Cairns, Australia: Green Island (October 2013)

We had a few options for our last day in Cairns. Green Island is a small island about 45 minutes from the marina. It’s part of the reef, but known mostly for its beaches and crocodile park, although the snorkeling was decent there as well. The boat trip to the island was a rocky one. Luckily Brian and I didn’t get sick unlike a substantial number of other people on the boat.

Arriving at Green Island, we see a sign for “Croc Feeding, 1:30pm”. Of course we both immediately look at our watches and realize we’re just in time for the last feeding of the day. We’ve had a fascination with crocs and gators since we were youngster after spending many vacations in Florida. In particular we LOVED going to Gatorland where they would string chickens across the gator pond as viewers watched the beasts fight over every wing, drumstick and final carcass.

Anyway, needless to say we were stoked. Marineland houses the largest crocodile in captivity in the world (Guinness World Record). His name is Cassius, and he is 105 years old. He was captured about 30 years ago and has been living on Green Island ever since. The park was more interesting than I expected. The man who started Marineland is in his 80s, and has been capturing crocodiles for 60 years. He still lives on the island which is also home to his very extensive Southeast Asian art collection. Only about 20% of the art is on display in Marineland, and the display is HUGE!

Now for the feeding. Crocodile Dundee comes out with a few chicken carcass and a fishing pole ready to put on a show:

It was kind of eerie walking around the cages. Even though the crocs are well contained it felt like one was about to leap at you at any moment. Their vicious looks and quick reflexes are absolutely terrifying. It was awesome though.

We spent the rest of the day walking around the island and doing some snorkeling. Everyone seemed to have a different opinion regarding the snorkeling there, but we found it pretty decent. Not as great as being further out on the reef, but we found a couple hot spots, seeing a stingray, starfish, shallow coral, tons of schools of fish and large black slug-like creatures.

The ride back was smoother and we arrived during half time of the All Blacks and Wallaby game (New Zealand vs. Australia rugby). Big game, or so they tell us. The All Blacks dominated, and to be honest I have no clue how to play rugby, but it was still fun to be part of the excitement. No matter the sport, it’s fun to be at a bar with the game on all TVs and people cheering for their home team.

Cairns was a fantastic tropical destination thanks to the famous reef and hot weather… can’t wait to come back and do some more underwater exploration! Now off to Melbourne :)