There are many ways of describing the Hunter River, with its spectacular scenery, diverse bird species, ancient geology, and thriving ecosystems. However one thing that stands out for many when they come here is that its home to crocodylus porosus, the estuarine crocodile. This was forefront in many of our thoughts as we set out this morning in Zodiacs to cover a large tributary into the Hunter River known aptly as “Porosus Creek.”
With binoculars and cameras in hand, we scoured the edges of the inter-tidal mangrove forest, through overgrown, shaded inlets and up the slow moving backwaters hoping to catch a glimpse of one of these ancient reptiles. It wasn’t effortless, (as estuarine crocodiles have perfected the art of camouflage) but frequent bird sightings of feeding ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, reef egrets, and Australasian darters, as well as other fauna including green sea turtles, kept everyone’s attention and eyes sharp for the task.
Soon enough, sightings started coming though. One saltie, found resting on the creeks edge, casually slipped into the water with barely a ripple as we idled past. Not long after another was spotted warming up in a sunny clearing amongst the mangroves. Being a bit bigger (3m/ 9ft), this crocodile self-assuredly allowed us to get close enough (but not too close!) to photograph it comfortably in its home.
Crocodiles and other fauna were not the only highlight of the day however, as some onboard National Geographic Orion had chosen to fly by helicopter from nearby Naturalists Island to the Mitchell Plateau, where they could witness the majestic four-tiered powerhouse that is the Mitchell Waterfalls. Afterwards, being able to take a refreshing plunge in one of the plateau’s cool, croc-free swimming holes added a certain charm to an already idyllic setting.
As the sun sets and a red moon rises, we sail eastward to tomorrow’s destination. Many grand descriptions of the Hunter are being told in the ships lounge over cocktail hour and one adjective I hear that I think rounds up today’s activities it’s simply, magnificent.
