July 2019 - Adventure, baby!

Month: July 2019

Things To Do In Kuranda Cairns

July 31, 2019 / Australia, Cairns, Queensland, Travel, Tropical North Queensland / 0 comment

Things To Do In Kuranda Cairns

Kuranda is a mountain village that has become a popular tourist attraction near Cairns, in Qld, Australia.

Kuranda Village is accessible by car, however it is a popular destination to reach by taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Get more information on taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Get more information on taking the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Kuranda Markets

There are two market locations at Kuranda. The Original Markets are located near to the Skyrail and Kuranda Station, making them the first you will come across when visiting Kuranda. The Heritage Markets are further down the main street of Kuranda and contain the entrances to Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda.

The Kuranda Markets are a fun place to browse and pick up handmade goods such as jewellery and woodwork. Aboriginal artefacts are also available for sale, and local produce like macadamia nuts and honey.

The shops are mostly locally family owned businesses, which makes it even better to know you’re supporting the local community with purchases made.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

Home to over 1500 butterflies, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly light aviary and exhibit in Australia and the southern hemisphere. Wear something bright (red, white or hot pink) if you want a butterfly to land on you.

The majestic green and yellow Cairns Birdwing and the Monarch butterfly can be spotted flittering about the aviary.

We enjoyed watching the butterflies hatching and eating nectar from flowers.

Be sure to walk through the breeding laboratory which houses 4000 caterpillars in their varying stages of development.

We did have some luck with butterflies landing on our bags, heads and clothes, but they are so fast that it’s hard to get photos! Some butterflies were extremely tame and landed on people’s shoulders and hats and remained there for quite a long time.

There is a free shuttle service operating from the Kuranda Skyrail Terminal and the Kuranda Scenic Railway Station to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, or it is only a short 10-minute walk.

Get more information about the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Kuranda Koala Gardens

Cuddle a koala at Kuranda Koala Gardens. The garden is home to a reasonable selection of iconic Australian animals including koalas, wallabies, wombats, snakes and lizards, bilbys gliders and Australia’s freshwater crocodile.

Allow around an hour to walk around and meet all of the animals at Kuranda Koala gardens.

The attraction is located in the Kuranda Heritage Markets. Free shuttle service operates from the Kuranda Skyrail Terminal and the Kuranda Scenic Railway Station to Koala Gardens, or it is only a short 10-minute walk.

Get more information on Kuranda Koala Gardens.

Birdworld Kuranda

Get up close to over 350 birds roaming freely at Birdworld Kuranda, one of Australia’s largest collections of free flying birds and the giant rainforest cassowary. The birds come from all over the world, including plenty of native Australian species.

We spotted Amazonian macaws, the cassowary, rainbow lorikeets, bright coloured parrots, pink galahs and many more. As we entered we were given a handy information sheet with all of the bird species along with coloured pictures of birds to help with identification.

Many of the birds are quite happy to get up close to visitors and will swoop down and land on your head, shoulder or arm. You can buy a small bag of bird seed and nuts at the entrance to entice the birds to land on you or feed from your hand.

The birds are attracted to shiny things so you will be asked to remove jewellery and hats when you enter to avoid them being stolen. Also note that while the birds are comfortable around people they are not tame animals and will give you a nip if you get too close and they don’t want a bar of it, so give them plenty of respect and space and you will make some happy feathered friends.

The attraction is conveniently located in the Kuranda Heritage Markets. Free shuttle service operates from the Kuranda Skyrail Terminal and the Kuranda Scenic Railway Station to Birdworld, or it is only a short 10-minute walk.

Get more information about Birdworld Kuranda.

Kuranda Cafes and Restaurants

Allow plenty of time for your visit to Kuranda, including a stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants. You can find a full list of the cafes and restaurants in Kuranda here.

Get more information on things to do in Kuranda here.

We were hosted at Birdworld Kuranda, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Kuranda Koala Gardens. All opinions are my own.

All Aboard The Kuranda Scenic Railway

July 30, 2019 / Australia, Cairns, Queensland, Travel, Tropical North Queensland / 0 comment

All Aboard The Kuranda Scenic Railway

Winding its way through the World Heritage-listed Barron Gorge National Park, the Kuranda Scenic Railway is an unforgettable journey through hand carved tunnels and spectacular scenery.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway has been running from Cairns, Qld, over the Great Dividing Range to the town of Kuranda on the Atherton Tableland, since 1891.

The journey takes approximately 2 hours, including a 10-minute stop at the Barron Falls Station for a quick look at the Barron Falls, and passing through 15 hand carved tunnels, 37 bridges as well as spectacular waterfalls.

Passengers can choose to start their journey in Cairns or at Kuranda, and can also select to take the train in a single direction and take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway the other, or take the train in both directions.

We selected to start in Cairns and end our journey at Kuranda.

You can get more information on taking the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway here.

Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class vs Gold Class

The Kuranda Scenic Railway offers two ways to take this special journey – “Heritage Class” or “Gold Class”.

Heritage Class just includes the basic journey in an original carriage with no added extras.

Kuranda Scenic Railway, Qld Cairns Australia — Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class

Gold Class offers the ability to travel in comfort with individual lounge-style chairs and dedicated host service.

We have previously travelled in Heritage Class but decided to try Gold Class this time. Gold Class includes 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.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway gift pack includes Kuranda Scenic Railway badge, pen and postcard.

Gold Class also includes the option to take an exclusive tour of the Heritage-Listed Signal Cabin at Kuranda Station (for morning Gold Class service only. Ask your Guest Service Attendant for details).

Other Gold Class benefits on select departures: welcome tropical mocktails served in the pavillion area 20 minutes prior to the arrival of the train when boarding at Freshwater Station in the morning, and welcome drinks served onboard the train, 20 minutes prior to departure, when boarding at Kuranda Station in the afternoon.

The menu can’t be altered if you have any dietary requirements, however the regular menu does always feature a gluten-free / vegetarian option.

Travelling Gold Class made the journey incredibly special. It was a relaxing, comfortable experience with constant snacks and drinks being supplied, in incredibly comfy chairs. We would absolutely travel this way again in the future.

The journey from Cairns to Kuranda

We boarded at Cairns, the igirinating stop. The next stop is Freshwater, where the bulk of passangers board, followed by a pit stop at Barron Falls Station. There is ample time to get out and take photos of the beautiful Barron Falls during this time.

Keep cameras at the ready as the scenery on both sides of the train is spectacular the entire journey.

More information about Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway operates daily all year, except Christmas Day.

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

Bookings are highly recommended. Our Gold Class cabin was completely full. I suggest combining the journey aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway with a Skyrail Rainforest Cableway experience in the other direction, and also allowing plenty of free time in Kuranda to explore.

Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class

Gold Class offered on the following services:
9.55am departure from Freshwater Station to Kuranda
3.30pm departure from Kuranda to Freshwater
Please Note: No Gold Class service is offered between Cairns and Freshwater Station. All customers are welcome to commence or end their journey at Cairns Station, however the special service does not run between Freshwater and Cairns Stations.

Information regarding prams and strollers

Collapsible prams and strollers can be stored under the Heritage Class seats provided they are no more than 25cm in height once collapsed.

A limited number of non-collapsible or large collapsible prams and strollers may be accepted on a Kuranda Scenic Railway service. They can be stored in the Accessibility (PWD) carriage wheelchair spaces if they aren’t being used for wheelchairs, in the guards van or in the luggage storage section on each service. The acceptance of larger prams and strollers on each Kuranda Scenic Railway service is at the discretion of the onboard staff and subject to available space on the day. Children are not allowed to travel on the train in a stroller or pram for safety reasons.

Wheelchair accessibility

Wheel chair access at Cairns, Freshwater & Kuranda stations
Wheel chair Ramp at Cairns station
Wheel chair lift at Freshwater & Kuranda stations
Wheel chair access at Barron Falls station is unavailable
When booking please advise Reservations you require wheelchair access, so that we are able to provide the appropriate assistance

Things to do in Kuranda Village

Allow plenty of time at Kuranda Village to visit the attractions, markets and restaurants. Read more about things to do in Kuranda Cairns.

ksr.com.au

We were hosted by Kuranda Scenic Railway. All opinions are my own.

Frankland Islands: A Great Barrier Reef Day Trip

July 29, 2019 / Australia, Cairns, Queensland, Travel, Tropical North Queensland / 0 comment

Visiting the Frankland Islands, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

The pristine Frankland Islands are located 10km offshore, 45km south-east of Cairns. Surrounded by healthy coral that is teeming with sea life, a day trip to the Frankland Islands is one of the best and easiest ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

There are five islands comprising the Frankland Islands: Normanby, High, Russell, Round and Mabel. The islands are part of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

How to get to the Frankland Islands

There is only one way to visit to these uninhabited islands: booking through Frankland Islands Reef Cruises. The islands are uninhabited, which means no bathroom or running water. While camping is allowed on Russel Island, Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only company to hold a permit to visit Normanby Island.

The day trips depart from Deeral. You can self-drive like we did, or take the Frankland Islands Reef Cruises air conditioned coach that departs Cairns daily at around 7.45am. Transfers are also available from Mission Beach.

The drive takes about 45 minutes. It’s a gorgeous drive south, past fields of sugar cane and the iconic Gordonvale Pyramid.

The departure point also has no facilities so prepare to board the luxurious boat Turtle Islander straight away, where there are restrooms and drinkable water available. The boat has two levels, air conditioning, shade and plenty of comfortable seating inside the boat.

It’s a 30-minute calm water cruise along the Mulgrave River, which is lined with rainforest and mangroves, before a short 6-mile open water crossing to the Frankland Islands, which takes about 15 minutes. If you’re lucky like us, you’ll see crocodiles on the banks of the river.

Morning and afternoon tea is provided on board the boat – tea, coffee and some bikkies are very happily received.

If you’re like me and suffer from extreme seasickness but still want to see the reef, then this is the best option for you. The Frankland Islands day trip is the shortest open water crossing of any Cairns reef day tour (approx 15 minutes).

What’s included in the price

Included in the price is generous buffet lunch, which is served on the island. The menu includes a choice of several salads, chicken, ham, prawns, breads and an abundance of fresh tropical fruit. I received fresh vegetarian wraps.

Also included in the price are flotation devices, snorkeling gear (prescription masks are an extra $15), seasonal protection suits, free guide for certified divers. Wetsuits are available for an extra cost ($15).

When we visited in July the water was too cold for me to swim without a wetsuit.

Things to do on the Frankland Islands

Once you’ve arrived on the island, there are plenty of activity options and the day just flies by.

Snorkelling is easy to do right off the beach. Only a few metres out we saw parrot fish, clown fish, giant glams, sea cucumbers and more.

While it would be quite easy to spend the day just snorkelling, walking around the island and relaxing, there are optional extras that can be added on to make the day more adventurous.

I chose to do the Adventure Snorkel Safari ($10). The onboard marine biologist took took swimmers around to the other side of the island where the coral is in abundance and the sea life similarly so.

It was incredible to see the healthy coral teeming with fish, giant clams, and I even spotted a sleeping green sea turtle. Sea life that is found in this part of the reef also includes anemonefish, nudibranchs, sea stars, stingrays, feather stars, wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, damselfish and manta rays.

While I was doing the adventure snorkel, Alec and Cheese took a ride on the semi-submersible ($5). The tour went to the same reef that my snorkelling tour visited, but from the comfort of the enclosed boat. It’s a great option for kids who aren’t strong snorkellers. From their excellent position they saw the same stunning coral and fish life that I did on my snorkelling tour.

After lunch we did the Guided Island Walk ($5) with the cruise’s marine biologist. The walk was one of the highlights of the day for us. We took a very slow walk around the island, through the rock pools, rainforest and beaches, learning about the islands and their unique creatures.

One of the distinctive features of the Frankland Islands are their coral beaches, rather than soft sand. On the walk we learned that in the ocean coral only lasts around 10 years, after which it washes ashore and eventually forms the rock shelf.

We also learned that the islands were made into a National Park after a special star protozoa was found on Normandy Island, in one small spot on the shore. The protozoa (too small to photograph) is only found in one other place in the world, Okinawa, Japan, making is a special place in need of protecting.

Other optional activities: scuba diving (from $99), clear kayaks ($15), stand up paddle board ($15), sea-doo scooter ($70).

If you want to camp on Russell Island, you can also be transferred to the island for a fee. Permits apply.

Photography on the Frankland Islands

There is an underwater photographer onboard daily. Ours was excellent at getting lots of photos of us snorkelling and on the beach. He also brought his drone so we were able to get the fantastic shot of us on the beach from above. I thought his package to buy all of the photos at the end was very reasonable (I can’t remember how much it was however!).

You can hire an underwater camera ($35) from Frankland Island Reef Cruises. I used my GoPro underwater, however the water was a bit cloudy on the day we visited so I didn’t get amazing shots that do justice to how beautiful the reef was.

What you need to know about a Frankland Islands Day Trip

Check in at 8.15am for an 8.30am departure
The tour returns to Cairns around 5.15pm.
Bring shoes to walk around on the beach as it is coral, not sand. We took reef shoes but thongs/flip flops would also be fine.

franklandislands.com.au

We were hosted by Frankland Islands Reef Cruises. All opinions are my own. Additional images with thanks to Frankland Islands Reef Cruises.

Frankie’s Food Factory at Flower Power Milperra Sydney

July 25, 2019 / Milperra, South West, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Enjoy modern classics in the heart of a leafy nursery at Frankie’s Food Factory, inside Flower Power Milperra.

The massive new Flower Power sure packs a punch with its excellent cafe, Frankie’s Food Factory, making it a destination for dining as well as shopping for plants.

Frankie’s Food Factory has a breakfast and lunch menu served inside large indoor and outdoor dining areas with a lovely leafy nursery view. The outdoor dining area leads into the fully fenced playground.

We thought the menu was a bit on the pricey side, however couldn’t fault the staff, ambience, decor or food.

The food is a bit American in style – the burgers we ordered were extremely “American”, with soft buns and thin French fries sprinkled with gentle spices.

Frankie’s Cheeseburger (single $21 | double $27 | triple $32, wagyu beef burger with melted cheese, pickles, onion, tomato sauce & American mustard, served with fries, add bacon +4).

There is an excellent, reasonably priced kids’ menu from which we ordered the Scrambled Eggs ($8, served with toast & tomato sauce).

My Halloumi Quinoa Salad ($21, halloumi, quinoa, Spanish onion, roasted cauliflower, spinach, avocado, brown rice & sunflower seeds) was excellent and I would absolutely order it again.

The Nutella Hot Chocolate ($6, served with whipped cream & marshmallows) was an absolute winner, too.

Kids will love drawing on the paper covering the tables while they wait for their meals to arrive.

There is a small kids’ games area at the front of the cafe that mostly requires money to operate.

We visited during the school holidays and it was packed. According to staff school holidays and weekends are always busy. We arrived at 11:30am and waited about 30 mins for a table.

Don’t forget to flash your Garden Lovers Club membership card for a 5% discount. Frankie’s is 100% pet friendly so you can bring your furbabies too.

Frankie’s Food Factory at Flower Power Milperra
479 Henry Lawson Drive, Milperra
Phone: (02) 9899 2299
Hours: Daily, 8.30am-5pm
http://frankiesfoodfactory.com/

Get Directions.

Claris High Tea at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

July 20, 2019 / High Tea, Sydney / 0 comment

Claris High Tea at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Ooh la la! Join Claris, the most fashionable mouse in Paris, for an elegant High Tea the French way at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour this winter.

Every Saturday afternoon through October, indulge in an exquisite afternoon tea inspired by Australian fashion illustrator Megan Hess and her acclaimed children’s book, Claris, the Chicest Mouse in Paris.

The High Tea is served on level three, in the bright and airy dining room with a fantastic view over Darling Harbour. Each table is set with the most gorgeous specially designed Claris limited-edition fine porcelain plates with matching cutlery, designed by Megan Hess, with matching cutlery.

This tea is not just for kids – I would highly recommend it for adults minus the kids, too. It is elegant, sophisticated, and absolutely delicious!

The High Tea includes a tea stand filled with three tiers of savoury and sweet treats, free-flowing tea and coffee, a chocolate fountain, soft drink option for younger guests and a Claris the Mouse gift bag for kids containing a Claris book.

SWEET
Red berry pannacotta glass
Raspberry macaroon
Ruby chocolate madeleines
Chocolate pocky sticks
Profiterole – cocoa nib cream
Scones – jam – cream

SAVOURY
Mini sausage rolls *
Mini quiche Lorraine *
Avocado smoked salmon green bun *
Tomato bocconcini pink bun

* Our vegetarian substitutes included a mushroom quiche, vegetable sausage roll and a cheese and tomato sandwich.

CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN
Homemade guimauve
Marshmallow
Mini churros
Beignet fried dough
Fresh strawberries

Kids have the option of colouring in a Claris stencil.

This is without a doubt one of the best high teas I have ever done. The food was impeccable – every single item delicious – but it was more than that. The staff were attentive, asking if we would like more tea and how was everything, and the atmosphere was so relaxing. I loved the beautiful view over the harbour and how much space was between the tables. It felt like our own private tea party.

I also loved how our vegetarian substitutes were created thoughtfully – not just the same sandwich with the meat protein removed, for example.

The food was also all very accessible for kids, pretty and simple, without sacrificing the taste for adults who have more developed taste palates.

Available every Saturday afternoon 1-4pm until 21 December 2019.

$69 per person | $58 for AccorPlus Members

$79 including a glass of French sparkling

$95 including a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut

$35 for children 2 – 11yo | Free for children under 2.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
12 Darling Dr, Sydney

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We were hosted for this high tea. All opinions are my own.

Casula Parklands Adventure Playground

July 20, 2019 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

The brand new Casula Parklands has something for everyone, from toddlers to adults. Located near the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, the park features play equipment and fitness training for all ages.

The $4 million park opened in May 2019 on the site of an old golf course. Spread across 15 acres, the new park includes:

Ninja training circuit for adults and teenagers

Eight-metre-high Sky Walk and tunnel slide for older kids and teens

Swings including a nest swing
Accessible carousel

Dual flying foxes

Toddler playground

A fitness training area for adults that is located some distance from the main facilities
Separate off-leash parks for big dogs and small dogs
Flat paths for scooting or bike riding

Facilities

Shaded picnic shelters

Large, clean bathrooms
Water bubblers

There is parking right near the main playground equipment, however it is minimal. There is more parking available at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre further down the road, however it is a long walk back particularly for small kids.

How to get there
Finding the park can seem tricky. Enter Powerhouse Road via Shepherd Street and keep driving – the park is on your left hand side.

If travelling by public transport, take the train to Casula station, then walk 10 minutes to the adventure playground

Facilities
Casula Parklands adventure playground has men’s, women’s and disabled toilets. Covered picnic shelters are available along with water bubblers.

Food and Drink
The nearest cafe is Bellbird Dining and Bar at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Advertised as a 10 min walk, it would be longer with kids.

Get directions.

Barbie High Tea at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

July 14, 2019 / High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Live your Barbie world dreams out at the outrageously pink Barbie High Tea at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.

From 5 to 28 July 2019, Executive Pastry Chef Anna Polyviou’s creative and delicious High Tea is on offer, themed to pay tribute to the iconic Barbie.

The lower Lobby Lounge is decorated beautifully in Barbie pink, including a retrospective photo wall of Barbie throughout the years and a throne for taking photos. Kids will adore the Barbie play house that is tucked into a little nook.

Kids can BYO Barbies or play with the Barbie that is given to each adult throughout the meal to take home and keep.

Sweet

“Fairy Bread Cake”
(white chocolate mud cake, bubble gum, Froot Loops)

“Rainbow Trifle”
(rainbow jelly, vanilla creme, fruit salad)

“Barbie Macaron”
(strawberries and cream butter creme)

“Choux Burger”
(apple compote, rhubarb jelly, cinnamon crumble)

Pink Whippy Ice Cream

Savoury

Vegetable Sushi
(avocado, cucumber, carrot)

Sausage Roll
(flaky pastry, pork mince, tomato sauce)*

Chicken Sandwich
(roast chicken, coleslaw, mayonnaise)**

Egg Wraps
(egg, lettuce, wrap)

* Vegetarian substitute was a vegetable quiche
** Vegetarian substitute was the sandwich minus the chicken

Scones

Buttermilk Scones, Clotted Cream, Mixed Berry Jam

Add ons

Barbie Shake $12
Glass of Chandon Rose $15
Glass of NV Chandon Brut Sparkling $15
Glass of NV Verve Cliquot Champagne $30

The theming at the High tea is extraordinary. Everywhere is decorated neo pink, pink, pink. With these thoughtful details, the mood is for a festive, fun dining experience.

Kids are even offered a sweet treat on arrival, with a variety of vintage lollies on offer including ring pops and candy necklaces.

We loved the kid-friendly savoury items, with the plain sushi a hit and egg wraps my favourite. The scones were fresh, fluffy and delicious, and the sweets inventive and so bright it felt bad to eat them.

The creative choux burger was a delicious surprise – adorably made to look like a burger but tasing like an apple sweet. The rainbow trifle was the other favourite desert, with the bright, tangy jelly popping with flavour in between layers of fruit and cream.

It’s a must to add the Barbie shake! So fun and delightful to look at, the kids just adored eating the fairy floss from the top before drinking the strawberry shake underneath.

As always, at the Shangri-La Hotel, the High Tea is pink perfection!

The Barbie High Tea, priced from $50 per child and $65 per adult *** (adult price includes a Barbie Doll), is available daily at The Lobby Lounge from 5 to 28 July 2019, between 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; 1:15 and 3 p.m., and between 3:30 and 5:15 p.m.
***15% surcharge on Sundays and public holidays.

The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel
176 Cumberland Street,
The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9250 6000
Prices: $$$
Bookings are essential. Please call (61 2) 9250 6000 or email dine.slsn@shangri-la.com
Online: shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/offer-detail/dining/easter-garden-high-tea/
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