Tablelands

Another day, another direction. This time west, up to the tablelands where there is a large waterfall and several lakes in former volcanoes.

Top of waterfall over rocky ledge

The very top of the Barron Falls, near Kuranda. Being at the end of the wet season, the falls are not in great flow. And add to that the hydroelectric power station which siphons off water, and you get the trickle shown here.

Teenager dwarfed by tree roots

This is me - the tiny little figure at the bottom. The "tree" behind is mostly a strangler fig, a tree which takes over and eventually kills a host tree. Ah, the vigour of tropical forests.

Sign for Lake Eacham and volcanic lake behind

This is one of the volcanic lakes. As the (pre-metric) sign says, Lake Eacham has an average depth of 480 feet (about 150m).

Man standing in low density forest, dwarfed by trees

This appears to be Dad, standing amongst some very tall trees. Probably at Lake Eachem.

Restaurant and accomodation buildings on edge of lake

Another volcanic lake - Lake Barrine, and it's facilities.

Lush, dense vegetation

Such colorful and dense vegetation - definitely in the tropics.

Territorial view, distance hard to discern

Well, this could be just about anywhere. I would guess that it's on the way back down to Cairns, which is probably in the distance, with the dark band being the course of the Barron River.

Train To Kuranda

One of the major attractions around Cairns is the train ride up to Kuranda. The line was a major piece of construction, given the terrain - up the Barron River valley, climbing along the mountain the whole way.

View from train of waterfall over very steep rocks and under train bridge

The Stony Creek Falls flow under the rail line via the bridge in the bottom of the picture. You can see how steep the terrain is, and what a feat building the line turned into.

Thin waterfalling over vertical rocky crag

Fortunately, there is a train station at Barron Falls! Specially for tourists to get out and view the falls. As mentioned above, there is a very low water flow at this time of the year. And the train station has a better view of the falls than visible from the road.

Empty track and train station bursting with plants

The famous Kurana Railway Station, which is now the end of the line. I suspect it's only use now is for tourists, and there are plenty of them! Even at this early stage of tourism to the area. And now there is also a cable car service available to return to sea level.

Train station with diesel rail motor

Another view of the station with the train in which we came up. It appears to be a diesel rail motor. Current trains are much longer - I guess tourism really has increased.

View of city over wing of plane

The return journey to Brisbane begins. This is most likely Cairns, although it could be Townsville, but I don't think so; Townsville Airport is on much flatter land.

Back

Cairns and North