Ziplining through the Daintree Rain Forest

I was really excited to Zipline through the Daintree Rain Forest, as I’d never been ziplining before and I love heights. Kookaburra on the other hand was less excited and more skeptical, she tends to be more cautious when it comes to heights.

Knowing before hand that we’d have to cross the Daintree Ferry and upon reading reviews on it and how long it sometimes took, we left with an hour and a half to spare. Upon reaching the ferry however we we’re surprised to find no wait time at all and hopped right on. Soon enough we were on the other side and thanks to the ferry man, ahead of the truck I’d been trying to overtake for the past 20km.

While driving along the winding hilly roads I kept my eyes out for a cassowary knowing from the signs that they were in the area. I’ve been wanting to see one ever since Big Crystal Creek (While I’m safely in the car that is) But alas I didn’t spot any.

Getting to the ziplining office we found ourselves to be an hour and a half early. After eating breakfast we decided to drive to a nearby beach. We strolled through a track that led to a lookout, then had a nice walk along the beach. I found a nice palm tree to sit on and looked further along the beach to Kookaburra, only to be thoroughly confused when I saw her running along the beach to then switch direction, then to run in zigzag motions, I soon lost sight of her. I was pretty comfy where I was so I figured I could always ask her later.

Soon enough it was time to get back to the office. Getting back we found we were exactly on time and soon found the list of what we couldn’t take with us. Our phones were a no, so were sunnies and necklaces. I was allowed to take our camera though because I had a clip on it that could clip onto my harness.

While waiting for everyone to show up for the session a butterfly flew past and Kookaburra immediately started trying to take it’s photo. upon seeing her twist this way and that, trying to follow it, she explained that she’d been trying to capture one on the beach earlier. That finally explained what she’d been doing on the beach.

After a little wait we were all ready to go, so on we all loaded onto the bus. The bus ride was filled with nervous anticipation and excitement. After only a short drive we arrived at the zipline course, we were then introduced to Scotty who was to be our instructor and guide. After he and our bus driver helped strap us into our harnesses we set off along a path.

After doing a brief talk on how things used to be operated and explaining that they used to put people in the human hamster wheel to pull the people up on the cable to where they needed to be, we slipped our clasps onto the cable and started on up the wooden walk way. We soon got to the first zipline and Scotty explained and demonstrated how to properly cross it. With a last you’ve got this, he zipped on ahead. With me and a nervous thirteen year old boy being in front of both our lines I knew I’d have to go first.

Trying to appear calm and confidant, I slowly hooked my trolley onto the cable, my clasp onto the trolley and placed my hands exactly where he had demonstrated. After going through the check list in my head to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything, I lifted my legs and slowly began to fly away. I quickly let go of any trepidation I’d had and enjoyed the feeling of gliding through the air. All too soon it came to an end as I slowly slide to a stop just before the other side, remembering Scotty’s caution that this might happen I did as he’d instructed and hauled myself along the last bit to the platform. upon making it safely I quickly got out my camera to try and catch Kookaburra’s first one.

But it wasn’t Kookaburra who came shrieking next it was the boy, all the way along he shrieked. Upon making it safely to my side, he proudly announced that that wasn’t too scary. I just grinned and agreed with him. Upon the others making it to our side one of the groups fondly told him that he sounded like a dolphin.

Everyone happy that they’d gotten across we continued on our way. Doing a short talk on the nature around us we came to our next crossing, slightly longer this time. Once again continuing on ahead Scotty left us. Turning towards the boy I was about to volunteer to go first, when he bravely announced that he was alright to go first. He carefully put all he’s gear on the cable and after a few seconds of hesitation he was off… screaming the whole way again. We all laughed and soon followed him.

It differently got easier the more we did. I even got comfortable enough to let go with one hand so that I could take pictures. I was also pleased to see Kookaburra enjoying her self and having fun without any fear of heights.

We did unfortunately make it to the last one all too soon. The last one was the longest and apparently the fastest, it was also a race. Unlike the others there were two cables side by side. Scotty said it was simple and explained the rules. There was to be no hand holding, no kicking, no spitting, no hair pulling and trash talking was a must, bets were also encouraged. So with a quick wait for my signal, he was gone.

While watching the two couples ahead of us go, I came to the realization that the heavier person was the person who kept winning. Knowing that I could be wrong I held out hope that I might win. But alas it was not to be, Kookaburra beat me soundly, and as payment to our bet I have to announce it here on the blog.

After walking the short distance back to the bus, we offered our thanks and made the short, much more relaxed drive back.

I’m definitely glad I got to do it but I would have loved more ziplines to cross and longer ones.