::
Cruise, Meal & Language Options
River Rat Eco
Cruises offers a number of different cruise options that are
available
at different times of the day and month, with an optional choice
of light meals*, prepared by our professional
chef Peter, and interpretation
offered in English and/or German.
*We offer
the following light meal options during our Daily River Rat Cruises:
- Home-baked Baguette
with either Ham, Cheese & Tomato; or
- Home-baked Baguette with Grilled Chicken,
Cheese & Lettuce; or
- Home-baked Baguette with Chef Salad & Cheese
- Every meal option includes a bottle of
refreshing cold water
All prices include:
- Courtesy pick-up (local Mission Beach area)
- Insect repellent during cruise
- Cup of coffee or tea
The Daily
River Rat Cruise and Early
Bird Watching Cruise are outlined below, however,
you also have the opportunity for more
specific eco cruises.
:: Daily River Rat Cruises
The River Rat Eco Cruise begins with an informal introduction
of the crew and guests, followed by a full safety briefing.
We start the eco-adventure with a background
on the river and its surrounds. This includes a mention of all
sorts of bird and other wildlife species likely to inhabit the
river environment. We also take a look at the dynamics of the
uncontrolled, wild river (which is also an estuary),
and how it shapes its bed. With the use of geographical maps,
we can clearly outline our cruising route and the entire river
system.
In between the informative talks, we make several
stops to set our traps for mud crabs – hoping to catch one
for ourselves on our way back up the river.
This unique environment is most recognisable
by the bizarre root system of the mangroves that line the banks
of the Hull River. The tour takes a detailed look at these well-adapted
plant species and highlights their role in the river’s eco-system.
We also offer a more detailed explanation as to the ecological
functions and economical uses of mangroves.
The abundant bird life is at home within the
peaceful environment of the Hull River. A myriad of fascinating
creatures line the shores and thrive in the waters, all with
intriguing
names, Kingfishers, Brahminy Kites, Mudskippers, Fiddler Crabs
and Sea-snakes. This truly is a comprehensive tour of the Wet
Tropics environment; an informative and relaxed eco-lesson that
will interest people from all walks of life, such as independent
traveling couples, family groups, backpackers, as well as the
more researched traveler.
At around sunset we reach the mouth of the
river and discuss the local history of the area known as Mission
Beach. We also provide a fascinating insight into Aboriginal culture,
especially that of the Rainforest People and the local Djirru
Tribe. On a clear night, the black sky is scattered with sparkling
stars; the view is made even clearer with absolutely no ‘light
pollution’ from any nearby towns. At full moon you can see
the moon rising over the sea, or behind one of the little islands
located a few miles offshore the beaches of Mission Beach.
Now that it is dark and mysterious, the conditions
are perfect for the much anticipated ‘croc spotting’.
We’ll fill you in with all the fascinating croc information,
from their prehistoric evolution through to the modern day threats!
The spotlights are in your hands as we scour the river in search
of the croc’s distinctive sparkling red ‘eye-shine’.
During the crocodile spotting we check the
mud crab traps that were set earlier in the day – possibly
picking up a famous Queensland ‘muddy’ for the evening’s
dinner! Your River Rat Eco Cruise arrives back at the boat ramp
by around 9pm.
:: Early Bird Watching Cruises
Come and meet the birds of your holiday destination.
River Rat
Eco Cruises offers a daily early bird watching cruise on the
Hull River. You can expect to see a great number of different native
Australian birds plus species from other parts of the
world.
Over 25 different species can be seen
regularly with over 50 species during certain times of the year.
Regularly we come across the following species:
- Darter or Snakebird
- Shining Flycatcher
- Mangrove, Azure, Little, Forest, Sacred Kingfisher
- Osprey
- Brahminy Kite
- White-bellied Sea-eagle
- Great-billed Heron
- Mangrove Heron
- Australian Ibis
During certain times of the year you can see:
- Metallic Starlings
- Pied Imperial or Torrest Strait Pigeon
- Black-Necked Stork or Jabaru
And with a little bit of luck you even come across:
- Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
- Southern Cassowary
- Lesser
Frigatebird (only seen once before a cyclone)
If you are interested in a specific bird species
and would like to find out more about our bird watching cruise,
please don't hesitate
to contact us for further
information.
So it doesn't matter what your bird
watching experiences are, we can give a good introduction to the
beginner
and we
are also looking forward to get some support through the skilled
eye and
ear of the more experienced bird watcher.
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