Ah train rides with kiddos are the freaking most awesome. That one is so scenic, I just love mountainous areas like that. It does sound like you had a freaking rad time and that excitement you feel will only grow as time draws closer to the end of the year. I'm sure it's going to be rad. I take it you're going to organise a play table for him with gun car toys and the like for when he arrives??
Cairns is a pretty legit part of Australia. It's some times brutal with crocodiles, marine stingers, snakes, cyclones and tourists, but generally it's a good spot.
Yeah, my nephew and I will be playing with loads of stuff including Lego and the piles of things I'll buy for him in between now and then! I spoil him, but I can't help it.