Kuranda - Train, Kangaroos and Koalas (Australia Part 4)

We traveled by train from Cairns to Kuranda - on the route that was built for the gold mines. Several workers died during the construction. Small towns soon emerged where supply stations were located, and they continued to exist even after the gold rush.

On the scenic route, which included 55 bridges and 15 tunnels, we also passed a waterfall where we could briefly stop for some photos.

In Kuranda, we initially strolled through the downtown area, which was filled with souvenir shops and restaurants catering to the masses of visitors. We wanted to eat at a creperie. However, after waiting for our order for three-quarters of an hour, we had to leave without food because we would have missed our shuttle bus... As consolation, we got an ice cream to go.

The bus took us to the RainForeStation, where visitor groups were guided through a small zoo, a tour of the rainforest in an 'army duck' vehicle, and demonstrations of Aboriginal dance and culture.

There were also kangaroos roaming freely, which we could feed and pet as they approached us in the hopes of food.

We also saw some lizards and saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.

In one enclosure, there were koalas who were surprisingly active considering they normally sleep for 18-20 hours a day...

On our tour with the 'army duck', we ventured into the rainforest. We initially traveled on land and then through the water on this amphibious vehicle from the 1940s to observe plants and animals. However, only two animals showed up: a lizard and a spider - which didn't surprise us considering the noise and smell the vehicle made...

However, the driver's explanations were very interesting and entertaining. We were also lucky because we were just one vehicle ahead of the one that broke down and blocked the road...

On the way back, we didn't take the train but the Skyrail, a cable car that floats above the treetops of the rainforest. We had a beautiful view of the landscape and got to see the rainforest from above.