Page 17 - Port Douglas Magazine 30

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

The right ways include:
IT’S EASY TO STAY SAFE IN
Solar Whisper Crocodile Cruise
CROC COUNTRY
Meet the fearsome locals in their natural environment
while traveling the iconic Daintree River in the heart of croc Simple, right! Follow these easy rules and no person or croc has to be
country. Get up close in the wild on Solar Whispers’ ultra- a statistic.
quiet electric boats with zero emissions. The guides are a Firstly, it is up to YOU to be safe. Every day we make choices to be safe,
fountain of information, their knowledge of local crocs and like not walking into heavy traffic or not putting salt in your eyes, this
wildlife are on point with commentary and fun facts. is the same. Don’t tempt fate or fate may not fall favourably.
Wildlife Habitat Your first sign that you should proceed with caution are the warning
signs, if you’re unsure, DON’T. Expect crocodiles in most Far North
A Port Douglas icon right in town, is home the world’s waterways, even if there aren’t any signs. Best practice is to just stay
only “Predator Plank”. Stand above the region’s beloved out of saltwater rivers.
toothy monster croc, Babinda, with nothing more than mere
netting and a narrow plank between you. It’s pretty much If “persistent like a Crocodile” isn’t a saying yet, then it should be. Just
because you can’t see a crocodile doesn’t mean there isn’t one lurking
the closest you can get to a hungry crocodile and talk about
it. If you’re looking for something more cuddly, you can around. They can stay underwater and unseen for up to four hours
hold a koala or hand feed a kangaroos too. without even a breath.
If enjoying a tropical sunset or sunrise, be extra vigilant at dusk and
The Lady Douglas
dawn, crocs are more active during these times.
A classic & beautiful riverboat, the Lady Douglas takes During heavy rain, floods or high tides crocs can end up in some
you searching for Estuarine Crocodiles and other wildlife, unusual places, moving them into territories where they haven’t been
cruising through the mangrove forests around Port Douglas.
seen before.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Got your fishing line in a tangle? Leave the lure, line-casters have been
There’s a lot of excitement here with a jaw opening surprise snapped while recovering a lucky lure, even though they didn’t see a
at every turn that would love to give you the chomp. It’s crocodile there all day, that’s very unlucky.
also a great spot to flip the script and take a bite out of one - Those big metal boxes you may see are traps. Stay well away from
try a croc burger or shop for top-quality designer bags at the crocodile traps. They are designed to attract hungry crocodiles, so avoid
region’s original sustainable crocodile farm. fishing, boating and selfies (yes, some dough heads did this) near them.
All of these operators strive to make a big difference through If caught interfering some stiff penalties will apply, up to your life.
engaging wildlife experiences to better create and share Don’t make your day at the beach rememberable for all the wrong
knowledge while promoting awareness and conservation. reasons:
• Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.
The Pointy End • Do not swim at dawn, dusk or at night.
There’s always going to be a ‘thrashing like a crocodile’ • Read and obey all crocodile warning signs.
debate regarding our prehistoric neighbours. That’s healthy, • Understand that crocodiles usually hunt by staying submerged and
as it keeps people from becoming complacent. Regardless can attack in knee-deep water, so wading can still be dangerous.
of yours or my thoughts they are a unique part of the • Removing one crocodile doesn’t eliminate the risk of an attack.
character up here. Both amazing and unnerving they need
• Always be vigilant and if you ever think you see a crocodile
to be respected. It’s prevention that will allow us to live in
harmony. Always think twice and be croc-wise, follow this cruising near a beach report it to 1300 130 327 before you Facebook
and you can safely experience paradise in croc country. live it.

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 17