Experience first-hand one or more of North Queensland’s unique eco-systems with River Rat Eco Cruises. River Rat Eco Cruises is based in the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics region of Mission Beach – a small strip of coastal communities only 90 minutes south of Cairns.
Mission Beach reflects the relaxed friendly lifestyle of Australia’s tropical towns. The region is an ideal destination for both reef and rainforest tours, and also the more adrenalin pumped activities such as white water rafting and sky-diving. You’ll also find a wide range of accommodation to suit your needs. Near to the heart of Mission Beach lies the environmentally rich life of the Hull River. Your Hull River adventure onboard River Rat ECO Cruises brings you face-to-face with some of nature’s most unique creations and creatures.
River Rat Eco Cruises departs daily and offers a relaxed and informative wildlife discovery along the Hull River. This is available in English and/or German. Guests are encouraged to make the most of the opportunities for hands-on participation. Learn how to set traps for the elusive Queensland mud crab – one of the region’s finest delicacies. Into the evening you’ll be equipped with a spotlight as we go in search of the infamous saltwater crocodile – one of the oldest and most awesome predators on earth. This is one day you’ll never forget!
The Ecosystem - A Unique Environment
The environment in which all these creatures live is just as intriguing. The banks of the Hull River are lined with diverse mangrove communities.
We also note the dramatic changes in eco-systems with paperbark forests, tall open forests (eucalypts and bloodwoods), and three different kinds of rainforest, including complex mesophyll vine forest – probably the most complex rainforest on the entire continent!
Take a day out with RIVER RAT ECO Cruises, and it’ll be remembered for years to come
If you are lucky enough to catch a muddy in your trap and it isn’t female or under size, remember to bring it back to Cassawong Cottages and Roger and Cherelle will cook it up for you and show you the edible bits for those overseas visitors exploring the estuaries for the first time.
The Big Pig Shindig
This tour is run by Boar Buster Adventures out of Mission Beach and leaves every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and they will pick you up at Cassawong Cottages. Maximum of 4 persons on each tour.
Enclosed shoes (it may be muddy), Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, insect repellent and a camera.
Boar Busters is a proactive feral pest management company that focuses specifically on managing feral pigs in Tropical North Queensland. Feral animals in Australia cause approximately $700 million dollars damage to the environment and the agricultural sector each year. There is an estimated 24 million feral pigs in Australia. Presently Boar Busters have been contracted by the Australian Rainforest Foundation and local farming enterprises to manage the feral pig population in Mission Beach and surrounding areas.
Our trappers are highly skilled hunters that know what wildlife is present within our local area. The trappers will keep your guide informed to the location of wildlife each day. Your chances of seeing wildlife such as cassowaries, snakes and wallabies or perhaps the best trapped feral pig for the day are greater
Book With Cassawong Cottages
Cherelle and Roger of Cassawong Cottages would be delighted to organise just the right eco adventure for you during your stay here in Mission Beach.
Crocodile spotting
A not-so-friendly creature
Expert guides will take you through the winding river network of the Hull River.
The spectacular environment of a tropical river system. Mangroves provide the perfect cover for many creatures.
