Kuranda

Arriving at Freshwater Station at 9:00 a.m. to catch the 9:50 a.m. Kuranda Scenic Train, we were just in time to watch the departure of the earlier train. The throng of passengers were accommodated by the very long train with the original carriages. The engine was decorated with a snake believed to have gouged the river and created the gorge to reflect the cultural traditions of the local indigenous people.

The station has a museum, eating area, local identity "Red" Lynch's cottage as well as the ubiquitious souvenir shop. Some feedback to the rail management needs to happen - explicit sign-posting would help alleviate confusion and more details from booking agents would also be helpful.

Once again, the area is alive with healthy, tropical plants and a resident green tree frog called Freshy that basks in the warmth of a wall lamp whilst posing for photographs from the awaiting passengers.

Much excitement abounds as the approaching train shunts to the platform where designated carriage signs stop the rush for seats which have been assigned beforehand. Getting onto the train was really difficult and painful because the steps have no slope - Robert ended up giving me a push so that I could get on board. I think my knee has sustained another injury but the trip was worth it.

We sat with a family from Germany and had several entertaining conversations on the way up to Kuranda. The teenagers had asked for a trip to Australia as a gift from their parents after their confirmation. I'm sure the son is very disappointed this morning as Spain beat Germany in the soccer last night and he was so confident that Germany would win.

The commentary on the trip was informative. Picks and shovels with some dynamite blasting were used by the men to dig the 15 tunnels and many cuttings to allow the train to travel up the mountain to Kuranda. The bridges are also another feature to admire. Once again, it's difficult to imagine the lives of those people, who endured hardship, life-threatening situations and diseases although the 20 something pubs along the way may have alleviated some of the hard work.

After 90 minutes we arrived at Kuranda Station, a picturesque historical station with a long platform. It was easier alighting from the train and there was a lift to the upper road!