My Australian holiday - you asked for it !

[Snatcher]

From the beach we headed towards the harbour and stumbled over this little gem - St Marys by the sea

 

http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/aust...rt-douglas.html

 

We just had to take a few shots of it

 

 

 

 

During our time at Port Douglas we seen quite a few weddings there.Someone said it was the most popular church in Australia for getting married in. Do not actually know if there is any truth in this.

 

 

It was right on the beach

 

 

Right next to the beach was the Sunday Market

 

 

I was watching this aboriginal guy weaving baskets,how skillful was he?? I know they are not keen on being photographed so I did ask him first.He said it was ok but he would not pose for me.Anyway this is the shot

 

 

In the next installment we head off to Marina and see George the giant wild grouper being fed

[Tony U]

Snatcher

St Mary's by the sea; where's the lighthouse?????????

 

By the way did you win the tug of war?

[tonynufc]

totally fantastic mate. ive just spent the last couple of hours going through the whole report and i cant wait for the next addition.

[Snatcher]

We fancied a tour of Port Douglas Marina.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the tranquil blue waters of Dickson's Inlet and with spectacular views to the Mossman Ranges, this striking modern complex compliments the traditional architecture of north Queensland and offers everything from day-to-day essentials to exclusive fashion, ultimate indulgence and fun.

 

 

 

The place really smells of money I can assure you

 

 

 

The restaurant component of Marina Mirage provides visitors with a superb selection of international cuisine, the option of airconditioned indoor seating, or al fresco dining with views of the aquatic world gliding by.

 

 

 

 

This next boat,The Lady Douglas features in my next installment

 

[Snatcher]

One of the complex's unique attractions is a 14 metre wide timber boardwalk bounded by shops and restaurants on one side and overlooking the Marina on the other.

 

 

 

 

 

The boardwalk offers al fresco dining at sidewalk cafes; a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the marine environment and famous Queensland sunshine. Marina Mirage is the closest mainland point to the region's range of marine attractions and provides 109 berths, is the departure point for world renowned Quicksilver Connections luxury vessels and for a flotilla of luxury cruise vessels, yachts and private motor cruisers.

 

Marina Mirage Port Douglas is fast becoming the nautical gateway to Port Douglas and North Queensland.

 

 

These guys had been out reef fishing on a charter and it looks like they have never heard of catch and release!!!!!

 

 

We noticed this archer fish shooting flies off one of the jetty piles

 

 

[Snatcher]

Next up we headed to the Inlet Bar to see George the giant grouper being fed.Its a daily occurance at 5pm every day and is a real crowd puller

 

 

 

A large tuna head is his snack!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the next installment we go croc spotting up the river on the Lady Douglas

[Bobj]

Another bottler, mate!!

Those charter fisos had caught some of the best eating fish. You don't throw those back unless they are undersize. A mixture of red emperor and large-mouth nannygai (scarlet sea perch)

 

[Bobj]

Told you that the diamond mullet was good bait...

 

[Hellbelly]

Another top notch installment mate. Some great looking weather for photo's with the sun and clouds too. That one with the charter fish is awesome except for that pole in the way, its got really good QI and colour.

[Snatcher]

The manager of our apartment complex,John had advised us to book onto one of the sunset river cruises on the Lady Douglas paddle boat crocodile spotting.We took his advice and this was our trusty steed!!

 

 

 

I had heard of loads of folk blanking on these trips and was not expecting to see any.I could not believe my eyes when we had just rounded the first bend from the Yacht Club and we seen this chap on the bank.

 

 

I do not think he was too happy to see us though!!

 

 

The skipper was well chuffed as he said all the pressure was off him now.Another 10 minutes up the river and the skipper spotted another croc amongst the mangroves.

 

 

Now I think these were a pair of sea eagles we spotted in the trees.I am sure a twitcher can put me right on this !

 

 

 

We stopped on one of the bends and the skipper said he was going to feed the catfish and started chucking breakfast cereal in for them

 

 

They certainlt seemed to like it!

 

 

Further upriver we spotted another eagle