Zigzagging Through Cattle Country

As we worked our way south, we stopped at Byfield National park.  The roads to the supposedly-stunningly-beautiful coast involved crossing a few bare dunes, so that was out. Instead, we opted to kayak up a river for few kilometers. 



Surrounded by the coastal rainforest, the calm water reflected the canopy.


Despite our best efforts we managed to scare off most of the snakes.


Side channels were surrounded by tall palm trees. many leaning out over the water.




We spied a kingfisher (relative of the kookaburra) waiting for a meal.


In many places we had to navigate over, around, or under fallen trees (something Jen really delighted in).


A number of aquatic and semi-aquatic reptiles were hiding in plain sight.


This one was taking a break next to a rock.  It was at least 20 inches long.


We passed through Rockhampton, the cattle capital of Queensland. Over 2 million cattle live within a few hundred kilometers of the city. We stopped at the excellent city gardens, particularly for the free zoo.


A number of unique birds were about, both inside, and outside the aviary.


This little guy was stealing some of the Cassowary feed.


Oriental ducks, check out that plumage.




This is a lace monitor (named for its scale pattern).  She probably weighs at least 20lbs.




This is what Koalas do most of the time, nap.  Often more than 14 hours a day.


We headed inland a bit to Blackdown Tablelands.  Named for its location, this NP is located on a high mesa.