If you’ve slept in and missed the train, you can always take the Skyrail cable car – the world’s longest gondola cableway that runs to Kuranda above the rainforest for 7½km from Smithfield, north of Cairns. It is possible to get off at points along the way to explore the rainforest.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway operates 8.15am–5.15pm daily. As you would expect, this is an expensive transport option at $49 for a one-way, $73 return or $107.50 returning by train.
The small Mareeba Heritage Museum has exhibits relating to local history. Displays include a unique rail ambulance and a working blacksmith shop.
Mareeba’s tourist information centre shares the same premises with the Mareeba Heritage Museum.
A short (1.5km) walk takes you past the exceptional Nourlangie rock art site and there is also a short climb to the Gunwarddehwardde lookout with views of the surrounding area. Rangers give talks about Aboriginal art and culture here three times a day during the dry season.
The Mamukala wetlands is a great place to see birdlife including thousands of magpie geese that flock here towards the end of the dry season (Sep–Oct). There is an observation platform and a couple of short walks (1km; 20 minutes and 3km; 2 hours) that allow you to see more of the wetlands.
The spectacular Jim Jim Falls stop flowing in the dry season, which unfortunately is the only time when the falls are accessible by road (4WD only). Kakadu Air operate scenic flights in the wet season, which cost $195 and this is the only was to see the falls in their full glory. Flights depart from the Cooinda and Jabiru East airstrips.
The Coogee Bay Hotel is the most popular pub among backpackers staying in Coogee. Like other pubs in Sydney’s beaches, the Coogee Bay Hotel is known for its outdoor areas and beer gardens.
There are several companies offering day trips to Nimbin from Byron Bay. These trips range from simple shuttle buses to tours that call in at a number of local attractions. Because of competition, there are some good deals available – check the brochures at your hostel for the best prices.
The Nimbin Shuttle Bus makes a daily return trip between Byron and Nimbin. The shuttle bus departs Byron Bay Mon–Sat 10am and returns 4pm.
If you’re just making a day trip to Nimbin from Byron Bay the Nimbin day trip run by Jim’s Alternative Tours is a good option. Jim’s is a popular tour that goes to Nimbin via the Minyon Falls, a country pub and World Heritage rainforest. The tour costs $40 and departs Byron Bay 10am, returning at 6pm.