A Day in Port Douglas

John’s Surprise for Me

John has a surprise for me this morning. He says not to eat breakfast and that we leaving at 7:20am. It isn’t until we are in the car that I realize that he has booked us into Breakfast with the Birds at the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat. He knows me so well.

Breakfast is very cool with all kinds of birds/parrots wandering around. I hold a black cockatoo and a male eclectus decides to land on my shoulder. All is well until he gets too friendly, too fast with my arm. There is an adorable rosella cockatoo named Cracker walking around and while I’m distracted, a black cockatoo flies in and starts eating my scrambled eggs. Click here for a short video of Cracker.

There is a warning sign about a cockatoo named Mitch that tries to escape his living area.

Looking around the Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat

The park is really well done. I get up close and personal with many of Australia’s native species including koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, lorikeets and so much more. 

We get to see the elusive Cassowary. They are a big, angry looking bird and have been known to kill people.

Swimming with Salt Water Crocodiles

The Habitat even has a swim with the salties program (saltwater crocodiles). I do not join up for that experience.

Mocka’s Bakery

After many wonderful hours we went to Mocka’s Bakery just off the main street in Port Douglas and buy a crocodile pie, bush kangaroo pie and lamb and rosemary pie and head back to our apartment where I mix up a big salad to go with it. The crocodile has a mild meat flavour and kangaroo tastes like beef.

The weather is very hot so we take a rest before heading out to explore more.

St. Mary’s by the Sea Church

Our first stop is the quaint St Mary’s by the Sea Church which was built in 1880. It is a popular location for weddings.

Rex Smeal Park 

From St Mary’s, it’s just a short walk to the beautiful Rex Smeal Park with it’s 180 degree views of the water.

Walking Trail

From the park we take the trail up, up, and up. I fear my choice of sandals was not a wise one. The views along the way are stunning.

Along the trail a wild sulphur crested cockatoo lands on a tree in front of us. He is just as interested in watching us as we are in him.

Trinity Bay Lookout

The Trinity Bay Lookout gives us amazing views of the coastline, the rainforest and Four Mile Beach. 

We take the many steps down to the beach and then turn onto Macrossan Street, Port Douglas’s main street which leads us back to the church.

Flagstaff Hill Lookout

We take the car up to Flagstaff Hill Lookout. The views are breathtaking and there is a plaque listing distances to some of the worlds biggest cities. Toronto is 14,845 km away.

Evening at the Apartment

We head back to our apartment, have a short walk on the nearby beach, then supper and call it a night.