Cassowary

We headed further north today. First stop was for a one hour crocodile spotting cruise on the Daintree River. Saw several big crocs and also some cute babies plus a tiny heron and a frogmouth. See collage.

By midday the queue to cross the river by car ferry (the only way across) was approx 90 minutes so we decided to check out the nice little village of Daintree instead. We had a pleasant picnic lunch there by which time the queue had resolved so we continued on to Cape Tribulation, another 30km. That is the end of sealed roads and the only way you can go further is by 4WD.
Here we were very lucky to see a cassowary and her chick strolling down the road. They are highly endangered with only about 1200 left in Australia so I was very excited to be able to photograph them.
I’ve seen more cassowary than crocodile warning signs. I didn’t realise they can weigh up to 60 kg and can attack humans. However I suspect the signs are more to protect the birds which are susceptible to road kill.
Second extra is a sign plus one for speed humps which have been doctored by some wag.
Third extra details the local dress code.

We got straight back on the ferry for the return trip and as it was getting late we stopped at Mossman for a cheapie Thai meal on the way back. We were two of only four customers (excluding a brisk take away trade). Despite the abundance of restaurants in Port Douglas most seemed to be booked out well before dinner time. The flash ones are booked till November!