TOURISTS got a bit more than they bargained for on Monday when Fat Albert – the dominant male crocodile on the Daintree River - leapt out of the water and sank his teeth into the railing of their boat. David White, owner and operator of Solar Whisper, said he spotted the river's two big males, five-metre Fat Albert and four-metre long Scarface, scrapping over territory about 2.30pm on Monday. "At this time of year, this is a fairly common occurrence, making trips out on the river so exciting for our passengers," Mr White said. "When male crocs fight they are full of testosterone and can act aggressively towards any-thing nearby. "Knowing this, we idled quite some distance away, ensuring we gave the boys plenty of space to rumble. "However, Fat Albert broke off the fight and vanished under the water, re-appearing  seconds later right beside the boat. Suspecting Fat Albert's intentions, Mr White threw the boat in reverse and moved his passengers to the far side of the boat. Not intimidated by the fact that he was taking on a boat nearly twice his size, the big boy of the river launched himself out of the water with his powerful tail. As he dropped back into the water, Fat Albert snapped at the tourist boat, leaving a couple of dents in the welded aluminium hull and the top railing, more than a metre clear of the water. Mr White said no-one had been in danger during the attack but it left him and his passengers understandably rattled. ''It was pretty scary," he admitted. "It’s not the first time a croc has had a go at a boat on the Daintree, but it’s the first time he's left marks on a boat." Mr White said he didn’t blame Fat Albert for his display of dominance, and certainly didn’t want any action taken to remove the monster saurian. "He was letting us know who was in charge of the river”, Mr White said. "In -future I'll give fighting crocodiles even more space." After assaulting the boat, Fat Albert chased off another smaller crocodile, while Scarface took out his frustration on a nearby mangrove tree. And it's not just male crocs that get cranky during the mating season. Nesting females will defend their nests against any real or perceived threat to their offspring. Although crocodiles are most likely to be aggressive in rivers and estuaries, Port Douglas locals received a timely reminder that they can also be a threat along beaches and in lagoons. Warning signs were placed along southern Four Mile Beach last week after a reported sighting, while rangers from the Department of Environment and Resource Management spent Wednesday morning setting floating traps in the Reef park lagoon. A reminder from the Queensland Government earlier this month reminded people to be particularly croc-wise during the breeding season, which lasts until April. "This time of year, it can be more dangerous because the males are full of testosterone," Mr White said. "When there's just one it’s not so bad, but if you see two crocs having a go at each other stay well clear."

RICHARD KOSER – Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette 22 October 2009

koser@tpd.newsltd.com.au

We are proud of our achievements over the past 3 years, having been voted in the top 1% of Hotels in the World by Expedia.

The Expedia Insiders' Select List is as voted by guests - based on value, service and customer ratings. We have been in the top 1% for 2007, 2008 and now 2009.

Don't take our word for it, come and experience quality for yourself!

THE Skytrans Cairns Taipans are urging fans to relinquish their normal orange or blue garb for Saturday night’s home game against the Adelaide 36ers – and don pink.

The Skytrans Taipans are taking part in the Go Pink campaign as part of the Cancer Council Queenslands' Breast Cancer Awareness Month and are encouraging supporters at Saturday night’s game to also get behind the cause.

Skytrans Taipans mascot Joe Blake will be appearing in a special edition pink uniform which will later be auctioned online with proceeds going to the Cancer Council Queensland.

There will be volunteers at the game selling pink ribbons and wristbands, while others will collect donations throughout the night.

Breast cancer awareness month runs throughout October and the Cancer Council Queensland is running a number of events in Cairns including a Girls Night In on October 30 and a Pink Ribbon High Tea on October 25.

The Skytrans Cairns Taipans are also providing several prizes for the Girls Night In, a ladies only event, to be held at the Cairns Airport’s International Check-in Hall 7pm to 10pm.

Skytrans Taipans Sales Manager Matt Bolton said the Go Pink campaign was an important community event the club was proud to be supporting.

“Cancer affects so many people in the community, people from all walks of life, so we jumped at the chance to do what we could to help the campaign,” Bolton said.

“Our club’s mantra is “100% Community”, so we felt it was important for us to do what we could to help raise money for breast cancer research and awareness.

“We want to see a sea of pink at Saturday night’s game as opposed to the usual orange or blue that our fans normally wear.

Mal Fraser, Cancer Support Coordinator at the Cancer Council Queensland in Cairns says "It is wonderful to have such enthusiastic support from  the Cairns Taipans. Events such as this help us to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer and assist us to fund our vital research and support programs."

“Joe Blake is going to have a pink uniform, and probably some other fun surprises up his sleeve as well.”

The Taipans take on the Adelaide 36ers at the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday from 7.30pm.

The cost of a holiday including air fares, accommodation, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the Rainforest for yourself and your family, can be quite frightening.

Let us help you to take the financial worry out of your next holiday.

With this in mind, we are offering you a lay-by system for your accommodation, and if you would like us to arrange your trips, we can do that also.

After paying the deposit, small monthly increments will make your holiday much easier on your pocket.

Just call us on our free call number 1800 067 966 to discuss your holiday requirements and we can work out the total cost and the easy payment plan.

If you are not in Australia, just email us with your details.

Here's a sneak peak at what is coming up at the Pink Ribbon High Tea...

Health, beauty and wellbeing demonstrations by Mii Spa, Body Shop, Curves, Awakening Therapies, College Cuts, Active Gym and Breastscreen. Fancy a make up make over, relaxing shoulder massage, a new hairdo or maybe some wellbeing advice? Then put your name in the draw on the day and you could be the lucky one who is selected to enjoy one of these exciting demos.

There will be a fashion show with a difference thanks to 2XS Models, not like your usual catwalk show, this is a performance. Get set to be impressed!

Inspiring guest speakers will talk about why we all need to take time out for ourselves to relax and reconnect (don't forget to sign up for your locals discount card with Mii Spa), plus stories of adventure and courage after battling breast cancer Sharon Cohrs will share her story as she conquers the mountains of Nepal.

The high tea again is set to be superb, the music magnificent, the fashions exquisite and the prizes plentiful!

Don't forget to wear your best pink outfit - there will be a prize for the best dressed.

Want a sneaky peak at some of the auction prizes?....

• A beautiful surprise hamper from Simply Hampers
• 1 night stay at Daintree Eco Lodge plus a la carte breakfast
• Skydive Cairns 11,000ft jump from a perfectly good airplane
• Mii Spa 2.5hr Heavenly Treatment + 1 nights accommodation at the Sebel Cairns
• 1 night at The Hotel Cairns plus a 3 Course Hot Rock Dinner & Breakfast
• A gorgeous lamp from Beacon Lighting
• Awakening Therapies Package - Massage, Acupuncture, Hemaview
• Teeth whitening package from Future Dental
• Artwork by local Cairns artist Regan O'Neill
• A cupcake tower by Cupcake Creations
• 30mins in a stretch Hummer for you and 13 friends, 6 bottles of pink sparkling followed by a night with Sam Powers and 7 double passes for all your friends woohoo!!!

Tickets are limited and selling fast so don't miss out on Cairns premier pink ribbon event.

1st October sees the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Pink Ribbon Day on the 26th October is an annual event to encourage women to be breast aware and highlight the importance of breast cancer research. Funds are continually needed to support further research, so October is the major fundraising month.

Due to the success of last year, the Pink Ribbon High Tea event will be held again this year at the Shangri La Hotel on Sunday 25th October. This year the event will be supporting the Cancer Council which is fantastic news due to the local support provided, plus a small portion of the funds raised will remain in Cairns to support the local breast cancer support groups.

Tickets are $65 and are now available from Breastscreen, Cancer Council, The Wax Room Southside and Awakening Therapies. Hurry as they are selling fast!

Included in the afternoon is a spectacular high tea, interactive demonstrations by Mii Spa, Body Shop, Curves, Awakening Therapies, Breastscreen and College Cuts. There will also be a fashion show with a difference, many prizes to win, inspiring guest speakers plus some jazz by Evergreen to chill out to.

It is an afternoon not to be missed!

Free Movies each Tuesday at 10.30am shown at the Casino Sportz Arena - Level 2 of the Casino.

Tuesday 6th October - Doubt (Rated M)
Drama - Starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman & Amy Adams

Tuesday 13th October - He's just not that into you (Rated M)
Comedy / romance - STarring Jennier Aniston & Juston Long

Tuesday 20th October - Passengers (Rated M)
Drama / Thriller - Starring Anne Hathaway & Patrick Wilson

Tuesday 27th October - Appaloosa (Rated M)
Drama / Western - Starring Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen & Renee Zellweger

Rainforestation Army Duck Driver Murray Freeman has celebrated reaching his 30th year of employment at the award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda.

Murray started working at Rainforestation on 23rd September in 1979, when it was known as Mountain Groves. At the time, the only other army duck driver was founding Managing Director Charles Woodward.

Murray remembers starting his employment with the company particularly well as he married his wife Laura the following week.

“So techinically, you can say I’ve been married to my job longer than I have my wife!” he said.

In those early days, Murray’s duties were varied and extended beyond just driving an army duck, from serving behind bar, to helping out in the restaurant.

“I remember on my first day, I wore good clothes to work, then my first task was a trip in the old truck to the dump – with a particularly messy batch of rubbish,” he said.

Over the years, Murray has seen the attraction evolve from a small business employing six people, to an internationally successful operation with currently 75 employees.

Due to his extensive knowledge of amphibious war vehicles, Murray has often been used as specialist consultant for film and television productions, such as the Steven Speilberg produced mini-series The Pacific which is currently in production.

Rainforestation Managing Director Charles Woodward said it was great to see a long-term employee remain so dedicated and passionate about their work.

“After 30 years, his tours have remained fresh and interesting – although some of his jokes haven’t changed,” he said.

“Murray has been presented with many opportunities to move into more senior roles, but has turned these down as he is content in this role, and continues to give it 100%. We are pleased to see him reach this milestone, and are proud of his ongoing commitment to Rainforestation,” he said.

Today, Murray has the additional responsibility of training the army duck drivers on driving, safety skills and guiding.

The award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda has just completed a successful exchange of koalas with Alma Park Zoo in Southern Queensland for breeding purposes.

The aim is to introduce new genetics into the breeding programmes at both Rainforestation Nature Park and Alma Park Zoo, Queensland's longest running zoo, situated 30 minutes north of Brisbane.
Sakura, a 2 year old female koala born at Rainforestation in their successful breeding program, has
swapped places with Alma Park Zoo's Kodi, a 3 year old male koala.

Rainforestation Head Wildlife Keeper Kate Coughlan said it is hoped Kodi will become one of their
top breeding males, as well as a star in the "Koala Experience" for koala photos.

"Kodi has settled in nicely and is revelling in his new role posing in the Koala Experience, so we're
also hoping he will take to two of our female koalas in the next couple of months," she said.

Meanwhile, Sakura is also expected to be a future breeder at Alma Park Zoo, with Rainforestation to
receive the first female offspring she produces, bringing new genetics into the koala colony again.

Both Rainforestation and Alma Park Zoo plan to work together for Koala management for the future,
thus beginning a long term partnership between the two parks.

For more information or to arrange a photo opportunity, please contact CaPTA PR Manager Ben
Woodward on 0406 384 886 or 07 4041 9401.

GUESTS ENJOY THEIR STAY AT "AMAROO"

01/10/2009   Pinkwart Family, Germany   -   Perfect accommodation

01/10/2009   Berzins Family, London   -   Great place to stay

03/10/2009   Maree Jones, Melbourne   -   Great place. Staff very good.

01/10/2009   Karen Clarke, California, USA   -   A wonderful place to be.

09/10/2009   Annette & Dave Haworth, Australian Capital Territory   -   Great stay. We will be back.

10/10/2009   Anna, Sweden   -   Wonderful stay. Thank you

13/10/2009   Lisa & Michael Hall, Perth   -   What a lovely spot Trinity (Beach) is. Great service from the Amaroo

19/10/2009   Jackie Brown, Canada   -   Beautiful place

21/10/2009   Anthony & Nuala Corish, Ireland   -   THE BEST !!!

24/10/2009   David & Ang Murray-Blyth, United Kingdom   -   Brilliant

30/10/2009   Debbie Rotherham, New Zealand   -   Will be back!

04/11/2009   Olle & Cat Holmberg, Sweden   -   Loved every minute. Had a great time

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments at beautiful Trinity Beach is offering hot deals for the spring & summer months. So come out of the cold and experience Cairn's premier FIVE star property. The two deals are:

• Stay 5 nights, and only pay for 4 nights (from 1st September), and
• Stay 7 nights, and only pay for 5 nights - that's two FREE nights (from 1st November)

Both specials expire 31 March 2010 and conditions apply.  

Passengers aboard the Tropic Sunbird, operated by Sunlover Reef cruises were treated to the whale encounter of a lifetime on Tuesday when a very large female Humpaback whale and her newborn Calf treated them to an amazing acrobatic display only 5 metres from the vessel.

The vessel which operates out at thier pontoon on Moore Reef regularly encounter Humpback whales on their journey out to the reef during the Whale migration season.

This encounter was one of the best encounters ever experienced by Sunlover Reef Cruises as the mother and calf approached the vessel from a distance as the vessel stopped to observe the whales from a distance.

"The whales deliberately changed their course and tracked directly towards the Tropic Sunbird.

When they reached our boat the young calf put on a very close and deliberate jumping show just a few metres from the boat. it was just absolutely amazing, and overwhelming. The emotion I felt when the cute little calf danced around for us just blew me away. I couldnt contain the joy the calf gave me knowing it was showing off for us," said Gemma Bedlington, a dive Instructor from Sunlover, who witnessed the encounter.

Dear Valued Friends and Customers,

Another year has passed and I have the great pleasure to ask you to join us celebrating our

3rd Anniversary Dinner on Friday, 07 or Saturday, 08 August 2009.

For this occasion, our Master Chef David Bres has created another sensational menu combining some all time favourites from previous menus for $69 per person. For Friday night only, we were lucky to secure the services of the lovely, Emma Louise, our aspiring local singer and songwriter.

Mint-flavoured tomato and sweet potato Gazpacho served on a cucumber jelly with crab meat and buffalo mozzarella marshmallow
*****

Baked coral trout fillet served with crunchy vegetables, Great Barrier Reef Bouillabaisse reduction and saffron flavoured Mayonnaise
*****

Roasted lamb cutlets served with Creamy polenta, lemon aspen tuna cream, crispy capers and sautéed asparagus
*****

Assortment of the finest sweets from the past 3 years


As we have limited space, bookings are essential. A la carte will also be available on both nights.

Please phone our Maitre D' Stephanie Bosc on Ph. 40411221 from 3pm or book by email.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Best regards,

Oliver, David & Stephanie