Yorkeys Knob
George Lawson was from Yorkshire in the UK but by 1886 he was a well-known as a beche-de-mer (sea cucumbers, but aka sea slug) fisherman.
During the off-fishing season he farmed a plot of land on a area known as the Knob where he raised pumpkins, sweet potatoes and paddy melons, which the bandicoots and pigs ate.
An Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Photo Hans and Annie Wapstra.
George Lawson’s nick name was Yorkey, and he lived on the Knob, which in the first picture is the land that sticks out into the sea.
Once again we anchored of shore and we were ferried ashore where we boarded a coach for the short ride to the Skyrail.
Maureen and I had visited Cairns in the early 1990’s before the Skyrail was built.
We had experienced the trip from Cairns to Kuranda and we had also driven up to Kuranda.
So this time it had to be the Skyrail and we did not want the bother of DIY so we used the ship’s excursion system. All went very well and the whole process was very efficient, which took away any worries.
Once ashore we were guided to coaches based on our ticket number. Very easy and we were soon on our way for the short ride to the Skyrail Terminal.
Once inside the Skyrail terminal, the Terminal staff guided us to the boarding area.
As the ‘cars’ approached the terminal staff would hold the ‘car’ steady to allow passengers to disembark. Once the disembarking passengers were clear he would call the next couple or four to board as he held the car so that it moved only very slowly.
They had two types of viewing cars – the ‘normal one’ and one with a glass bottom so the passengers could also have a clear view of what was below. This would depend on your ability to accept being so high and your faith in the strength of the glass. Maureen and I were in a ‘normal’ car with a solid floor.
Another couple climbed in with us who were not off the ship. They were an American husband & wife travelling independently from any organised tours. They were interesting to chat to and listen to their comments about Australia.
The trip to the top would take about 90 minutes and this included two stops part way – which required us to exit the car and walk a short distance to a viewing platform. It was not compulsory, just a suggestion.
Of course, had to find the ship at anchor – I marked it in pink as it was so small at 144,000 gt.
We exited our ‘car’ for the first viewing and reboarded another car for the next leg.
We knew that the next stop would give us dramatic views of a large waterfall.
The Barren Falls
The river descends from the Athterton Tableslands to the coastal plain.
Click on the above link and this is what we hoped to experience – if not as wild but perhaps a little more dramatic than we did experienced.
Taken from our ‘car’ before the next stop.
the scene down river.
The Skyrail gave us an excellent view over the whole area and if we wished to return in the wet season perhaps, we would see a different picture. At least while we were standing on the viewing platform, we were dry and warm.
Not sure if you will be able to read the warning so here it is . .
Prepare to get wet
While it is spectacular at any time of the year, the majestic Barren Falls really comes in to its own during the wet season (December to April) when huge volumes of water from rush over its craggy face to the gorge below.
Stand at the lookout when the falls are in full flood and you will very likely get wet.
Considering how high the viewing platform is it gives an idea of the power of the Barren Falls in the wet season.
We finally reached the top where the small town of Kuranad is located.
The trains were not running the day that we visited Kuranda – the local station.
We walked through the town on one side of the road and back again on the other side of the road – it was not a large town. They had a couple of pubs and various shops with tourist items for sale, cafes, and small restaurants.
We had an hour and a half before our coach left for the ship.
Of the two pub this one had character having been in operation since 1890.
We sat on the veranda for our drinks – the picture is of the bar area with several types of beer chalked on the back wall. I tried a couple of draft beers and when I asked which was the most popular the barmaid pulled small samples of the three beers in question. Great customer service which generated more sales of the larger glasses.
The one noticeable thing was when I asked for a glass of water later I was told to help myself as the barmaid waved her hand to several large water coolers containing iced water along with a stack of glasses. Couldn’t fault the customer service.
The coach took about 40 minutes from Kuranda back to the pier for the trip back to the ship. An interesting day out, but it is always nice to get home for a quiet sit down.
silverfox175 