Again we were off not long after 8.00, and this time down the road to Freshwater, just north of Cairns, where we hopped on the Kuranda Scenic Railway for the trip up to Kuranda. This amazing 37km railroad took over 5 years to build up through the Barron Gorge to Kuranda, and 26 years to complete in its entirety through the Tablelands to Herberton. It was a slow windy trip up with 14 carriages, at some stages such a bend you had great views of the brightly coloured engines and many of the front carriages. The train goes over 55 bridges, through 15 handcarved 
tunnels and around 98 curves, ascending 327 metres. I
t was amazing to think it was all done with dynamite, picks and shovels, tools the workers (up to 1500 at a time) had to provide themselves. The train stopped at Barron Falls Station for 10 minutes to give us some stunning views of Barron Falls, 329m above sea level and with a 265m drop.
tunnels and around 98 curves, ascending 327 metres. I
t was amazing to think it was all done with dynamite, picks and shovels, tools the workers (up to 1500 at a time) had to provide themselves. The train stopped at Barron Falls Station for 10 minutes to give us some stunning views of Barron Falls, 329m above sea level and with a 265m drop.Arriving at Kuranda, we wandered the markets for nearly two hours, with the kids picking up some wee souvenirs, then after a quick picnic lunch, we boarded the SkyRail to descend. The SkyRail has 114 gondolas which skim the rainforest for 7.5kms from Kuranda down to Caravonica. It took a year to construct, with all of the 33 towers being lifted in by helicopter to minimise damage to the rainforest. We managed to spot some turtles far below on a trunk as we went over the Barron River, and enjoyed 
the view of the rainforest from above. We stopped at the Barron Falls Station for some more views of the Falls. We also hopped off at Red Peak Station, the highest point
on the SkyRail at 545m, to wander through the rainforest, before the last descent with great views of Cairns and surrounding areas.
the view of the rainforest from above. We stopped at the Barron Falls Station for some more views of the Falls. We also hopped off at Red Peak Station, the highest point
on the SkyRail at 545m, to wander through the rainforest, before the last descent with great views of Cairns and surrounding areas.After picking up the cars, it was back up the road to the pool, catching the last of the day's sun.
After dinner, we all headed into Port Douglas for a spot of cane toad racing at a local bar. It was very funny watching the 6 cane toads racing in two races, and even more so to get the chance to pick them up afterwards, which the kids, Dad and Grumps all enjoyed!
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