This large black snake was on the walking path beside River Yarra. Willow and I were about to approach the river when a small crowd of day trippers screamed "Stop!!" Wow!! We sure did, just a metre or so away. This fellow slowly slid off the track and into the wet grass and undergrowth.

I have lived in and explored Australia, my own country, from end to end over so many years! But, I have NEVER seen one of these creatures in the wild. Of course I know they are there, and have every right to be, but they terrify me. This was a very scary experience.