Trip Report on Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda.
Apr 18th, 2006 | 07:59 PM
#1
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Trip Report on Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda.
This is part 3
We flew from Ayers Rock to Cairns (have to start calling it Uluru instead of Ayers Rock!)
The plane made an unscheduled stop in Alice Springs to pick up more fuel as we were heading into a bad rain storm and strong headwind into Cairns.
The sky looked pretty black and the plane started to hit air pocket... you know one of those nervous rides.
The rain sudsided and then stopped as we landed in Cairns.
I remember how fresh everything was as I disembarked, and on the drive to our hotel , I said to myself:
"How bad can a place be that has all these palm trees."
Our hotel was on the Esplanade and we had a view of the Cairns Harbour,which was nice.
Of course our main reason for coming here was to see the Great Barrier Reef and to do the Kuranda Train ride into the rainforest.
That evening we went to the Red Ochre Grill which is noted for it local game meat and seafood.
The place was packed ..so I thought,"Good the food must be good."...it was.
It was here that I had my first taste of Kangaroo.
(No! it did not tatse like chicken , rather more like stringy beef!)
Now our tour guide later told me that they only use the tail of the Kangaroo for the meat we eat, and not any other part.
Really !!?
Is this true.? I have no reason to doubt him.
In any event I ordered seafood as my main dish and then we had some cheesecake with native fruit and berries ( yummy)
It was only a 25 minute walk downtown from the hotel, however, most hotels along the Espamande have a shuttle service that runs every half hour....so you can walk or take the shuttle.
If you are coming to Cairns to do the Great Barrier Reef, then you should read up and know how the reef was formed and how the coral was built up.
Some people were really clueless, and I think this in turn lessed their appreciation of the area.( my opinion)
Everything is protected here by an Act of Parliament since 1975.
It is good to go to a couple of Islands and then compare a bit.
Many people go to Green Island and the boat ride here is in a fast speed Catamaran... however Green Island is NOT the Great Barrier Reef.
There is a resort here and of course the usual restaurant and gift shop.... I mean it is geared for tourists.
It will take you about 20 minutes to walk around Green Island.
Taking a picture here on the white sandy beach and the torquoise water is similar to being on the beach in Cancun Mexico.
Use Green Island as a relay station for going to the Great Barrier Reef....or go directly there from Cairns.
From here we took another boat for about one hour and 30 minutes before we reached what resembled a Pontoon in the middle of nowhere.....we were a long way from shore now.
We disembarked and it is here that you can dive and snorkel or go into a glass bottom boat and then a submarine with huge glass windows to see all the coral and fishes.
When I looked at all the coral colonies it was difficlut for me to believe that I was looking at living animals and not just plants and rocks.
I know that coral is a collection or a colony of very small animals called coral polyps...somehow they just did not look like little animals to me ( ha,ha) ,but I was enjoying every minute of seeing this underwater wonderland.
Dunk Island is another one of the inhabited islands near the shoreline just south of Cairns on the way to Townsville.
Here again you can dive and snorkel and it also is a main tourist island.
They made a movie here at Dunk Island.
I wish I knew the name of the movie so I could then see the movie.
There are a lot of birds circling above ..so lookup ,you might spot the Frigate birds just gliding above.
I read where some people were disappointed with the Great Barrier Reef.
It is hard to generalize but I guess it is a matter of what you want to do and see and what your expectations were prior to coming to the Reef.
For example... I do not dive, so I cannot be disappointed with the diving.
I wanted to come see and behold ... and I did.
If I wasn't such a chicken , I would have taken a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef.
The Kuranda Train Ride:
I found this trip enjoyable and perhaps it was all the rain that Cairns had for the past week that made the rain forest so lush and thick and the waterfalls so gushing and cascading .
I thought that many of the waterfalls were more impressive than those in Costa Rica and Panama.
I took some nice pictures through the train window.
The Stoney Creek Falls were one of the best because you could look back and take a picture as the train rounded a curve over the bridge.
I would recommend taking the Skyrail back as this give you the best of both worlds.
By the time you reach the Kuranda Village you will have gone through 15 tunnels and made about 98 curves and have crossed 40 bridges... you get a nice little map that outlines everything along the ride.
The Kuranda Village is what you make of it:
I took in the Aborigines Show and once again (as in Alice Springs) I enjoyed their dancing .. one fellow could really stomp.
I took pictures of him and with him.
I then did the "Dreamtime" walk with an Aborigines fellow...they can sure tell some stories. !!!
Next was the Boomerang Throwing:
You think this is simple!!?..then try it and see how you have to flick your wrist!
Success to me was having the boomerang come back one foot ..amazing!
Then I had a ride in an Amry Duck into the rainforest and into a deep river that I thought we would never get out of...but we did.
I toured the area where the Kangaroos and wombats and Wallabies and Koalas were.
Then came the highlight I was waitng for:
I paid $15.00 to have my picture taken holding a Koala as he nestled against my chest..this is pricelss and the Koalas are sooooooo cute.
I am looking at the picture (8x 10 ) right now.
After four days here is Cairns I am off for Sydney.
Will try to do a report on Sydney... but hey it is tax time here and the deadline is April 30th..
G'Day to all
Percy
We flew from Ayers Rock to Cairns (have to start calling it Uluru instead of Ayers Rock!)
The plane made an unscheduled stop in Alice Springs to pick up more fuel as we were heading into a bad rain storm and strong headwind into Cairns.
The sky looked pretty black and the plane started to hit air pocket... you know one of those nervous rides.
The rain sudsided and then stopped as we landed in Cairns.
I remember how fresh everything was as I disembarked, and on the drive to our hotel , I said to myself:
"How bad can a place be that has all these palm trees."
Our hotel was on the Esplanade and we had a view of the Cairns Harbour,which was nice.
Of course our main reason for coming here was to see the Great Barrier Reef and to do the Kuranda Train ride into the rainforest.
That evening we went to the Red Ochre Grill which is noted for it local game meat and seafood.
The place was packed ..so I thought,"Good the food must be good."...it was.
It was here that I had my first taste of Kangaroo.
(No! it did not tatse like chicken , rather more like stringy beef!)
Now our tour guide later told me that they only use the tail of the Kangaroo for the meat we eat, and not any other part.
Really !!?
Is this true.? I have no reason to doubt him.
In any event I ordered seafood as my main dish and then we had some cheesecake with native fruit and berries ( yummy)
It was only a 25 minute walk downtown from the hotel, however, most hotels along the Espamande have a shuttle service that runs every half hour....so you can walk or take the shuttle.
If you are coming to Cairns to do the Great Barrier Reef, then you should read up and know how the reef was formed and how the coral was built up.
Some people were really clueless, and I think this in turn lessed their appreciation of the area.( my opinion)
Everything is protected here by an Act of Parliament since 1975.
It is good to go to a couple of Islands and then compare a bit.
Many people go to Green Island and the boat ride here is in a fast speed Catamaran... however Green Island is NOT the Great Barrier Reef.
There is a resort here and of course the usual restaurant and gift shop.... I mean it is geared for tourists.
It will take you about 20 minutes to walk around Green Island.
Taking a picture here on the white sandy beach and the torquoise water is similar to being on the beach in Cancun Mexico.
Use Green Island as a relay station for going to the Great Barrier Reef....or go directly there from Cairns.
From here we took another boat for about one hour and 30 minutes before we reached what resembled a Pontoon in the middle of nowhere.....we were a long way from shore now.
We disembarked and it is here that you can dive and snorkel or go into a glass bottom boat and then a submarine with huge glass windows to see all the coral and fishes.
When I looked at all the coral colonies it was difficlut for me to believe that I was looking at living animals and not just plants and rocks.
I know that coral is a collection or a colony of very small animals called coral polyps...somehow they just did not look like little animals to me ( ha,ha) ,but I was enjoying every minute of seeing this underwater wonderland.
Dunk Island is another one of the inhabited islands near the shoreline just south of Cairns on the way to Townsville.
Here again you can dive and snorkel and it also is a main tourist island.
They made a movie here at Dunk Island.
I wish I knew the name of the movie so I could then see the movie.
There are a lot of birds circling above ..so lookup ,you might spot the Frigate birds just gliding above.
I read where some people were disappointed with the Great Barrier Reef.
It is hard to generalize but I guess it is a matter of what you want to do and see and what your expectations were prior to coming to the Reef.
For example... I do not dive, so I cannot be disappointed with the diving.
I wanted to come see and behold ... and I did.
If I wasn't such a chicken , I would have taken a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef.
The Kuranda Train Ride:
I found this trip enjoyable and perhaps it was all the rain that Cairns had for the past week that made the rain forest so lush and thick and the waterfalls so gushing and cascading .
I thought that many of the waterfalls were more impressive than those in Costa Rica and Panama.
I took some nice pictures through the train window.
The Stoney Creek Falls were one of the best because you could look back and take a picture as the train rounded a curve over the bridge.
I would recommend taking the Skyrail back as this give you the best of both worlds.
By the time you reach the Kuranda Village you will have gone through 15 tunnels and made about 98 curves and have crossed 40 bridges... you get a nice little map that outlines everything along the ride.
The Kuranda Village is what you make of it:
I took in the Aborigines Show and once again (as in Alice Springs) I enjoyed their dancing .. one fellow could really stomp.
I took pictures of him and with him.
I then did the "Dreamtime" walk with an Aborigines fellow...they can sure tell some stories. !!!
Next was the Boomerang Throwing:
You think this is simple!!?..then try it and see how you have to flick your wrist!
Success to me was having the boomerang come back one foot ..amazing!
Then I had a ride in an Amry Duck into the rainforest and into a deep river that I thought we would never get out of...but we did.
I toured the area where the Kangaroos and wombats and Wallabies and Koalas were.
Then came the highlight I was waitng for:
I paid $15.00 to have my picture taken holding a Koala as he nestled against my chest..this is pricelss and the Koalas are sooooooo cute.
I am looking at the picture (8x 10 ) right now.
After four days here is Cairns I am off for Sydney.
Will try to do a report on Sydney... but hey it is tax time here and the deadline is April 30th..
G'Day to all
Percy
Apr 19th, 2006 | 01:28 PM
#4
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 22,248
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The price of the Skyrail is about $52.00 and if you take the train one way and the Skyrail the other way it is $72.00 (Adult).
Barbara:
Absolutely...do not miss holding the Koala and having your picture taken for only $15.00.
Some people went back 3-4 times to have the picture done 3-4 times , because they loved holding the Koala so much.
It is $15.00 each time
Percy
Barbara:
Absolutely...do not miss holding the Koala and having your picture taken for only $15.00.
Some people went back 3-4 times to have the picture done 3-4 times , because they loved holding the Koala so much.
It is $15.00 each time
Percy
Apr 19th, 2006 | 01:39 PM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,603
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For future visitors: try checking out other areas that let you hold a Koala - the last time I was at the Deer Farm on the Sunshine Coast it was $5 and anyone else could click away to their hearts content taking as many photos as you want - for nothing! By the way at the Deer Farm ( I think its called the Deer Farm or Sanctuary you can see Koalas, Wallabies and Kangaroos as well as the nocturnal house without going into the Sanctuary but I would suggest that you at least sit down there and have morning tea first before partaking of the free attractions - its only fair!
There are many places in Australia where you can hold a Koala so check out the prices first.
There are many places in Australia where you can hold a Koala so check out the prices first.
Apr 19th, 2006 | 05:23 PM
#6
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,680
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Percy, thanks for another entertaining trip report.
Sorry you had stringy kangaroo at Red Ochre, it really shouldn't be as they use the prime cuts, ie, fillet or rump. However, it wouldn't taste like chicken, although farmed crocodile does, as the crocs are chicken fed. Kangaroo tail was once available as a tinned soup, haven't seen it for years. Would hate to think you were paying Red Ochre prices for kangaroo tail.
You might be interested to know that, courtesy, of Cyclone Monica which crossed the coast at Cape York yesterday there's been a huge landslide near Stoney Creek Falls. Both Kuranda trains are marooned in Kuranda until the tracks are cleared, could be a week. Much of Cairns and Daintree approches are flooded, road to Kuranda is blocked by landslide as is the southern approach to Tableland (Gillies Highway). Daintree Ferry is not operating for at least 2 days and there is no southern road access to Cairns as the road once again is underwater at town of Tully. Innisfail, badly affected by previous cyclone was pretty well spared with only light rain, just as well as many homes are still under tarpaulins.
For others wishing to cuddle koalas in FNQ, there's Koala Gardens in Kuranda; Rainforest Station, just out of Kuranda and Cairns Tropical Zoo, near Palm Cove.
Sorry you had stringy kangaroo at Red Ochre, it really shouldn't be as they use the prime cuts, ie, fillet or rump. However, it wouldn't taste like chicken, although farmed crocodile does, as the crocs are chicken fed. Kangaroo tail was once available as a tinned soup, haven't seen it for years. Would hate to think you were paying Red Ochre prices for kangaroo tail.
You might be interested to know that, courtesy, of Cyclone Monica which crossed the coast at Cape York yesterday there's been a huge landslide near Stoney Creek Falls. Both Kuranda trains are marooned in Kuranda until the tracks are cleared, could be a week. Much of Cairns and Daintree approches are flooded, road to Kuranda is blocked by landslide as is the southern approach to Tableland (Gillies Highway). Daintree Ferry is not operating for at least 2 days and there is no southern road access to Cairns as the road once again is underwater at town of Tully. Innisfail, badly affected by previous cyclone was pretty well spared with only light rain, just as well as many homes are still under tarpaulins.
For others wishing to cuddle koalas in FNQ, there's Koala Gardens in Kuranda; Rainforest Station, just out of Kuranda and Cairns Tropical Zoo, near Palm Cove.
Apr 19th, 2006 | 07:48 PM
#7
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 22,248
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lizF
Thank you once again for your most helpful information.
Boy am I lucky I missed all that terrible weather , I can just picture the area being flooded now.
I feel so sorry for the tourist that are there now.
They come such a long way only to fall victim to the weather.
Yes I paid $15.00 to get my picture taken with the Koala.....but it was 8x10 and came in a nice folder with a lovely cover showing many of the items in Kuranda....
I would have paid the $15.00 just to hold the Koala.!!!
But nice to know it is cheaper elsewhere.
I have other pictures of me and a Koala but this one is special.
Good Night.
Percy
Thank you once again for your most helpful information.
Boy am I lucky I missed all that terrible weather , I can just picture the area being flooded now.
I feel so sorry for the tourist that are there now.
They come such a long way only to fall victim to the weather.
Yes I paid $15.00 to get my picture taken with the Koala.....but it was 8x10 and came in a nice folder with a lovely cover showing many of the items in Kuranda....
I would have paid the $15.00 just to hold the Koala.!!!
But nice to know it is cheaper elsewhere.
I have other pictures of me and a Koala but this one is special.
Good Night.
Percy
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Jun 9th, 2006 | 01:07 PM
#9
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,603
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You are absolutely right Percy when you say that people should do some reading about the GBR before going there and do a bit of asking on this forum as well. Some people get to Cairns, go to Green Island and declare that they have seen the GBR and they don't think much of it. If I did that I would not think much of it either.
Glad you had an enjoyable time and glad that you made the effort to find out a little about the place before you went - that sure helps.
Its a pity that the Powers that Be are not making sure that tourists do realize that the GBR area has not been damaged by the cyclone except an area that you probably would not be seeing anyway. It seems that the bookings are down this year and I wonder if that is because they have an idea that accommodation and tourist spots have been blown away? It is a shame when the North Queensland winter is such a lovely time to go when all down south is shivering and cold. It should be looking lovely this year after all the rain that it has had.
Glad you had an enjoyable time and glad that you made the effort to find out a little about the place before you went - that sure helps.
Its a pity that the Powers that Be are not making sure that tourists do realize that the GBR area has not been damaged by the cyclone except an area that you probably would not be seeing anyway. It seems that the bookings are down this year and I wonder if that is because they have an idea that accommodation and tourist spots have been blown away? It is a shame when the North Queensland winter is such a lovely time to go when all down south is shivering and cold. It should be looking lovely this year after all the rain that it has had.
Jun 10th, 2006 | 03:57 AM
#11
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,680
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So right, Liz and Percy, I've had emails from US sympathizing with cyclone damage in "downtown" Cairns, when they're showing footage of Innisfail on TV. Cairns lost a few trees in Cyclone Larry, Port Douglas didn't lose a leaf on a tree. Then along came Cyclone Monica which came in well north of both areas, but did bring a lot of rain, which has done wonderful things for the rainforest and its wildlife. Locals appreciate the rain, so much of Queensland is still in drought, but media seems intent on making it seem like a disaster area. Not one life was lost in Cyclone Larry, which hit the small town of Innisfail as a Category 5, the town is well on its way to recovery due to enormous aid from the rest of the country.
Jun 10th, 2006 | 09:54 AM
#12
Joined: Jan 2005
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hi,I will be in Cairns in Oct for a couple of days with a tour. I know that the tour includes a day on Green Island.From what I've read on this forum this is not really what I want to see. I really want to go further out on the reef.What do you recomend? Should I go to Green Island and get a tour from there further out to the reef? How do I do this? Or would it be better to just take a tour from Cairns further out to the reef? If you only had one choice to make where would you go for the day? I am a certified diver but I haven't dove in many years so I was just thinking of snorkling. Would it be better to go to POrt Douglas? I think it sounds like there are more choices from there.I am so confused about what to do.I have wanted to go to the GBR all my life so I want to make the most out of this experience. Also,Is it really worth it to go on a helicopter ride over the GBR? About how much would it cost? Thanks somuch for your help.
Jun 10th, 2006 | 04:59 PM
#13
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,680
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If you've only got one shot at the reef, forget Green Island. Reef Magic out of Cairns would suit all your needs, snorkelling, and option of intro or certified diving with a heli-pad for short reef flights. www.reefmagiccruises.com
Ocean Spirit to Michaelmas Cay is another good reef trip out of Cairns - www.oceanspirit.com.au - no helicopter flights as the sand cay you snorkel from is also a nesting seabird colony. A helicopter landing would send the birds into pure panic.
If you do a web search you'll see there's a far greater selection of reef trips out of Cairns at better prices than from Port Douglas. Quicksilver out of Port Douglas does take more passengers per boat than any other trip though.
Ocean Spirit to Michaelmas Cay is another good reef trip out of Cairns - www.oceanspirit.com.au - no helicopter flights as the sand cay you snorkel from is also a nesting seabird colony. A helicopter landing would send the birds into pure panic.
If you do a web search you'll see there's a far greater selection of reef trips out of Cairns at better prices than from Port Douglas. Quicksilver out of Port Douglas does take more passengers per boat than any other trip though.
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