In this region, especially in the area around Mission Beach, it is possible to see one of the most intriguing and unique birds, a Cassowary. They are big and flightless, and they kinda resemble a dinosaur. The Southern Cassowary is a protected species of bird with a bright blue neck and a red wattle. The wattle is not known to have a function, but the size and colour can vary greatly and can be used to differentiate between adult birds. The colour of the wattle can change into a more intense colour when the bird becomes excited, i.e. during mating. It is listed on the Endangered Species list as Vulnerable and is regarded as a “keystone species”. This means they are fundamental in maintaining the biodiversity of the rainforest’s ecological system.

If you come to Mission Beach, which is a popular day trip from Cairns, there is a chance you will see this bird. Be careful when driving in this area, as these birds have been known to jump out on the road and cause accidents. I saw one almost get hit when I was driving through the area last year. The roads are lined with signs warning drivers to keep an eye out and to drive with caution. However, if a bird is running up to its max of 50 kilometres per hour out of the forest, it would be extremely hard to see until very late, especially given their dark body colour. 

While I was living there, I saw quite a few people park in dangerous places because they saw a Cassowary, and they wanted to jump out of the car and follow it to get a photograph. Please be aware of where you are parking and that other vehicles are utilising the same roads at the same times. Do not put yourself, your family, the bird, and/or other road users at risk because you want a photograph. Please also be aware that the birds are wild animals, if they get spooked or feel threatened, they will attack. One kick from that dagger-like claw (up to 10 cm in length) on their foot has the potential to kill you. If you are chasing a dad who is looking after his young, he will be defensive.

Like emus, the cassowary can be just about as tall as a human (1.5m – 1.8m), and even though they are seemingly shy, their giant talon claws (5 inches in length) can inflict injury when necessary. Therefore, it is not advisable to try to pet or feed a live cassowary.

The Big Cassowary statue is a feature in Mission Beach for good reason. It stands 5 meters tall at the shopping complex near Wongaling Beach, and unlike a live cassowary, this one is safe to pet!

Hartley’s Crocodile Farm north of Cairns has Cassowary. If you visit, you can learn all about the bird, and if you want, you can get up close and personal with one.

There is a resident bird at Etty Bay. I drove down there a few times, but I did not see the resident Cassowary. I was told a few fun facts, though:

• they will steal your food, but do not let them have the opportunity. I saw a man going around telling everyone how funny he thought it was that he was feeding the Cassowary his chips. Please do not do this. You may think that chips are just potatoes, but cassowaries do not eat potatoes, let alone ones that have been deep-fried in oil. The majority of our food is processed, and it can make the birds (any bird actually) very sick as they cannot digest it.
• If you can, only drive light-coloured vehicles down there; Cassowary has been known to see their reflection in the darker colour cars and, thinking it is another bird, kick the car, doing significant damage.
• The cassowary has a dagger-like claw on each foot, they can jump up to 7 feet high and run up to 50 km/hour.
• Raising babies is the sole responsibility of the male, with the female leaving the nesting site as soon as the eggs are laid. Chicks generally stay with the father until approximately nine months of age; they are then driven out of the nesting site to live independently.

Further information on the Cassowary can be found HERE.