14 Aug 2023

Picturesque Scenery and Wildlife Adventures at Perosus Creek

Epic documentary-come-to-life wildlife encounters and jaw-slackening scenery combined for an unforgettable day exploring Prince Frederick Harbour and Mitchell Falls. It was an early start for guests joining both the optional scenic helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls and the Zodiac cruise through Porosus Creek. Our airborne adventurers were picked up from Naturalists Beach and enjoyed the aerial view of the sandstone cliffs lining Prince Frederick Harbour. At the falls, they had a chance to take a dip in the cool waters and some spotted the elusive Monjon, the smallest species of Rock-wallaby.

Our early morning Porosus Creek cruise started off with a flock of brilliant Green Varied Lorikeets circling the monsoon rainforest on the shore, while a White-bellied Sea Eagle was observed perched in a partially submerged dead tree and then diving into the water to catch a fish in the shallow waters near the mangroves. As our Zodiacs cruised around a corner, a hidden beach was revealed with a large Saltwater Crocodile sunning itself by the edge of the water.

By the afternoon, our Mitchell Falls explorers had returned and soon everyone was back in our Zodiacs to cruise around the mangroves. The low tide revealed the unique structures of the different mangroves while muddy banks were now occupied by Saltwater Crocodiles. Younger, more brightly coloured crocodiles blended in with the muddy banks and closer inspection revealed algae coating their heads. A group of Snubfin Dolphins first appeared to be feeding, but their movements suggested more intimate activities as five of them passed by two Zodiacs.

Venturing further upstream brought us into the realm of Mudskippers which were busily engaged in territorial disputes on the muddy banks. The pale large claws of male Fiddler Crabs glinted in the sunlight as they waved them in an attempt to both attract females and threaten other males. Keen-eyed guests also spotted two Mangrove Sea Snakes with their black and white stripes and modified paddle-like tail as they slinked into nearby holes in search of their next meal. Though we were not the only ones watching, a Blue-winged Kookaburra soon swooped down and flew away with a snake in its beak.

Once back on board Heritage Adventure we freshened up for a sunset BBQ dinner outside on Deck 6 where unique food-art sculptures by our talented Hospitality Team including a crocodile made of bread and a rooster sculpted from a pineapple featured among another incredible dining experience.

Image (c) by: D.Howes