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by Spcredoni
Honolulu, Hawaii
April 15, 2011
From journal Australia
by JHamilton
Bloomington, Minnesota
July 6, 2005
From journal Great Barrier Reef at Port Douglas
by txblue
Carrollton, Texas
April 12, 2005
From journal 10 Days in Australia
by nmagann
Ventura, California
March 18, 2005
The train moves slowly through beautiful, lush mountains, complete with bridges, waterfalls, and 15 tunnels, for approximately 45 minutes. Bench seats are very comfortable, and windows open for clear picture-taking. Restrooms and drinking water are provided onboard. A map with points of interest and history are provided to read. Some of the points of interest are:
Horseshoe Bend, a 180-degree curve where you begin steep ascent Tunnel 6, where bandits held up the train as recent in 1973 Jungara, where the largest field hospital was located for WWII Barron Falls, so spectacular, the train stops to let visitors off Tunnel 15, the longest on the stretch at 490m with three curves
Kuranda Village seems to have stepped out from a page in a history book or fairytale land. In the midst of the rain forest with a river appearing like a protective moat lay a quaint village with outdoor markets and animal parks that look nothing like a zoo or other such enclosure.
Koala Garden was a big favorite. I not only got see koalas perched between branches, sleeping, but I also opted to have my picture taken holding one. I was quite impressed to learn that Australian law dictates that koalas cannot be held for more than 30 minutes, and after a certain number of days of this, must be off for several days. This park has so many koalas (over a 100) that koala cuddling is always available here. Someone stands you in position and places your arms in the precise position to accept one of these sleeping darlings in order to have your picture taken. I also learned that, unlike dolphins in captivity, these circumstances do not shorten the koala’s life expectancy. Otherwise, like the dolphin encounters, I would not have participated. I love animals and would like to touch some and get closer, but not to the point of risking their lives.
The koalas had to come first, but there is so much more in the Koala Gardens. A walkway leading down from the koala photo kiosk takes you into a small open park with roaming varieties of kangaroo and wallabies. Here I had the pleasure, definite pleasure, of petting an adorable soft wallaby stretched out in the shade of tree. Other animals were hiding in the shade of small bridge or under the deck.
And this is only the first park within the park.
From journal Reef to Rainforest
by aussiemate
Melbourne, Australia
July 24, 2001
We ended up passing the time quite quickly between buying postcards and having a light lunch. The Tjapukai theater, located next to the main entrance for the Skyrail is also worth a look if you have time. We opted instead to take the rainforest walk, so we didn't have time for the theater.
From journal Cairns, more than just the Reef
by currywm
Philo, Illinois
January 7, 2001
From journal Far North Queensland