Just Back From ...

At this time, the environment has plenty to offer in the way of bushwalks, cruises and great fishing spots all boasting an abundance of plant and animal life. Sure there's creepy crawlies too, but for me, these only enriched the experience of visiting such a tropical place, armed with Aeroguard and a good pair of walking shoes!

My 4-day tour with AAT Kings, included visits to the Territory Wildlife Park, A jumping Crocodile cruise, Yellow Waters, Ubirr rock and Litchfield National Park.

A must see at the Territory Wildlife Park is definitely the Monsoonal Forest Walk including a walk-through aviary, where palms glisten and bird-calls echo for miles. Other areas of interest here include the Nocturnal House, the Aquarium and the pelican feeding area.

A Jumping Crocodile Cruise is also highly recommended. Aboard a two-story boat, the choice is yours, stay on the bottom level and outstare a hungry croc or climb up top and look straight down the passage of their gigantic mouths, whilst they are being fed. Aboard a Yellow Water Cruise, you are sent floating through a freshly flooded landscape amongst thick tropical greenery and paper bark forests that stretch for miles.

On a cultural scale, a cruise over to Ubirr rock, is a truly fascinating experience. Visiting traditional Aboriginal rock art sites that compliment the strong historical atmosphere and provide views that won't disappoint.

Litchfield National Park is truly in a league of it's own, full of thundering waterfalls bordered by lush tropical green forests. A swim in the plunge pool beneath Florence falls, along with the radiance of the gushing Tolmer and Wangi falls, make you wish your films were more than 24 exposures!

If you're looking for accommodation in Darwin, I would recommend the Saville Park Suites for their prime location, well equipped rooms and harbour Views. Other recommendations include the Mirambeena Resort and the Crowne Plaza Hotel. In Kakadu, the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, uniquely shaped like a crocodile, offers a fascinating wilderness retreat alongside the Aurora Kakadu.