Overcast 20 – 25 knts

Today we decided that we should go somewhere we hadn’t been before. So after John and Mick cooked breakfast we drove Mick’s hire car  to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures  about 40 minutes north of Cairns, along the road to Port Douglas.

It was an excellent place to see crocodiles close up and other local wildlife.We strolled along  timber boardwalks and pathways leading  through woodlands and rainforest and viewed tropical birds, reptiles and native fauna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part of the entrance fee of $37 was a boat trip on their man made lagoon. The seating in the boat was stepped so that passengers on the inside rows could see over the top of those by the window. The boat wasn’t full anyway so we could move from side to side.

During the cruise a commentary was provided by the driver, informing us on the physical facts and behaviour of the crocodiles. The lagoon had about 20 crocodiles living in it mostly females. The driver fed the crocs with chicken tied to a string on the end of a pole. They leapt out of the water to reach the chicken. They are a fascinating creature and  look so prehistoric, I wouldn’t like to meet one in the wild.

We watched an interesting snake demonstration where the animated guide showed us a variety of venomous and non venomous snakes.

Other enclosures held cassowary s, koalas, tropical birds , freshwater crocs fish and spiders.

Hartleys was a very interesting place and well worth the money.

Later in the afternoon John and Mick attempted to play 9 holes at the Yorkeys Knob golf course but a sudden downpour put an end to their game early. Roz walked around with the boys while I grocery shopped as we are going to brave the elements tomorrow and go out to the reef. Hope the wind drops!

Salt and pepper salmon for dinner with fresh vegies.