It's an interesting story behind the 'putting on the map' of Port Douglas. Allegedly Christopher Skase former owner of the Sheraton hotel spent 100's millions of money that wasn't his on super rich complex and palm trees. Along came the stock market crash of 87 and the same Christopher Skase found himself in Spain owing millions and with the Aussie government not being able to touch him.
What's left is a nice little tourist town with an expensive feel, easy access to rainforests, beaches, the reef and with lots of palm trees. It's a delightful little place - but full of people like me. I book a Cape Tribulation/Mossman Gorge/Daintree rainforest trip with Tony's Tropical Tours. My guide is...Chris. It's small groups in 4x4's and lots of information, lots and lots. Which is great for me but not so great i think for the 5 others - 4 of which don't speak English as their first language. It's allegedly the oldest rainforest in the world - i say that because i was told the one in Malaysia is. It's also allegedly (I'll stop with that one) home to the highly endangered Cassowary. A huge (world's 3rd largest), talon protected, often road killed, big bird. We are lucky enough to see a (huge) pile of steaming poo - i manage to refrain from taking lots of pictures. Before our lucky find we are introduced to lots of things in the forest that can kill us, have a boat ride spotting crocs (that can kill us), and have some local tea and coffee (can it kill us?). We survive our guided walks, up close and personal visit with injured fruit bats, wildlife and creepy crawlies and get to see Chris pulled over for speeding....oops
It was a well informed guided tour, incredible forest, lots of poisonous leaves and fruits, dangerous animals and poo...i highly recommend it.
