WHAT TO WEAR
The total round trip return distance of the Walk is approximately 1 km. There are no unavoidable steep hills on the walk and the surface varies from mown grass to bare earth and crushed volcanic rock (scoria). The latter is hard on bare feet and tends to roll under flat shoe soles on an incline. I recommend sports or walking shoes after a number of falls while wearing Crocs or thongs.
Any comfortable clothes are fine but bright colours are best avoided.
Wild animals are not keen on perfumes whether expensive or not and they are best avoided.
EQUIPMENT
Binoculars. If you have some do bring them with you.
The optimum binoculars are 10 x 40 but some prefer 7 x which are easier to hold still.
I spend my time looking at all animals and birds through a telephoto lens with a maximum magnification of x 12.5 which is stabilised to enable me to hold it still enough.
Camera. If you plan to bring a camera carry the biggest lens you have although I have seen excellent video taken with a mobile phone!
Brochure. This is available at Yungaburra Visitor Information Centre or other VICs around the Tablelands. You may find it useful.
Field Guide. This would be particularly useful for identifying birds or other phyla if you have a particular interest.
GENERAL SPOTTING TIPS
The animals you might encounter are habituated to the presence of humans in their territory and pay little attention to visitors who walk slowly and talk in a normal conversational voice. They do not like sudden or rapid movement, shouting, any loud noise or any disturbance of the water, grass, undergrowth or tree in which they are located.
SPECIFIC ANIMALS
Platypus.
Contrary to the information in most publications, along Petersons Creek Platypus can be seen at any hour during the day although perhaps slightly more easily early in the morning.
Seasonally, they are very active indeed during the mating season in September/October. After this the females retire to their burrows to hatch the eggs and raise the young for a period of 14-16 weeks which ends in the first two weeks of February.
Platypus normally stay under water for a maximum of 2 minutes. Best observed by walking slowly along the bank looking for :
a) Platypus swimming on the surface – done between fishing spots or faster when surveying territory.
b) A circle of bubbles rising to the surface often with the appearance of boiling water in the centre. Bubbles arise from rotting plant material when the platypus is digging for insect larvae, worms and crustaceans. Animal will normally appear within 2 minutes.
c) A semi circle of concentric waves coming from vegetation hanging into or growing in the water – when Platypus is foraging along the bank. May take longer to appear as is concealed but not diving.
Green Ringtail Possum
Green Ringtail Possum are endemic to Far North Queensland at altitudes above 300 mtrs (1000 feet) and are surprisingly common along the walk. They spend the day roosting in trees or bushes. Keep looking up especially when walking under overhanging vegetation. The guide will give you tips on where to look.
Common Brushtail Possum
These are common on the Eastern seaboard of Australia where they are usually active at night.
In this area they often roost in the open by day and will sometimes move if disturbed. They are seen less frequently than Green Ringtails.
Turtles
Turtles are often seen in warmer parts of the day resting on logs or sloping banks. Two species present are Saw-shelled and Krefft’s Short-necked but it is hard for beginners to tell the difference. Turtles are the most timid of the animals you may see. Move slowly and quietly.
Lizards
Eastern Water Dragons up to 750 mm long are seen at the Log Jam and on rocks near Suspension Bridge.
Eastern Water Skinks can be seen anywhere and are about 200 mm.
Numerous small Skinks of various species can be seen in the leaf litter. All can be frightened by sudden movement or noise.
Snakes
If you see a snake and are uncertain about it:
KEEP STILL, BACK AWAY SLOWLY , WARN OTHERS OF POSSIBLE DANGER.
IF BITTEN: KEEP STILL, APPLY PRESSURE BANDAGE TO AREA. CALL 000
Freshwater Snake (Keelback), Often seen crossing the path or swimming in the creek. They are harmless.
Green Tree Snake. Occasionally seen, usually climbing a tree. Can bite but no venomous.
Carpet Python. Usually seen at night but a large one was a permanent fixture in a tree along the Walk for about 2 weeks last year. Large non venomous constrictor up to 3 metres long
Slaty – grey Snake. Large non venomous snake can be over 1 metre. Rarely seen.
Eastern Brown Snake. Rarely seen highly venomous snake up to 2.2 metres
Birds
There are far too many birds to mention more than a few – Bring a Field Guide with you.
Bush Stone-curlew. Endemic to this area. Large wading type bird which lives on dry land and thinks that if it stands still you will not see it. Large eyes. Common around Car Park and adjoining paddock.
Brush Turkey. Large black bird with red head and yellow wattle around neck, much larger in males. Quite tame. Ancient bird which build mound in which lays eggs to be incubated by heat of mound.
Orange-footed Srubfowl. Another ancient mound builder, Brown with dark blue around neck and large orange legs and feet. Seasonal in summer.
Brolgas and Sarus-Cranes. Brolgas are endemic to Australia. Sarus Cranes also in PNG and parts of SE Asia. Very similar in appearance and often seen in mixed flocks on recently cultivated land. Often fly over the Creek making loud honking calls audible from several Ks away. Winter July – September.
Honey Eaters. Many species of nectar eating birds. Esp Lewin’s, Brown, Dusky, White-cheeked, Scarlet, Mcleay’s. Some endemic, some seasonal.
Pigeons and Doves. Pacific Emerald, White Headed, Bar-shouldered, Peaceful, Wampoo. Some seasonal.
Raptors. Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Pacific Baza.
Water Birds. Pacific Black Duck, Whistling Duck, Magpie Goose, Littler Black Cormorant, Australian Darter, White Ibis. Geese fly in large flocks accompanied by honking. Also Whistling Ducks