Cassowary safety: What to do if you see a cassowary?

The key rule of cassowary safety in far north Queensland is that if you see the third largest bird on earth, slowly back away and get something between you and the bird. Cassowaries can sometimes be seen in the rainforests between Cairns and Cape Tribulation.

After the ostrich and emu, the cassowary is the third largest bird on earth. Cassowaries play a key part in dispersing seeds around the World Heritage-listed rainforests of far north Queensland, but they can be notoriously aggressive.

Humans and cassowaries don’t meet very often. The big birds live in the forested parts of the far north Queensland where very few humans live, and don’t tend to come near big population centres such as Cairns.

Cassowaries at Cape Tribulation

You’re more likely to see cassowaries north of the Daintree River. Substantial populations live on Cape York, but few visitors go there.

The most likely area for spotting a cassowary is on the Cape Tribulation Road between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation.

Cape Tribulation, where Captain Cook hit the reef, is a backpacker favourite. It offers a host of jungle activities and small boat Great Barrier Reef trips. There are several walking trails on the way up, too. One, by the Jindalba Boardwalk has signs giving useful information on what to do if you see a cassowary.

Contrary to popular belief, cassowaries won’t actively target humans. They’d prefer to keep away. But if they feel threatened or crowded out, they’re not shy about throwing their weight around. Given that the southern cassowary can stand at human height, weighs up to 85kg and has a lethally sharp claw on its feet, you do not want to experience this. It might end up too late to call 000.

What to do if you see a cassowary?

If you see a cassowary while driving, don’t stop and get out of the car for a picture. It is likely that you’ll be regarded as a threat. If you see one while walking, do not approach – particularly if it has chicks with it. Cassowaries, both male and female, would sooner swipe first and ask questions later if they feel their chicks are endangered.

Don’t run, either, as that can be an invitation to chase. The best thing to do for cassowary safety is to back away slowly and deferentially. While you’re doing that, look for something you can get between yourself and the bird. This is most likely to be a tree, but a backpack is better than nothing. If you’ve got one on your back, get it in front of you.

The Queensland government’s Department of Environment and Science has a page devoted to southern cassowaries and how to stay safe around them.

More dangerous Australian animals

Not freaked out enough? Well Australia has other dangerous creatures to enjoy, such as inland taipans, crocodiles, great white sharks and stingrays.