns in the background.
The only bit that frightened my family was when the gondola passed the support towers and made a load noise ! But its really great and not worth missing for the sake of a phobia.
The stop off points are in the forest so height is not an issue at all.
Have fun
Muck
I respectfully disagree. We were there on a somewhat windy, fairly rainy day and although I felt safe, I was very apprehensive. (For some crazy reason, I could not get that accident our of my mind, where in Europe a few years ago, some military planes flew into gondola cables and several people died.) Anyway, truthfully, if you have someone very fearful of heights, I would recommend that they take the train one way to Kuranda (and drive back) and perhaps purchase a pictorial book of the rainforest in one of the shops. You don't mention when you will be there, but due to the fog and rain, there was no view when we were there. Good luck.
Hi Miranda,
This is a repy to a question you posted on another link about the area around Quay West. Coles Express on George Street is a fun grocery store with a great selection of everything, including fresh produce. We are from Hawaii which has higher priced groceries than many states and found the prices on most items a bit less expensive than at home. BBQ King in Chinatown has pretty good Chinese food, always crowded, and an easy walk from where you will be staying. Be sure to stop by Woolworth to pick up some very inexpensive souviners which are the exact same quality we saw at the zoo and other souviners shopping opportunities. We found Sydney to be beautiful with very kind and helpful people. Enjoy your trip!
This is a repy to a question you posted on another link about the area around Quay West. Coles Express on George Street is a fun grocery store with a great selection of everything, including fresh produce. We are from Hawaii which has higher priced groceries than many states and found the prices on most items a bit less expensive than at home. BBQ King in Chinatown has pretty good Chinese food, always crowded, and an easy walk from where you will be staying. Be sure to stop by Woolworth to pick up some very inexpensive souviners which are the exact same quality we saw at the zoo and other souviners shopping opportunities. We found Sydney to be beautiful with very kind and helpful people. Enjoy your trip!
