A fantastic day — rivers, bird life, crocodiles, mangroves, helicopters, waterfalls. And all before lunch (which was at 3.30 pm).

We started early in our zodiacs for a cruise down the Hunter River and Porosus Creek, aptly named for the saltwater crocodile species that inhabits the area.

Only a baby — about 2 metres long — but exciting to see it up close and personal. Less threatening was the bird life:

It truly was a wonderful way to spend the early hours of the morning, puttering up the creek in among the mangroves. Very peaceful. We killed the motors on the zodiacs and spent time just listening to the sounds of the environment. Magic.

Back to the Silver Discoverer briefly before heading back by zodiac to a nearby sandy beach for a helicopter ride to the Mitchell Falls. A somewhat scary 25 minute ride as the passenger section of the helicopter has no doors. Great for sightseeing but you need to be securely strapped in!

This is the Porosus Creek from the helicopter. The haze is from purposeful back burning in the area. Here’s another shot of waterfalls taken by hanging out the door of the helicopter!

We landed near the Mitchell Falls and spent an hour photographing and admiring the stunning views:

Back to our ship for a very late lunch, a snooze, the daily informative lecture from the Expedition team, cocktails, dinner, wine, music from our resident Filipino pianist and finally bed.