Kuranda

Trinity Beach

We leave our apartment in Port Douglas before 9am and head south to the village of Kuranda. On the way we make a brief stop to walk around Trinity Beach. During WWII, the beautiful beach was used by the Allies to practice amphibious landings.

Birdworld

We leave the coast and drive up and up a surpentine highway into the Kuranda Range to arrive at Kuranda Village. Originally we were going to take the train from Cairns here and the SkyTrain Cable Car back but the SkyTrain is closed for maintenance for a few weeks.

Right away I have a favourable impression of Kuranda Village as I hear a cacaphony of loud screeches from the sky, I look up and see a flock of white cockatoos flying past.

One of the highlights of Kuranda Village is Bird World. Birdworld is a large enclosed area where all kinds of birds fly free. You can feed the birds who are not shy about being hand fed. They advise that most people spend twenty to forty minutes but you can stay as long as you want.   

I know, we just had a day of bird interactions yesterday but one can never have too much bird interaction time.

As soon as we enter, we are surrounded by birds: bright macaws, all sorts of cockatoos, lorikeets, ducks and more.  John hands me the bag of mixed types of bird food. He says he prefers to take pictures more than feed.

We go around the path once, also checking out the water birds, finches and large Cassowary. At one point I have three yellow fronted Amazon parrots all over me. I am in ecstasy. Click here for a short video. 

This is so awesome that I decide to do the path  a second time. We are followed by some ducks. One tries to get John’s attention. I love the feel of the duck’s beak on my palm as he eats. These ducks also let out the cutest squeaks. They sound like a squeaky toy. Click here for a short video.

We have now been here for over an hour. I cannot get enough. I am about to suggest going around a third time.

Apparently John can get enough. I agree to leave when the bag of bird food is done. John suddenly starts feeding the birds.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

We stop and buy John a Kangaroo leather travel hat in one of the market stalls. This will be perfect for our adventures. 

Our next stop is the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. This sanctuary is also well done.Soon after we enter, butterflies start to land on John. They seem attracted to him.

There are so many beautiful and colourful butterflies. They also have a butterfly nursery and a fairy garden for small butterflies.

We next head across the street for a coffee (ok, I had salted caramel ice cream). Our timing is perfect because just as we sit down, the heavens open and heavy rain comes down.

Barron Falls Lookout and Boardwalk

The rain mostly stops by the time we walk to the car. It starts again as we drive off to Barron Falls Lookout (and path). However it is stopped when we arrive.

“Let me get my raincoat out of my suitcase.” I request.

“No, it’s stopped raining” John replies.

“I don’t think so”, I reply.

” You’ll be fine”.

Shortly after starting the boardwalk through the rainforest it starts to rain. The walk is a lot longer than I expected. The views are good.  Apparently the falls are spectacular in the rainy season when much more water is coming down the river.

A little damp, we drive to Cairns and check into our accommodation. It is a spacious apartment with a kitchen.

John returns the rental car to the airport and we call it a night.