Sunday - Yorkeys Knob/Kuranda

Up and at it just after 6 a.m. and then finished up yesterday’s blog. Yes it happens when I am tired. We went up to the Spa Cafe and had a light breakfast & coffee. 

 We grabbed the backpack and headed to our tender station once again… off the ship at 9 o’clock after running into fellow cruisers Avis & George in the meet up area.  The 15 minute trip was slightly rough but not too bad overall. Our jump off point is Yorkey's Knob and after discussing trip plans, we will now share an Uber with Avis & George as they are winging it with a possible tram ride to Kuranda. As this is our destination, we asked if they wanted to tag along with us. 

After a short wait for the Uber, we quickly arrived at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station which was only about 10 minute drive away. (Uber $16.57) Avis & George managed to get tickets and we were all quickly loaded onto the tram right away. 

 

 

There are two stops along the tram route with the first having a tram car change as well. The first stop was the Boardwalk & Lookout which took us on a short walkabout around the top of the hill, featuring several huge Kapok trees over 400 years old, then to a nice lookout with views of the rainforest. The most interesting thing we found was that in an effort to reach sunlight, plants & trees would grow within the branches of other trees, sort of like a nurse tree we have on the west coast.

 

Going up to the top.

Viewpoint

Ferns growing out of a tree.

Kapok Tree

Luckily nothing on here of any concern!

We spent 15 minutes walking around and then rejoined the next section of tram to yet another stop at the Edge lookout over the Barron Falls. This stop was optional as you could remain on the tram and skip it but we really wanted to see it. After a short walk that led us to the viewpoint, we had a fantastic view of the falls. It was spectacular and really showed the power of water to carve out rock.

 

Barron Falls

Gorge

Our final stop was the village of Kuranda that featured shops and eateries along with Butterfly, Bird and Koala exhibitions. A bit touristy but had a mellow vibe to it all. We wandered the streets and found a nice place to enjoy a refreshing beverage and some lunch. 

 

Barron River

Lost hikers

 

Vine pods

 

Following lunch we continued our walk about with Kelly and Avis bobbing in and out of shops.  (Groups of men gathered outside!) We also found the Market that leads to the exhibitions so both George & Avis did the Koala tour as they had never seen an actual Koala in person.

 

Wall Art

 We eventually returned to the Sky Rail Station in Kuranda and queued up for our return to the Skyrail Rainforest Station near Smithfield. Lots of people heading back this time. 

We hailed an Uber and returned to the main parking lot at "the knob" at 4 P.M.  Back on the ship at 4:25 and after a lumpy tender crossing.  Kelly survived!!!

Back on the ship, we showered and headed down for our daily happy hour which luckily runs for two hours between 5-7 p.m. (This is when "Elite" status and higher receive complimentary beverages... just one of our perks)

We exited the elevator with plans to go to the Martini Bar but noticed a sign at the Club which was hosting a meet up of all Elite and higher guests... who knew! In we went and spotted Avis & George along with Bill & Noelene at one of the tables. We were quickly invite to join them and we spent the next couple hours trading cruise stories and life events. It was a lot of fun.

At 7 p.m. we all split up as Kelly and I headed to the show in the theater. It featured a singer named Jeroen Robben and he was good. Unfortunately the volume seems to be just shy of ear piercing so that was a distraction from an otherwise good performance. A common theme with all the shows we have seen so far.

The show finished up just before 8 p.m. and we then went to dinner in the Bistro that featured the La Petite Chef. We had been offered 50% off of the dinner but the only catch was it was late which we try not to do... but we wanted to try it and besides, it was "On Sale"!  This was a digital display that is presented on the white table top and coincides with the dishes being served. It was fun to watch and the food was excellent although I could have eaten more! 

A short seven second video of the salad being made....... enjoy! 

At the end of the video presentation the salad is served.

 

After dinner we walked around a bit but as it was late Sunday, all the onboard shops were close including the casino. So we headed back to the room to blog and get ready for bed. It was a very enjoyable day.

Tomorrow's plan is to tender in and take the shuttle into Cairns... look around & have lunch? Rain in the forecast.... arghh!

Step count 9,600