Page 31 - EV

Kuranda Railway.
Set sail
With its crystal-clear waters, the Cairns coast is an exceptional location from which to hoist the sails. From single-day adventures to more lengthy onboard stays, sailing tours from Cairns offer the exhilaration of the open sea combined with below-deck comfort and are ideal for those looking for a more intimate holiday experience.
Sailing tours can be perfect for smaller groups, and many tour packages allow you to customise your time on the water. You may also have the chance to visit quieter parts of the Great Barrier Reef. Typical sailing tour activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and, of course, helping sail the vessel, if you’re up for it.
Overnight sailing tours are a local specialty, and many depart daily from the port of Cairns. Overnighting on
the Great Barrier Reef is a true holiday highlight and a unique way to experience this world wonder’s natural beauty. Overnight sailing tours include meals and accommodation on the yacht. Prices start from approximately $330 per person.
Ride the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway
Take the world-famous kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns to kuranda – the village in the rainforest. This nearly two- hour heritage train trip takes you past stunning waterfalls, over wide ravines and through some of the most spectacular tropical rainforest in Queensland. Built
from 1886 to 1891, the kuranda Scenic Railway is a feat of engineering – even by today’s standards. Prices for a one-way trip start at $50 for adults, $25 for children and $125 for families. Book at www.ksr.com.au.
On arrival in kuranda, you’ll find a
pretty village featuring a tempting array of activities, restaurants and shops –
it’s the perfect place to spend the day. Animal lovers will enjoy the kuranda koala Gardens or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, while the many cafes, coffee shops and restaurants provide a welcome chance to stop and relax. You can literally spend hours shopping in kuranda – clothing, lollies, art and craft, souvenirs and jewellery are just some of the items
on offer in the village’s many quaint boutiques. For those who love to fossick, don’t miss the kuranda Original Rainforest Market and the kuranda Heritage Markets – both open every day.
Many visitors to Cairns combine a trip
on the kuranda Scenic Railway with a
ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Located in Barron Gorge National Park and operating between kuranda and Smithfield ( just 15 minutes from Cairns), the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes visitors on an incredible seven-and-a-half- kilometre journey over pristine rainforest in a gondola-style cabin. Stop off at Barron Falls Station and experience spectacular views of Barron Gorge, a deep chasm lined with dense rainforest vegetation. Alight
at Red Peak Station (545 metres above sea level) to stroll on the boardwalk through
Look down on Cairns from a hot air balloon.
ToUrS
There are more than 600 tours that depart from Cairns every day! here are our top three:
1. Learn about Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples on a tour of Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Day and evening tours offer unique insight into one of the world’s oldest cultures and feature dance performances, storytelling, boomerang throwing, fire-making and more. Prices start at $60 per adult and $40 per child.
2. Experience the beauty of Cairns at dusk on a harbour and sunset cruise. Priced from $44 per adult, $22 per child and $110 for families, these cruises depart daily at 5.30pm and include a complimentary drink on deck before departure. Enjoy stunning views as the sun sets against the backdrop of the mountains. you might even see a local saltwater croc basking in the last of the day’s rays.
3. Take to the sky in a hot-air balloon over Cairns and the nearby Atherton Tablelands. float high above rainforest-fringed mountains and watch as the sun rises in the beautiful tropical sky. Enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views and see whether you
can spot a wallaby or two from the air. operating daily, hot-air-balloon tours start at $235 per person.
A trip to Cairns can be as busy or as
carefree as you desire. in addition to diving, snorkelling and sailing, other water-based activities on offer locally include whitewater rafting, kitesurfing and fishing. on dry
land, try a four-wheel-drive tour, enjoy a
spot of birdwatching, go trekking through the rainforest or simply stroll around this walkable city and soak up the tropical vibe. if a warm and vibrant destination with countless options sounds like your kind of holiday, Cairns should definitely be on your list!
EnDLESS hoLiDAy 29