Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns Queensland

I have spent the last few days exploring the Daintree Rainforest (the world’s oldest rainforest) from the ground; now it was time to see it from above the canopy level. Fortunately the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is located just outside of Cairns.

This is one of the do not miss Daintree Rainforest experiences. 7.5 Km of cable opened in 1995 and now brings passengers from near sea level up to 545 meters at its highest spot. Cable cars are becoming more innovative these days – select cars have a glass floor so you can look down on the passing canopy. And other cars (available starting April 2014) are completely open to the air – more like open cages hanging from the rails.

Three stations are located along the length of the cable – local Djabugay Aboriginal guides can be arranged to guide you at the first two stops. Being in this incredible bio diverse rich region is a fantastic experience in and of itself, but having a guide with you who grew up in the area and has an intimate relationship with this particular rainforest is a valuable asset.

Jeremy, a local aboriginal guide provided unique insights into the rainforest. He pointed out a red berry which if you crush it and put the juice in a drink, you will go blind for up to two days. Not a nice party trick. Or the “wait-a-while” vine with its razor sharp thorns – you get hooked by this, you “wait a while” and slowly remove yourself – rather than running!

After a visit here it becomes clear why film scouts for the Avatar movie visited this location via the tramway several times prior to their filming. Giant trees, a thick canopy, waterfalls and exotic Jurassic looking landscape are all part of this ecosystem.

The last stop is within a short walking distance of the charming town of Kuranda. In the 1970’s this became somewhat of an arts and market community with a number of vendors and artisans setting up shop. Today there are plenty of boutique shops focusing on artisan products as well as numerous dining options. Look for Mango and other exotic fruit wine tasting and delicious home-made ice cream from the Kuranda Ice Cream truck.

Visitor’s can return via the Cableway or elect to go back via a 90 minute train ride through the rainforest (buses connect passengers from the train back to the Skyrail parking lot).

Visit: www.skyrail.com.au

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