IN THE TROPICS

Last week we flew to North Queensland for a bit of sun, combining business with pleasure.

The Great Barrier Reef looks fabulous from the air ...

photo does not do justice to the gorgeous turquoise of the sea, the reefs and tiny islands...

In the tropical rainforest in the mountains above Cairns lies the village of Kuranda.  Europeans began to explore the area in the nineteenth century,

and a railway from Cairns reached Kuranda in 1891.

The historic platform is dressed in masses of tropical ferns and plants,

earning it the name of Australia's Greenest Railway Station.

The area has been home to the indigenous Djabugay people for over 10,000 years, and many of the locals are now involved in the tourist industry.  There are many attractions here based on the flora and fauna of the area, and many art galleries.  I bought myself a painting, which I will show in another post.

Here comes the train ...

On the nearby Barron River, a Rainforest Tour ...

This World Heritage Listed rainforest is full of lush flowering vines and trees ..

and the river is home to some interesting creatures:

Can you see his eye and snout just above the water?

Thanks be to strong telephoto lenses!!

The Barron Falls, whose waters are harnessed by a hydro-electric power station down in the gorge.

Have a lovely and sunny weekend XXXX