James Nightingale, a 22-year-old backpacker from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, had quite the unexpected experience while working on an Australian farm.
During his time at a banana plantation in Tully, Queensland, James encountered something that startled him to his core—a snake hiding inside a bunch of bananas.
He had been warned about the possibility of wildlife on the farm, but nothing could have prepared him for this moment.
A Journey Through Australia
James, a recent economics graduate from Bristol University, decided to take a break from traditional office work and travel after finishing his degree.
Instead of accepting a well-paying construction job in Brisbane, he chose to embrace a more authentic experience by working on a farm in northern Queensland for £15 an hour.
He was drawn to the idea of immersing himself in rural Australian life, enjoying low rent and the chance to see the country up close.
“I thought it would be a laugh,” James said, explaining how the small towns provided an affordable base to explore.
Little did he know, his decision would lead him to an unforgettable encounter.
The Banana Shed Surprise
Tully, known for its hot and humid climate, is located in Queensland’s Cassowary Coast region, a major banana-producing area.
Alongside nearby towns like Innisfail and Kennedy, Tully grows over 90% of Australia’s bananas.
As James settled into his role, he found himself working in the banana shed, where workers would sort large bunches of bananas and prepare them for shipment.
One day, however, his routine was disrupted by a surprise visitor.
“I was just doing my usual job, grabbing the bananas off the conveyor and tying them up when I noticed something unusual,” James recalled.
As he was carefully handling the bananas, hoping to avoid any rodent nests, he saw something that made him jump.
“Oh my God!” he exclaimed, leaping back in shock. “There’s a snake!”
The Snake That Took Over the Banana Belt
James’ reaction was immediate—he jumped “about a mile” when he saw the snake coiled up inside the bananas.
His heart racing, he shouted to his co-workers, alerting them to the danger.
One of his colleagues encouraged him to record the moment, so James cautiously leaned in to get a closer look at the snake.
“When I saw it, I just started laughing,” he said. “It was huge—my colleague said, ‘F***ing hell, this thing’s enormous!’”
The snake, which measured around two meters in length, was identified as a common Australian tree snake (Dendrelaphis punctulatus).
Although non-venomous, this black and brown reptile was a formidable sight for James and his colleagues.
A Close Call with Wildlife
As the snake continued to slither along the conveyor belt with the bananas, James quickly warned his coworkers, who then notified their boss.
Armed with what appeared to be litter pickers, the boss carefully handled the snake, grabbing its tail and guiding its head away from the bananas.
“He just slowly moved it off the bananas and got it out of the shed,” James recalled.
While James wasn’t sure if the snake was venomous, he suspected it was a tree snake.
“I’ve seen a few snakes in Australia, but this one was by far the biggest,” he admitted.
Snakes are more active during the warmer months, particularly from September to January, and it’s not unusual to spot them in Australia’s tropical regions.
Snakes in Australia: A Common Encounter
Australia is home to many snake species, with around 3,000 people bitten annually.
However, fatalities are rare due to public awareness and easy access to medical care.
The common tree snake, which James encountered, is non-venomous and frequently found along the eastern coast of Australia.
It’s known for its slender body, pale yellow belly, and large eyes with golden irises.
While this particular snake was harmless, it still left James with a story he’ll never forget.
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