Page 39 - Port Douglas Magazine 27

ENJOY THE
FLORA
and

FAUNA...

SNORKELLING BEACH WALK
Low Isles is a fantastic place to tackle snorkelling for the first time. Although easily navigated in 15 minutes, slow down, enjoy the
To gain your confidence, from the beach in the shallows, for more moment and take time to relax and enjoy the flora and fauna,
proficient by making good use of a pair of fins at a leisurely pace or beach comb as you stroll (leaving for others to enjoy please) and
for the more adventurous jumping off the bow off a visiting vessel. read about the history of the island.
Don’t like swimming? Try a glass bottom boat tour, a stand up
paddle-board or take to the air in a helicopter to appreciate a birds REEF SHARKS
eye view. If swimming with sharks is on your bucket list – this is the ideal
place to do it!
GIANT CLAMS One of the smaller species, not typically aggressive and generally
quite shy look out for the aptly named dorsal fins of the “white”
With an average lifespan of 100 years in the wild, this impressive
tipped Reef Sharks as they explore Low Isles along side you.
bivalve mollusc, more commonly referred to as a Giant Clam are
sight to behold. At times weighing more than 200kg, showcasing its
translucent colours it feeds on passing plankton, which it syphons SEA TURTLES
from the water it draws through its large opening. Awesome!
You simply never tire of seeing these magnificent creatures in their
natural habitat. As they feed on marine plants such as seaweed, sea
OSPREY grass and algae they are graceful, inquisitive and majestic to behold.
Whilst there is an array of birdlife to be seen on Low Isles such as
Terns, Egrets and Imperial pigeons you cannot help but notice the BAT FISH
huge nest(s) that seem to regularly frequent the roof of the resident These beautifully stripped fish are omnivores and feed on small
Lighthouse. Often the home of a fish eating raptor commonly invertebrates as well as seaweed. Quite often seen in groups at this
know as an Osprey and whilst impressive in flight these inhabitants location in the blue water, these fish are quietly confident and seem
seem quite content to perch on the roof, with a watchful eye as if
to enjoy coming to say hello.
they rule over the island.

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 39