A higher education ... Queensland-style

Tropical rainforests are enjoying a mass-market cultural renaissance - not only for their mitigating prowess against carbon emissions, but as the vogue darlings of Hollywood blockbusters. The latest case in point - Avatar.
The movie's location was inspired by the glorious greenery of tropical north Queensland.
If you want to get up close and personal with the rainforest in question, 15 minutes north of Cairns is the Kuranda Skyrail; a 7.5km cableway that gently traverses the treetops of Barron Gorge National Park.
Established in 1940, this park offers a stunning encounter with the Wet Tropic World Heritage Area. Up to six of you can enjoy your own private gondola ride, which features two stops as part of the journey.
Your first stop will be Red Peak Station. From the air, you will see fern-like cycads, some of them many hundreds of years old. Enjoy views over Cairns, the hinterland and out to the Coral Sea. At Red Peak, take a walk around on the wheelchair- and stroller-friendly boardwalks.
Passionate park rangers will answer all your questions - they are the true champions of the rainforest, entertaining and sharing the secrets of this glorious, ancient environment.
Make sure you take the time to stand in wonder in front of the 400-year-old kauri pine, and learn why a certain palm is called "wait-a-while".
After exploring Red Peak, it is off to Barron Falls Station. On the way, you will glide just metres over the top of the canopy, so you can really be at one with the rainforest - breathe it all in.
You will notice the famous basket ferns have made themselves at home in the branches of many trees, including the spectacular banyans.
An extra-special thrill is to catch a glimpse of the brilliantly blue butterfly, the Ulysses - which would look quite at home in Avatar.
Barron Falls Station also features an interactive learning centre. It's well worth a browse. There is a great exhibit about the highly endangered southern cassowary bird. A smaller version of our extinct moa, this 85kg bird stands 2m tall and is flightless. There are fewer than 2500 of them left in the wild and, sadly, they are highly susceptible to ending up as road-kill.
Your final stop on the Skyrail is the Kuranda Terminal. Be sure to take some time to browse the shops and markets in Kuranda, which is known as the village in the rainforest. There are lovely art and craft shops here, as well as a a superb butterfly sanctuary and a bird aviary.
After a stroll around Kuranda, you can head back on the Skyrail or take the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway trip back to Cairns.
TOP TIPS
* The world-famous Kuranda SkyRail is a sublime rainforest experience. For sightseeing details, check out www.skyrail.com.au
* Train buffs should set aside time to enjoy the historic service from Cairns to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Rail. This vintage train excursion sets the gold-standard for hospitality on the rail tracks. www.ksr.com.au
* Tropical North Queensland is a far more pleasant place to visit in the dry season, when the humidity is low and the daily mercury is no higher than about 28C. June to October is the best time to go.