Darwin to Kakadu

Birds of Kakadu
see all photos »

Enlisted in a seven day "red rocket" trip with Adventure Tours.  As it turned out, there were three distinct tours, each with their own guide and participants.  In the first leg, 14 of us, from 8 countries, travelled from Darwin to Kakadu National Park.  During the two-days, we experienced a number of exciting adventures and sights:

Viewing heaps of birds (Kakadu is home to about one-third of Australia's species).

Travelling on a jumping crocodile cruise.  I wasn't expecting much, since I'd been on a cruise previously, but this was a much different, er, animal.  Cruise operators hung bits of raw meat on a pole from the second level of the boat.  Along the way, 8 or 10 saltwater crocodiles approached, leapt up and devoured the meat.  It was a bit of a show, but an amazing way to witness the speed and power of these frightening creatures.

What a croc
see all photos »

Relaxing and swimming at a beautiful two-tiered waterfall at Boulder Creek.  It's hard to describe the simultaneously pleasing and painful sensation of standing directly under the pounding flow of a waterfall.

Standing beside a towering four-meter high termite mound.

Viewing an aboriginal art rock gallery, which included a handful of separate displays depicting kangaroos, fish, human figures and spirits.  Dating the rock art is controversial, but experts believe some may be up to 50,000 years old.

After a while, the crocs opened up to us
see all photos »

Stopping at a roadside pub and petrol station, which featured a pair of resident crocodiles -- Fred the "freshie" and Brutus the "saltie."

Seeing a blue-tongued lizard on the side of the road, for which our tour guide slammed on the breaks and almost caused a wreck.