Travels and Tours Australia – Day 7: Daintree/Kuranda Queensland

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The morning starts slowly. I am aware that it is the first day of the adventure without any major driving. Instead of utilizing the chance to have a brief lie-in, I rise early in the hope of seeing a spectacular sunrise, only to be left disappointed by the murky grey fog that surrounded me blocking any colourful display. However, having had a good night’s sleep, I head from the beach into PK’s Jungle Village communal area and chill out watching the news before making my way across the road to the collection point for the morning’s big adventure – Jungle Surfing.

Before I go any further, I had better make you aware how unlikely the prospect of someone convincing me to zipline between 20 meter high trees in a rainforest would have seemed prior to this trip. I am not afraid of heights, but rather of edges and the prospect of falling. Given that between ziplines, I would have to stand calmly on a tiny platform at the top of the aforementioned towering trees and in between dangle from a piece of rope as I fly between them – the potential for falling, in my head at least, seemed pretty probably.

Thankfully, I did not allow my phobia to hinder my experience. I quietly entered the people carrier and saw two families with young children and determined that if an 8-year-old could do this, then so could I. Upon reaching the Jungle Surfing headquarters, we were kitted up with harnesses and helmets before making the slow, but slippy walk (the rain had still not ceased) to our departure point. After a brief safety talk, we had to make our way to the first platform, ziplining forwards to a height of 12.5m. It was strangely easy and as I looked down from the platform, I knew that it would all be ok.

Luckily the first two zip lines were done in tandem, a way to ease you in and strangely slow the pace with controlled journeys. Yet, as the first attempt flies by, a hunger forms inside for a bit of an adrenaline rush and the desire for the solo attempt increases. Thus, when it arrives and the pace is raised, the thrill is undeniable. Prompted to undertake the challenge with only the chord to hold you in place, my hands waved and I screamed with glee. I had enjoyed it so much that when told to attempt the final zipline upside down I didn’t hesitate.

What had started as a potential nightmare had proved to be ecstasy. I had not only overcome fear but enjoyed the process that got me there. The five ziplines flew by and I was left wanting more. But as ever time was ticking away and after being dropped back at the camper van, I waved a sad so long to Jungle Surfing, Cape Trib and headed for the ferry.

With the morning barely begun, and one rush already relished, I decide to take my time en route to the Skyrail. Stopping off for some snacks at the upmarket tourist haven that is Port Douglas, I breathe in some fresh sea air and prepare myself for further twisting coastal roads as I head due south.

Now, I must admit that while the prospect of ziplining between Daintree rainforest trees sent shivers down my spine, the thought of cable cars above the rainforest had equally chilling effects. Yet, with an enticing website full of spectacular images, I knew that Skyrail would be another experience I would be unable to fully do justice with words. Though the wind and rain made the cable car shake on the ascent, the views below were truly mind-blowing. To be raised above a rainforest and be allowed clear insight into nature undisturbed felt like a rare privilege. Yet, the existence of a winding road leading to the summit, and the cable cars stopping point – Kuranda – seemed strangely out of place. However, upon reaching the climate and taking a stroll through the sleepy tourist town was strangely enjoyable. Having stopped for a pizza lunch and a gaze through the arty tourist traps, I made the slow decline via the raging Barron Falls. Though the constant downpour may not have been the best for someone with limited wardrobe, the effect upon the surrounds was beyond fathomable. The usually sleepy waterfalls lapped up the rain and the clouds sunk into the rainforest giving a strange sensation of cable carrying you down into heaven.

Having reached solid ground, a brief wander through the gift shop nearly proved costly tempting, but resisting clutter seemed worthy with the trip less than halfway through and I headed to Gilligan’s, who would be providing the first bed of my trip and I could not wait!

Upon arrival, Gilligan’s did not disappoint. A bustling complex of bar, pool and hotel/hostel, the friendly staff saw that I had everything I needed and I retired to the room for a much needed shower. Feeling refreshed I indulged in my free evening meal before wandering around a city that seems never to sleep. However, having been on the road for so long, tiredness and the temptation of a comfortable soon took hold and I went to my room via a supermarket for some sweetie treats before sleep called.

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