Interesting Snaps of the Salties

Another day to fill in. What was left for us to explore in Broome? On top of Ella's list was returning to the op shops she hadn't been in due to their limited opening hours. Katy was keen to go back to the Courthouse Markets again and then onto the Crocodile Park. Andy and I had the usual run and coffee combo.

We left the girls sleeping as we headed out north through the back of the Cable Beach suburb, running for a few km's before crossing the dunes to the beach. There were fewer 4WD's on the beach at this time of the morning but a camel train was leaving for its morning trip as we approached the main beach. While waiting for a takeaway coffee (yes Andy had to lower his standards a few times on this trip!) we saw the distant splash of whales.

Purchases were made at the op shop and markets before we returned to the apartment for lunch and a dip. Next was the afternoon outing to the Malcom Douglas Crocodile Park. We arrived in time for the crocodile feeding tour. While waiting for the tour to begin, the girls were able to cuddle a baby crocodile. 

 

Our tour began by feeding the 60+ salties that reside in the main lagoon waterway. The majority of these are male crocodiles with only 3 females who know their place. Feeding time was brutal with larger crocs exerting their dominance. Clashes were fierce with one encounter resulting in a croc splitting a tooth!

From there we walked viewing and feeding different crocs. In individual pens, each croc has their own story. Most were captured within waterways where they posed a risk to people and then relocated to this park to live out the rest of their days. Some had a Mrs in the pen, while others lived solo due to their highly aggressive nature and intolerance to other crocs including those of the other sex!

Mako, the tour guide was excellent. We learnt all interesting facts about saltwater crocs. Like if you get bitten don't try to poke out the crocs eye as they can retract right into the back their head; if a croc gets bitten, their immune system quickly kicks in preventing infection; and they can go for a long time between meals like over a year. All these characteristics have enabled them to survive so long however surprisingly saltwater croc numbers are now on the decline thanks to the cane toad invasion across northern Australia.

There was Fatso, Red Baron, Agro, Bluey and Manic to name a few. Maniac is the master of disguise. He has a lightning fast strike exploding from the water in the blink of an eye and is considered one of the most aggressive crocs in the park and Kimberly

Not much to see once the tour concluded, so it was back to the apartment for another splash in the pool to cool off. As the sun was sinking, we made our way over to Town Beach, where the moon was rising over Roebuck Bay. The reflections of the full moon rising over the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay creates the famous Staircase to the Moon phenomena.