After spending a couple of days in the Blackpool of Australia - Cairns - we continued north stopping overnight in the small town of Mossman where we visited the Mossman Gorge, then drove through Daintree National Park to Cape Tribulation.

At Mossman Gorge we did a short walk through the rain forest to the main parts of the gorge. It was a popular stop for many people, some whom bathed amongst the big boulders in the river. The highlight for us was when someone pointed out a snake curled up on the river banks - our first snake spot in Australia.

We caught the car ferry the short distance across the Daintree River. With lots of signs up warning of crocodiles I kept my eyes pinned on the water to hopefully see one, but it was to no avail.

The winding road through the rain forest which covers the Daintree National Park was pretty and enjoyable, equally as picturesque as the drives we got used to in New Zealand. Along the way were two walks we'd planned to do. The first one was Jindalba Boardwalk. We parked up next to the entrance and as I got out the car and started to put my knee support on I heard a guide telling his group to back away. Before I could see what was behind me I leapt into the car and slammed the door shut. As I turned round to look out of the window I was thinking there must be a big crocodile out there, but instead I saw this massive bird the size of an Emu or Ostrich with massive feet come ambling passed the car and heading into the bushes. With my immediate panic I didn't get a very good picture, but got some video footage. This bird was in fact very special, it was a Cassowary and there are only about 1200 in the wild of Australia. The guide was just as surprised to see one as us and explained these birds can be very aggressive so keep well back. After that excitement we made are way along the board walk through the rain forest with big palm canopies high in the air and passed many mangrove swamps.

Our stop for the night was at a beachside camp close to Cape Tribulation - the place where Captain Cook ran aground after his ship the Endeavour hit the coral reef. We've been to quite a few places here in Australia and in New Zealand where Captain Cook has fetched up and they always seem to be in lovely scenic bays. Strange that.

Katy