Port Douglas was included as a stop-over in our tour package so we took the opportunity to stay a few nights in this quiet seaside town. I was amazed by how friendly everyone was and really enjoyed the laid back town atmosphere.

One night, as you may be able to see from the pictures, Sheona and I went Cane Toad racing at the local pub. Essentially, you had a raffle ticket and if your ticket was called you had to go and 'race' the toad. Sure enough, my number was up. I was assigned to Aussie Aussie Aussie and he looked like a good racer! We had to kiss them first, then place them on the table and blow party horns at them (from behind) to make them hop off the table and safely into our hands. Sounds good in theory. In practice, the ones that wanted to race went fast, very fast, off the table and into the crowd. The race then became about who could catch their toad first. The ones that didn't want to race (Aussie Aussie Aussie being the only one) sat on the table with their 'jockey' growing impatient and lacking in breath whilst blowing the party hooter at their bums. Eventually, with some gentle prodding (nb. Said jockey did not prod toad in bum) they lept from the table and finished the race. Phew. Everyone got very involved in this 'traditional' sport! I think that Port Douglas is definitely up there as one of the best places we've been to in Oz.

-B