A lizard scurries down the tree trunk and disappears into a hole. We wait for it to reappear, as we enjoy coffee under the rain forest canopy. Above us parrots squawk, then the lizard reappears, camouflaged against the bark and is joined by another.
It’s a great introduction to the rain forest that surrounds the north Queensland town of Kuranda, in the hills above Cairns.
First impressions are of a very laid back place, perhaps from the days of the alternative life-stylers who moved there. Their influence is visible in the markets that trade handcrafts including bird, animal and insect patterns and designs.
Little has changed in many buildings on the main street from when the town was established. Others show signs of new structures built around the original, set among the modern buildings of the town.
