Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park Taste of Kakadu in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is an immersive Indigenous Food Festival celebrating local bush food, culture, and country. I experienced part of the 2019 Taste of Kakadu taking the opportunity to connect with Indigenous Australians and appreciate their culture … [Read more...]
Top End magic – there’s plenty of adventure culture and history in Darwin
As the capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is renowned for fun and adventure, but an interesting mixture of history and the slightly obscure is found in the Top End - when you know where to look. Darwin’s unique charm and character is a by-product not only of its geographical location - history and a couple of natural events played a role. … [Read more...]
Darwin lights up for tropical summer
Darwin is in perpetual summer mode. It's a place where winter attire is a rare requirement. But a noticeable change occurs when November 1 rolls around and the wet season rains appear heralding the start of ‘tropical summer.’ Dramatic thunderstorms bring a welcome respite from the heat and at dusk sunset lovers observe radiant golden colours as the … [Read more...]
A popular day tour to the Tiwi Islands
Meeting Tiwi locals and learning about their island culture Passing the island’s southern coastline from the open deck of our SeaLink ferry, I see nothing beyond the dense thicket of trees hugging the white sandy shore. As we enter Shoal Bay, I spy multi-coloured corrugated rooves peeking through the trees indicating the first sign of civilisation … [Read more...]
Five things to do in and near Darwin
When is the best time of the year to visit the Northern Territory? Before it gets too hot Darwin is the gateway to some of Australia's most memorable wilderness and adventure experiences - waterfalls, ancient rock art, wildlife (not just crocs,) culture, and there are plenty of unique places to eat out. Just make sure you leave time to explore … [Read more...]
A history tour of Darwin
A tour to learn about the history of Darwin From my high school studies of Australian history, I knew a little about the bombing of Darwin in 1942. And my recent visit to the Tiwi Islands, 80 kilometres north of Darwin educated me further. It was on the smaller of the Tiwi Islands - Bathurst - that Father John McGrath on that fateful day of … [Read more...]
Never smile at a crocodile
Where to have safe close encounters with an Australian crocodile The handler calls out, “Good boy Will, pick up.” On command, Will’s body thrashes in the water, the large tail out of sight below the surface helps propel that 690-kilogram of crocodile flesh in a vertical thrust. One large foot claws the only solid object within reach - my … [Read more...]
Sweet discovery in the Northern Territory
Best Tour out of Darwin The dull whirr of the floatplane’s engine makes conversation impossible inside the cabin, but the captivating view over Darwin Harbour requires no commentary. I'm with a group of five all squeezed into a Cessna 208 Caravan. Sitting directly behind the pilot, it's probably a good thing my regular "oh wow" comments remain … [Read more...]
Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge
A memorable Northern Territory experience There are numerous ways to get up close and personal with the impressive scenery and wildlife in Nitmiluk National Park. Traditional Owners, the Jawoyn and Dagomen people allow visitors access to the park and one morning in the middle of May, I'm taking a boat cruise on the first two of the thirteen … [Read more...]
One of Australia’s most unique 4WD adventures – an epic road trip from Brisbane to Broome and back again
One couple’s classic Aussie 4WD adventure involved a 15,000 kilometre road trip from Brisbane to Broome and back Explore more of Australia on a road trip My friends Cyndy and David have become Australian explorers via their caravan and 4WD vehicle. They love nothing more than planning a route, checking on the weather forecasts (Australia … [Read more...]