Olympic Torch Relay Reaches the Rainforest
28th June 2000

The Olympic Torch achieved a world first during the 2000 Australian Olympic Torch Relay, lighting up the World Heritage listed rainforests of Tropical North Queensland from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Carried in specially designed open gondolas, imported from America for the occasion, the Olympic Torch travelled 7.5km over the rainforest canopy on Skyrail and was taken through the forest undergrowth by two Skyrail Olympic Torch bearers.

The first leg of the flame’s journey, from Kuranda Terminal to Red Peak Station, was completed by Milton Brim, a Skyrail Ranger and respected Elder of the Djabugay tribe whose traditional country includes the Skyrail route.

Milton disembarked from the cableway at Barron Falls Station, taking the Olympic Torch to Barron Falls look-out, before continuing the historic journey to Red Peak Station, where the torch was taken up by then-Skyrail General Manager, Craig Pocock.

Craig continued the Olympic Relay to Caravonica Station, ending the Torch’s historic rainforest journey at 4.43pm June 26th, 2000.