The grieving father of Daintree crocodile attack victim Cindy Waldron says she was a fun person whose impulsive nature cost her life.
Ms Waldron's father and sister had arrived in Cairns from New Zealand, and travelled north with police to observe the grim search for her remains.
Ms Waldron wasdragged underwater at Thornton Beach in the Daintree National Park after she and her friend Leeann Mitchell decided to risk a dip in the ocean about 10pm on Sunday.
Pat Waldron said his 46-year-old daughter would have understood the risks of taking a late-night swim in Queensland's crocodile country.
"She'd do crazy things. And what she did there is a crazy thing, absolutely," Mr Waldron told ABC radio. "But that was her. She sent a message on Facebook two hours before that happened to say 'I'm on the beach, it's a lovely place, I'm having a ball'.
"I can imagine they'd had a few drinks running down the beach."
The search for the New South Wales-based photographer is now a recovery operation.
Ms Mitchell had been deeply traumatised by the loss of her friend. She said she tried to pull her from the croc's jaws but just couldn't do it and had to run to a nearby business to get help.
The attack took place in an area well-known for its crocodiles and has reignited debate about how best to manage the public safety risks.
A search of the beach and nearby waterways failed to find any trace of Ms Waldron.
Speaking from her Tauranga home yesterday, Ms Waldron's mother Heather Waldron said she and the rest of family were still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.
Heather Waldron says the family is still coming to grips with the tragedy.
"It's difficult to put into words how we're all feeling," she told the Bay of Plenty Times.
Mrs Waldron said she and her husband wanted to say a huge thank you for the "exceptional, community-spirited wonderful support" the family had received.
The Tauranga RSA president said it had earlier been reported that her daughter attended Waikato University.
"In fact, Cindy never went to university. After attending Hamilton Girls' High, she worked in various jobs and pursued her passion for photography for years."
Ms Waldron, who lived in Australia for 26 years, was a professional photographer and several years ago started her own photography business, Instinctive Images, her mother said. Cindy was one of those people who worked three jobs at once, she was hard worker.
"She was a free-spirited person and wonderful daughter who was loved by everyone."
On her photography business website Ms Waldron wrote: "I've been very lucky to have met some wonderful people, and to be trusted to capture a part of their lives through my eyes ... I've found that taking photos for others is not only a privilege but very satisfying."
* In a Facebook post, Christine Killinger wrote: "RIP you beautiful soul - You will be sorely missed. This tragedy is incomprehensible."
* In another Facebook post, Meg R William wrote: "Darling Cindy Waldron, how missed you will be ... I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere near, just round the corner..."
* Antonella Fellini posted: "It is so very, very heartbreaking! I saw the picture she sent of the Daintree. A beautiful picture and then the next minute she was gone. It's amazing how fragile life is!! I cannot begin to imagine the pain all those that knew and loved her must be in right now. I am sorry for all your loss. Megan R William what you posted was beautiful."
