Travel - Sara Shantelle Lim Travels to Sydney & Cairns Australia
on Singapore Airlines Business Class
Cairns Night Flea Market, Kuranda Railway Station,
Crocodiles at Daintree Rainforest, Palm Cove Beach, Prawn Star
Port Douglas, Dundee's at Cairns Aquarium, Rocco and Paper Crane at Ridley Hotel
(Part 2 - Cairns)
Read Part 1 - SYDNEY - click here -
What to do in Cairns? Lists of Things to Do in Cairns.
Cairns 6 Days 5 Nights Travel Itinerary and Travel Guide.
Cairns Night Markets
"The Flea Market" & Food Court
54-60 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
nightmarkets.com.au
Is Cairns safe at night?
Cairns is a relatively safe city, but late-night muggings and assaults do happen.
What is the most famous scenic place near Cairns?
No wonder Cairns graces the list of Australia's most popular tourist destinations.
1 Great Barrier Reef Cruises & Scenic Flights.
2 Cairns Esplanade.
3 Cairns Botanic Gardens.
4 Day Trip to Kuranda.
5 Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
6 Barron Gorge National Park.
7 Day Trip to Green Island.
8 Day Trip to Fitzroy Island.
What is the best month to visit Cairns?
Best time to visit Cairns for...
Beaches: With a temperatures of 25-31℃ throughout the year, Cairns is good for beaches any time of the year, though it is best from June to October when it's the driest.
Snorkelling: Snorkelling is good all year round though, the wet season between December and May will likely find you the best deals.
How many days do you need in Cairns?
Recommended Cairns Itineraries for 1, 3 and 5 days. Australia's most popular tropical getaway destination, Cairns owes a huge part of its popularity to its proximity to the wondrous Great Barrier Reef as well as a wide array of adventure activities.
The Best Places to Stay around Cairns and Port Douglas
Cairns Harbour Lights.
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.
Fitzroy Island Resort.
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa.
Peppers Beach Club & Spa.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve.
Coconut Grove.
Silly Oaks Lodge.
Can you swim in Cairns?
You don't have to swim at the beach, there are plenty of safe, beautiful swimming pools, fresh water swimming holes, waterfalls and secret jungle pools to enjoy around Cairns and Port Douglas.
How far is it from Cairns to Sydney?
1218 miles
The calculated flying distance from Sydney to Cairns is equal to 1218 miles which is equal to 1961 km. If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Sydney and Cairns is 2416.13 km.
Kuranda Railway Station + Kuranda Mountain Top
126/142 Bunda St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Located in: Cairns Central Shopping Centre
https://www.skyrail.com.au
https://www.kuranda.org/listing/kuranda-scenic-railway
The Kuranda Scenic Railway is the name for the railway line that runs from the coastal city of Cairns, Queensland, Australia, over the Great Dividing Range to the town of Kuranda on the Atherton Tableland.
KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY
The Original Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular journey comprising unsurpassed views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the World Heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park.
This famous railway winds its way on a journey from Cairns to Kuranda. The journey to Kuranda takes approximately 2 hours, which includes a 10-minute stop at the spectacular Barron Falls Station for a bird’s eye view of the Barron Falls. Passing through 15 hand carved tunnels, 37 bridges, spectacular waterfalls and into the stunning Barron Gorge.
Choose from Heritage or Gold Class travel to discover this famous railway journey. Being one with the rainforest as you undertake an unforgettable journey is what makes Kuranda Scenic Railway such a must-do experience.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway operates daily all year, except Christmas Day.
Discover the warm ambience of 100-year-old carriages with individual lounge-style chairs and dedicated host service. Your Gold Class journey includes morning or afternoon tea featuring a selection of Queensland and local Tablelands produce such as Gallo Dairyland Cheese, Skybury Coffee, Wondaree Macadamias, Mango to Go (100% pure mango treat), freshly baked muffins, Sirromet wines and Great Northern Brewing Company Super Crisp Lager as well as a complimentary gift pack.
10-minute stop at the spectacular Barron Falls Station for a bird’s eye view of the Barron Falls
Are there toilets on the Kuranda train?
There are toilets on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and while you are exploring Skyrail there are bathrooms located at Smithfield Terminal, Kuranda Terminal and at both the stops - Red Peak and Barron Falls - along the way! There are toilets on the train but not on the sky rail. The sky rail is a gondola that seats 6.
How far is Cairns to Kuranda?
The distance between Cairns and Kuranda is 18 km. The road distance is 29.7 km.
What days are the Kuranda markets on?
The Kuranda Heritage Market is open every day from 9:30am to 3:30pm, with a wide range of stalls offering locally-produced souvenirs, art & craft, jewellery, gemstones & clothing.
This 127-year-old railway is considered an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude even today. The railway is now Heritage Listed and a National Engineering Landmark. The Kuranda Station is world renowned for its tropical gardens and historic significance. It is possibly one of the most photographed railway stations in the world! The heritage-listed buildings blend with the tropical surrounds providing a relaxed environment to enjoy. The Kuranda Railway Tea Rooms at the station offer a great range of souvenirs and refreshments.
Bookings are highly recommended. Combine your journey aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway with a Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience. Allow plenty of free time in Kuranda to explore.
Kuranda Railway Station
Platform 1
TO KURANDA TIMETABLE
Depart Cairns station 8.30am & 9.30am
Depart Freshwater station 8.55am & 9.55am*
Arrive Kuranda 10.25am & 11.25am
FROM KURANDA TIMETABLE
Depart Kuranda 2.00pm & 3.30pm*
Arrive Freshwater 3.32pm & 5.02pm
Arrive Cairns 3.55pm & 5.25pm
*Gold Class is available on selected departures
ADMISSION - ONE-WAY
Adult $50
Child [4-14 yrs] $25
Family [2A + 2C] $125
How much is Kuranda Scenic Railway?
Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway Prices
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Kuranda Scenic Railway
With One Way Pick Up from Cairns accommodation to Skyrail's Smithfield terminal
Adult $116.50
With return transfers: Cairns & Beaches accommodation $128.00
With return transfers: Port Douglas accommodation $157.00
How long does Kuranda Scenic Railway take?
approximately 2 hours
The journey to Kuranda takes approximately 2 hours, which includes a 10-minute stop at the spectacular Barron Falls Station for a bird's eye view of the Barron Falls. Passing through 15 hand carved tunnels, 37 bridges, spectacular waterfalls and into the stunning Barron Gorge.
What can you do in Kuranda for free?
Top 6 Things To Do In Kuranda
#1 Kuranda Koala Gardens & Birdworld.
#2 3-in-1 Combo Pass: Koala Gardens, Birdworld & Butterfly Sanctuary.
#3 Kuranda Koala Gardens Admission.
#4 Kuranda Village & Tjapukai Aboriginal Park Day Tour.
#5 Kuranda & Hartley's Crocodile Adventure.
#6 Rainforestation Nature Park, Butterfly Sanctuary & Kuranda Village.
Huge Crocodiles at Daintree Rainforest Swamps
Are there crocodiles in the Daintree River?
YES. I saw a HUGE one! Scroll down to see a picture of it!
In the Daintree River alone, there are thought to be around 70 adult crocodiles, a number that has increasingly grown over the past 30 years. Today, the area is popular for crocodile spotting thanks to its ever-growing number of these ancient creatures, and for its close proximity to Cairns.
Can you swim in the Daintree River?
There are few other safe places to swim in the Daintree lowlands. Walk upstream along the creek for about 400 metres through the lowland rainforest until you reach the deeper pools.
Is the Daintree rainforest dangerous?
The Daintree Rainforest is also home to some dangerous plants. Stinging Plant: Normally found along tracks and clearings It has fine poisonous hairs on its heart-shaped leaves that penetrate the skin and cause severe irritation. ... As well as being damaging to the environment you may get sap on your skin.
The Salt Water Crocodiles of the Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is one of Australia’s greatest natural wonders, promising lush greenery and breath-taking views across the ancient scenery. Amidst it all, there is a plethora of animal life, including the crocodile – perhaps the most magnificent creature in this region.
The crocs that live in the Daintree are saltwater crocs, where the males measure between 5-6 metres, and the females come in at a still-impressive 3 metres in length. In the Daintree River alone, there are thought to be around 70 adult crocodiles, a number that has increasingly grown over the past 30 years. Today, the area is popular for crocodile spotting thanks to its ever-growing number of these ancient creatures, and for its close proximity to Cairns.
You might think it’s dangerous getting up close and personal with these predators in their natural habitat but, since crocodile spotting has been a key activity here since the 70s, the crocs are used to the whir of boats on their waters and crowds gawping at them over the side of the deck.
The History of the Saltwater Crocodiles
Saltwater Crocodiles are one of the oldest creatures to walk the planet. They first appeared over 240 million years ago, which was during the Mesozoic Era, i.e. the time of the dinosaurs. While others have evolved into different shapes and forms, the crocs stuck have stuck to the same structure for the last 200 million years. Many wonders how the crocodiles survive while the dinosaurs did not, with many theories answering them. One of the theories is due to their blood, most particularly how they were cold-blooded creatures. Scientists have discovered the majority of dinosaurs were warm-blooded, meaning they had to constantly eat to fuel their metabolisms while they absorbed heat slowly. During the cold and dark conditions following the Yucatan meteor, many warm-blooded creatures did not survive, whereas the crocodiles could withstand. Another theory suggests it was due to them being freshwater creatures, as rivers and lakes were less impacted by the meteor.
They have a strong link with the Aboriginal Community
The crocs have been a prominent part of Australian culture for centuries and have even been a major part of Aboriginal culture. In the past, these creatures were believed to hold bad spirits, hence why they were banished to the saltwater streams around Australia.
Saltwater Crocodiles Feeding and Hunting
Due to their impressive size, they are marked at the very top of the food chain. But, amazingly, this isn’t the only reason for them being the top dogs. First, their bite is a significant advantage, with around 68 deadly teeth, and the ability to exert two tonnes of pressure with a single bite. They are even known to have a distinctive hunting move which involves their ability to lock their prey in their jaw. This is called the ‘death roll’, which essentially involves the crocs to snatch up their prey in their mouth, and to aggressively roll rapidly in the water to remove the limbs of the prey. This
This is a hunting behaviour the crocs are famous for; the death roll. and involves literally rolling rapidly in the water in order to remove the limbs of its prey. Literally ripping the carcase apart, as the crocodile’s teeth are only built for gripping, and not ripping.
They can be incredibly sneaky predators, camouflaging themselves in the murky green to brown waters of the tropics, that blends perfectly with their own hide. Despite their size, they can be quick, usually slowly sneaking up to their prey and darting out of the water before anyone can react. Their endurance can also be incredibly grand, swimming up to 900 kilometres in one go, and lasting long periods without any food.
Sadly, for us, we are on the crocodile’s food menu, with them typically going after smaller reptiles, fish, birds, and turtles. But if a large prey is spotted, including livestock, buffaloes, and yes, humans, these crocs won’t back down. There are many incidences of croc attacks throughout the tropics, with occurrences happening every year. With many tourists and locals swimming or standing nearby unsafe, crocodile-infested waters. Due to the high risk, the region has very strict guidelines for seeing crocodiles. With warning signs and brochures listing the unsafe areas, as well as only professional tour companies allowed to purposely seek out crocodiles.
Salt Water Crocodiles and Territory
You don’t want to mess with a saltwater crocodile! They are extremely territorial, and will attack anything they think may be a threat to them, including fish, mammals, other reptiles, and even humans. Being the biggest creatures around, in fact, the biggest reptiles on the entire planet, they usually win the territory fights. Measuring up to 5 metres and weighing close to 1,000kg.
Saltwater Crocodiles and Breeding
The saltwater crocs in the Daintree Rainforest breed during the summer months, also known as the wet season. They lay up to 50 eggs in a compost mound they build themselves and incubate them for around 3 months. The eggs then hatch, producing little 20cm long hatchlings that remain with their mother for a few weeks or months after they are born. Out of all these hatchlings, on 1% of the nest will survive adulthood. The temperature of the eggs will determine the gender of the hatchings. With lower temperatures producing females, whereas a higher temperature results in male hatchlings.
They are Continuously Hunted by Humans
Back in the early days, these saltwater crocs were hunted almost to complete extinction. Luckily the government put a stop to this in 1871, when they put the crocs under the protected species list. Since then, numbers have begun to rise again, and the crocs there are still breeding successfully year after year. Though today they aren’t at risk of extinction, they are still being illegally hunted for their hide, which is the most expensive hide of all crocodiles. Despite this being a prominent croc-spotting place, experts have described the area as low density because of prolonged hunting over the years.
Cairns Daintree Forest Fine Dining - Julaymba Restaurant & Bar
At Daintree EcoLodge
20 Daintree Road, Daintree, Queensland 4873, Australia
DAINTREE ECOLODGE
This unique boutique accommodation is nestled in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and offers 15 eco-friendly ‘bayans’ (treehouses) immersed in the canopy. Boasting majestic Bull Kauri trees, a private waterfall and dedicated walks.
The Daintree Ecolodge is the perfect destination to reconnect with nature and the people you love. Believed to be over 135 million years old, and the oldest tropical lowland rainforest on Earth, the Daintree Rainforest is a rare jewel in the crown of Mother Nature, where lush tropical rainforest meets sweeping white sand beaches and fringing coral reefs.
The Ecolodge features a main lodge with a bar, a rainforest restaurant and dining area overlooking the onsite lagoon, the Daintree Wellness Spa, an inviting swimming pool, private and pristine onsite waterfall and swimming hole and a multitude of quiet areas amongst the lush tropical rainforest to relax and unwind.
Fresh, clean water from the purest source combined with organic, healthy foods guarantee an uplifting and sustainable getaway.
Ecolodge Private Forest Trail that leads to a Private Waterfall
Honestly, it was good hiking. If you come to this place to stay or eat, you have to take this hike up their private forest trail to their waterfall. So remember to hike up and down before sunset. As there's really no lights at all in this place. It is just dense forest, rocks and stones. The pathway isn't even made with pavement. Its really a FOREST HIKE. Hike at your own risk and do not hike alone. I don't think anyone would be able to hear you if you get lost, or fall down, at this place. And because this Ecolodge Hotel is so private and exclusive, there are not that many people walking this trial on a daily basis. Probably just less than 10 people daily?
Ecolodge's Private Waterfall
At their Private Ecolodge Waterfall, there are some tables and chairs for you to chill there.
Cairns Daintree Forest Fine Dining - Julaymba Restaurant & Bar
JULAYMBA RESTAURANT & BAR
Enjoy some of the finest cuisine the Daintree has to offer. The North Queensland region offers an abundance of incredible produce that chefs all around search widely for. At Julaymba Restaurant our guests can enjoy the freshest homegrown and locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable produce nature has to offer, served in a breathtaking location. This exceptional rainforest dining experience is open to the public as well as staying guests.
After eating at Jambalaya, we drove to Ramada Resort at Port Douglas to sleep. It is about an hour away. The only thing was, there was not much road lights, as we drove from Jambalaya to this hotel. The whole rain forest does not have street lamps like Singapore. It is pitch black, hence, we needed to use our car HIGH BEAM, to drive through the forest roads.
Ramada Resorts Port Doglas
316 Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia
We were very relief to reach Ramada Resort Hotel, there were not many hotels around this area, and as city folks, we are not used to driving in pitch black conditions. It is a very nice rain forest themed resort. The hotel exterior is really forest and nature like. The rooms might be a little dated. But I think most hotels in this Cairns Daintree Forest is all pretty old and dated. Most importantly, it is spacious and clean. That's good enough hotel for me, for a rural area, I guess.
We only stayed at Ramada Resort Hotel just for the night, as it was too late, too far, and too dangerous to drive directly to Palm Beach in the pitch black conditions. Palm Cove Beach area is where most of the nicer hotels were.
Palm Cove Beach
Suburb in Cairns, Australia 4879
Palm Cove is a coastal suburb of Cairns in the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia. It is 27 kilometres north of the city of Cairns. It is named after the palm trees that line the beach
There were these little balls on the beach sand. I think its probably little mini crab or some sea creature digging a hole to hide and live inside.
Palm Cove Beach Streets
We stayed at Palm Cove Beach area for another 1 night. Before drive back to Cairns City Center. There's nothing much to do there, apart from dining at their restaurants and enjoy a relaxing stroll around the beach area. They probably have some sea sports activities during summer. While driving back towards to Cairns City, we drove past and stopped by Carins Botanic Gardens, before return our rented car back.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
78-96 Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD 4870, Australia
https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/facilities-sport-leisure/botanic
RILEY Hotel - Crystalbrook Collection Hotel
131-141 The, Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
https://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/riley
RILEY HOTEL - ROCCO
https://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/riley/food-and-drink/rocco
RILEY HOTEL - Paper Crane
Dundee's at the Cairns Aquarium
Seafood Lunch
5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
52/54 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Prawn Star Seafood
Pier Point Road | Marlin Marina, E31 Berth, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
This was one of the main highlight of this Cairns trip. How often would you random walk into a lunch place situated on a cute little boat? Their seafood was awesome! They have very good reviews on many websites too. The only thing is that, their business is so good that, they are not very "hungry" for your business. They know that they are famous. Hence, customer service is mediocre.
We had their seafood platter to share. Their lobster and prawns were really fresh! Highly recommended and I would definitely go back to this place to eat if I visit Cairns again next time. It just so fun eating on a boat and it was entertaining for Lora'sk kid - Caspian too!
Free or Cheap things to do in Cairns
- Visit the Markets.
- Free Fitness Classes on the Esplanade.
- Cairns Art Galleries.
- Check out the rainforest!
- Swimming in The Lagoon.
- Hike to the top of Walsh's Pyramid.
- Explore the Waterfalls around Cairns.
- Aqua Park.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
- Devil's Pool.
- Josephine Falls.
- Mission Beach.
- Overnight stay on Great Barrier Reef Pontoon.
- Helicopter over Great Barrier Reef.
- Mossman Gorge Indigenous Dreamtime Walk.
- Cape Tribulation Great Barrier Reef Snorkel.
- Jungle Surfing Zipline in Daintree Rainforest.
Video of Sara Shantelle Lim on Singapore Airlines Business Class
Its time to fly back to Singapore. I love Singapore Airlines!
Read more about Sara Shantelle Lim's 2019 Sydney & Cairns Trip
CLICK HERE FOR SYDNEY PART 1 - Singapore Airlines Business Class
http://www.sgsisters.com/2019/09/travel-sara-shantelle-lim-travels-to.html
Read Part 1 - SYDNEY - click here -
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Read more about Sara Shantelle Lim Travels around the World
on Singapore Airlines First Class & Business Class
Read about my First Class Singapore Airlines Travel to New York: CLICK HERE.
Read about my First Class Singapore Airlines Travel to San Francisco: CLICK HERE.
Read about my First Class Singapore Airlines Travel to Hong Kong: CLICK HERE.
Read about my First Class Singapore Airlines Travel to Sydney: CLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to Bali: CLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to Sydney: CLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to London: CLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to Spain: CLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to Cebu: CLICK HERE.
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STAY TUNED FOR SARA SHANTELLE LIM'S WEDDING IN NOVEMBER 2019
READ MORE ABOUT SARA SHANTELLE LIM'S WEDDING HERE
PORTUGAL WEDDING PHOTOS (PART 1)
CLICK HERE
THE BOLSA PALACE
