There is a handful of excellent wildlife parks in this region that are worth a visit, particularly if one misses sighting these elusive species in the rainforests and swamps.

Birdworld Kuranda, for instance, offers close contact with our magnificent feathered friends.

The Cassowary, Australia's largest land animal and the third largest bird in the world after the ostrich and emu. Those claws certainly look mean though.

"Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree-ee... "
And when there's a bunch of them, you get a real racket!

Barn owl
at Wild World,
only 15 minutes'
drive from Cairns.

Wild World is fascinating and educational because of the interactive and informative animal shows conducted by its knowledgeable guides.

Now doesn't that look like a happy healthy huggy koala?
Tis hard not to smile when one sees these lovable furry creatures...

Er, no thanks, I'd rather not get close to these...

Crocs appear to be in abundance in these parts,
with croc cruises widely available.
Above is crocodile feed at Marineland Melanesia, Green Island.

And, of course, who can forget this famous mascot of Australia?

Above kangaroos at Wild World,
while its marsupial cousin below, a wallaby,
resides at Rainforest Habitat, Port Douglas.