Brickies are back from Nth Qld, and catching up on GN forum again, only to find that we missed the Cairns Mini-gathering organised by Cruising Granny, Clazandaza and Gopedeler to greet us on arrival at Cairns Station.   Travelling light, no luggage to collect, and family waiting in the car park, we were gone within 3 mins of train arrival.  Bugger!!! Thanks folks, and so sorry to have disappointed.  Next time we'll give the heads up on travel plans a bit earlier, so we don't miss out.

First time on the Sunlander for us, and it was great; comfortable and relaxing.  The Qld countryside was beautiful, emerald green following rain, endlessly interesting.  Cairns Esplanade with it's boardwalks, huge lagoon, wharves and mudflats must be one of the most fascinating places to take a daily long walk.  The Barron Falls were thunderously awesome, as opposed to the trickle seen in winter.  Going to Cairns in the wet season is an experience not to be missed; just be ready for whatever comes - it's now flooding again, but we had fine weather, not too hot, humidity bearable and lots to do.  Just wish we hadn't missed the party....