So that’s why he took an interest in a story this week that involved a hitchhiking cane toad.

The report that Parade read said a live cane toad found in northern Western Australia had prompted a warning to travellers about the risks of the toxic animals “hitchhiking in vehicles and luggage”.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife said the cane toad was found at tourist accommodation in Derby, in the Kimberley region, this week and was subsequently euthanased.

Cane toad program co-ordinator Corrin Everitt said it appeared travellers accidentally took the animal with them in their luggage from Kununurra, near the Northern Territory border.

"Cane toads can hide in very small spaces, so it's important to check your load. Inspect vehicles, luggage, pallets, camping gear and caravans before you leave," she said.

Parade doesn’t know about the travellers in question, but he knows he would have been shocked to have a cane toad jump out of the shirts as he opened up his bag.

PARADE has done a bit of travelling in the Kimberley (generally without an accompanying toad) and can recommend it for those with an adventurous spirit.

Yes, it takes a long time to get there.

Yes, there are long distances between communities.

And, yes, there are saltwater crocodiles and other assorted nasties (Parade came back with strange insect bites all over his legs after one trip).

But one walk among the boab trees beside Lake Kununurra, or a poke around Mirima National Park, which butts up against Kununurra township, or a swim in one of the waterholes on the Gibb River Road, and Parade is sure the first-time visitor (like Parade) will be hooked.

It is truly a unique part of Australia.

And for those who rarely venture beyond the urban east coast, the Kimberley is a reminder of how empty and wild most of this country is.