Judy & Brian Tour Oz: Cairns Qld. July 28, 2015

Cairns Qld. July 28, 2015

We started off on a lazy sort of day. It's not cold, nor is it hot. Nor is it bright and sunny, but threatening rain all day, not that there's much difference between 99% humidity and actual rain.

We thought we'd go and take the skyrail ride through the treetops up to Kuranda and visit the butterfly house. We arrived at the terminus at exactly the same time as 27 busloads of pre-booked tourists from the Pacific Dawn cruise ship arrived, and so naturally enough, we decided that it would be better tomorrow.

Undaunted we were sort of heading toward town when we got side-tracked up to a previously unheard of place called Crystal Cascades. It's yet another walk along a gorge through rainforest, but this one is rather pleasant. You are walking on a wide smooth concrete driveway, well above the rushing rapids and inviting swimming holes. There are well made viewing platforms and stairs and people are encouraged to go swimming, which would be mighty inviting on a hot day. Nothing stops the backpackers though, and a few hardy souls had braved the waters (perhaps this is their substitute for a daily shower?)

If you look closely, you can still see the two pipelines that were Cairns water supply in the early 20th century and which are still in use. This explains the driveway and easy access.

Apart from the lush rainforest growth, there are numerous side creeks bubbling their way down into the gorge and one of the 'cutest' little waterfalls I've seen. I'd go out on a limb and say that this gorge is a heap better than the famed Mossman Gorge, which we have visited a few times over the last few years.

After the Crystal Cascades, we headed down toward the Freshwater railway station to sort out our tour for tomorrow. We were the only ones there and the lady was very pleasant and relaxed - what a contrast to the mayhem and crush at the Skyrail terminal.

Time for lunch, and we went back to a pleasant looking hotel back in Redlynch. Judy ordered 'Sliders' for lunch, thinking she would get one roll sort of thing with pulled pork upon it. I ordered the club sandwich. As a treat we had garlic bread first, but forgot to order the obligatory chips. Just as well. Judy's meal consisted of not one, but five rolls, each with a different filling. Speaking of filling, I was struggling with my huge triple decker chicken club sandwich, which came with chips of course, and I swear Judy looked like she was going to explode! But hey, when the food is this good, you just can't leave it on the plate. No dinner for us tonight!

We also 'discovered' the Big 4 caravan park hidden behind Redlynch and up toward the Cascades. Its just a lovely relaxed park and we'd have to seriously consider coming here if / when we come back up this way.

Some snaps from the gorge: