The train did not stop at Stony Creek Falls - I presume to stop people trying to get off; the bridge is not designed for that purpose. However, the speed was quite slow to give us all a chance to enjoy the view.
The view inside our carriage. It's decorated in the style of carriages
of its time, but with a few added touches, such as a public address system,
and noticable on the left at the top of the wall is an LCD monitor which
had a running commentary (and advertisements) as we went along.
There is no air conditioning (and hence it's a good idea to catch the
morning train, before the day is too hot!), but it does have opening
windows, which are great for photographers!
Looking back to the Stony Creek Falls and bridge, which is better seen in the
selected view.
Looking back down the Barron Gorge - the Barron River is seen in the middle
of the image, although it's not easy to see in the small image. Also visible
is the Coral Sea, with Cairns behind the double humped mountain in the
middle of the image.
The train keeps climbing.
Difficult to see, but down there is the Barron Falls power station. Or
rather the second one. The original one was built near the base of the Falls,
but has been abandoned for many years. Originally opened for use in 1935, it
was in use until 1960 when the station shown here was opened. This station
generates 60MW, whereas the original station could produce only 3.8MW. There is
an amusing story of one person's
exploration of the original station.
The lowest section of Barron Falls, not otherwise visible from the station later on.
A
closer view
is also available.
Robb's Monument, named after the builder of the line. The close up shows
tenacity of nature
when new growth finds a foothold.
The train at Barron Falls Station. This is from almost the back of the train,
and you can see how many people are on the train - quite a few, but fortunately
not full.
A full frontal view of Barron Falls.
A view of part of the Falls - showing the effects of the huge water flows
during the wet season. Where the water hits the rocks below, it will wear
the rock away leaving a crater, visible here in the background.
Almost time to depart, as the lack of people on the platform shows.
On The Train
Kuranda
