A day including cruising the Yardie Creek, snorkelling at Turquoise Bay and early home. We also spied two bold dingoes on our trip into the park this morning, hanging out on the road and perhaps, plotting to con a naive tourist to give them some food. They looked much like a domestic dog but we know they are not. Soon after, we also saw a blackish dingo, which we were assured are 97% pure dingo. Yes, we learn every day in these parts.

Not a bad snorkel here at Turquoise Bay in absolute terms but my snorkel at Osprey Bay yesterday was better in terms of the quantity and diversity of fish. I think Oyster Stacks at high tide would have been good too but ran out of time to try. It is funny too how tired you can get with a snorkel, and today after nearly an hour, I was a little weary. Of course, in this region you are spoilt for choice and this was still a great place to view the fish and some very interesting and colourful reef coral (orange, green, yellow, red and more).

Spot the black-tailed rock wallaby, in next two pics.

And Yardie Creek again, this time from our river tour and punt. Our very friendly captain, guide and local Peter (or Boxhead) was a font of much knowledge and showed us the fruit bats, kestrels, ospreys, and rock wallabies endemic to this area. We even spied an osprey back from his fishing trip with a fish in his talons as he flew home. This Creek is presently tidal but does dam up in some years, until the next major rains, every few years, which then flush it out again. Safe for swimming and many kayakers enjoy a gentle paddle in these waters.

This is such a lovely place and the interplay of colours between water, sky, rock and vegetation is just beautiful. Add some shade and sun sparkling in the water, and you have just a serene, joyful and peaceful (mostly) place.

And Buz, the pet bush turkey at Yardie Homestead camping ground. Apparently he turned up one day and the ranger returned him to the bush, only for him to return again. Seems he is happier here so he has been resident ever since. A lovely place to stay on the edge of the National Park if you are contemplating a visit to these parts, with most amenities although fresh water is only available for drinking, other water is all bore water.