FNQ loves its snakes

Didn't get to see one, unfortunately. The locals are of course very proud of them.

FNQ loves its crocs

And they're everywhere!

Actually they're not. But the scary stories are, and the warning signs are on every beach and beachside footpath. And they want all the tourists to have a crocodile sighting or two. Who'd want to visit Far North Queensland and not see a croc?

Here are some freshwater crocs in the Cairns Zoom Dome zoo.












And here's the enormous saltwater croc they keep there, just under one of the zip lines that the more intrepid tourists zip along.

On the Daintree River cruise we saw one lurking at the water's edge. It was a miniature three-year-old one though, only about a metre long.









On the bus above the Bloomfield River, a very large one was pointed out, sitting stationary on the mud flat, with its mouth open. I think it was real.
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The one below was in the new Cairns aquarium.

Splendid esplanade

Sydney Exponential had a week away last week in Far North Queensland. We flew to Cairns, where we based ourselves while we explored points further north, like the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, and Cooktown. There were also obligatory trips to Green Island and Kuranda.

Cairns (supposedly pronounced "Cans", though I couldn't quite hear that) revolves around its splendid esplanade. It's several kilometres long, has cafes, fitness stations, great views, and the occasional crocodile visit. It's a great place to stroll or hang out. There's also a rather fine enormous free swimming 'lagoon', with artificial beach and guaranteed crocodile-free status. As well as a cooling dip, you can join in on the free aqua zumba sessions. Looks great! Watch the video below.