The Cassowary Coast

We've spent the past week exploring the Cassowary Coast south of Cairns, from Babinda to Innisfail and down to Mission Beach where the Djiru people are the traditional owners of the land and waters.

We didn't see any adult Cassowaries but, as strange as it sounds, have seen a few chicks. They seem to hang around in groups of two or three with a couple resting on the ground while one stands guard, a bit like a meerkat. We saw one group settled underneath the awning at someone's campsite, while the humans sat only a couple of metres away. And before anyone questions my bird identification skills, I checked the source of all knowledge (Google) and confirmed that they were indeed Cassowary chicks. No sign of the adults anywhere but I'm sure they'd come out and show themselves if the chicks were bounced on by a couple of Labradors. I managed to get a dubious photo of one that was resting not far from Loretta. I didn't want to get any closer for want of a better photo in case dad came charging out of the scrub. Apparently the male Cassowaries do all the rearing of the chicks once the eggs have hatched while the females disappear into the forest to do whatever Cassowaries do when they're not child-minding.

Babinda is officially Australia's wettest town. And it was. Otherwise the weather has been spectacular (apologies to my southern friends) and we've enjoyed long walks on long beaches with lovely views of the Whitsundays. Mission Beach was a particular highlight with a quaint and friendly village, a beautiful beach with Dunk Island just just a short swim away.

Here's a selection of photos which, as usual, don't do justice to the scenery. I really have to get the Labs' iPhone skills up to speed. In case you mistake the Cassowary chick for the bush turkey up a tree, I've pointed out where the chick is. You might need your specs.