New Zealand – Australia Part 8

Arrived in Cairns in the early evening. The view from our hotel balcony.

Same balcony.

On the boat the next morning to spend the day on the Great Barrier Reef.

Looking back at the city of Cairns.

The city is far behind us.

A quick stop at the Green Island Resort.

Those going into the water had to put on outfits to totally cover

themselves for protection from the stinging jelly fish.

The platform was floating on pontoons These are only permitted is a small area of the reef.

We took the submarine ride. A lot of colorful coral but much was bleached.

Rising temperatures and greater acidity due to CO2 is the cause.

In addition to snorkeling one could go scuba diving as well but only in a very limited area.

Returned to Cairns, had dinner and shopped a bit.

There was a swimming spot near the harbor being enjoyed by many.

As we enjoyed the view from our balcony, bats by the

hundreds came from somewhere and flew past.

On the bus the next morngin to ride a train.

Homes along the way.

We will ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Australian Ibis.

The train has arrived.

Lots of room on board.

Nice development as we start out.

The train is quite long.

Up we go.

The entire railroad was built by hand.

Lush rain forests surround us.

Pretty spot.

Much higher.

And higher yet.

We arrive at Kuranda Village. Small and tuned to tourists. We had a German lunch.

Lots of small shops.

We go down on cable cars.

Over the river and over the woods too.

This might be Barron Falls

Lush.

We got off the cable car to explore a bit of the rain forest.

A Kauri Pine. They have no lower branches but grow to 50 meters.

Still up in the air.

Flowers awaited us at the bottom. So did some ice cream.

Back to the hotel for a rest and then a walk about before dinner.

We found the trees where the bats hang out.