CAIRNS, Australia – “No crocodiles?” I ask apprehensively. This is, after all, crocodile country. 

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My guide assures me that this stretch of the rainforest-lined river, at 17 to 22 deg C, is crocodile-free as the reptiles avoid low temperatures.

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Decked in a thermal wetsuit, I dip my head underwater with a snorkel. Jungle perch and a saw-shelled turtle are wafting about the eddies.

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After that, I lie on a crimson raft, gazing up at the forest canopy. A cathedral of soaring figs, basket ferns and tangled vines filters the afternoon sun rays.

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All is silent, except for a soundscape of trilling cicadas, chirping birds and softly rippling water......

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