Geo: -12.4613, 130.842Went to check out the city of Darwin in the morning. After lunch I visited the "Crocosaurus Cove", a research and breeding place for Saltwater Crocodiles or 'Salties'. They are practically found all along the coast and even far inland swimming up the rivers of the Northern Territory, which Aussies also call the 'Top End'. I learned a lot about them at this center. And it was quite impressive to watch them getting fed. I even held a Baby Croc in my hands. As well as other reptiles such as Goannas, Lizards and various (non-venomous:) snakes. Pretty interesting feel. Schaute mir am Vormittsg die Stadt an. Und besuchte am Nachmittag das "Crocosaurus Cove", ein Forschungs- und Aufzuchtszentrum fuer Salzwasserkrokodile oder 'Salties'. Diese findet man praktisch ueberall entlang der Kueste und sogar weit im Hinterland ... read more

Geo: -12.8334, 132.833As soon as the sun comes up the heat returns. Even though it's technically still Wintertime. So we got up early, took a 'pointless' shower and hit the road again. Our first stop was a bushwalk called Bardedjilidji. The landscape looked like a film set from "Indiana Jones" ;) The last part of the hike runs along the East Alligator River where you should walk with caution as the Crocodile sitting at the riverbank reminded us...After a short refueling stop at Jabiru we drove south to the Nourlangie region. The most famous and impressive trail is the one leading to the Anbangbang Gallery, a huge sandstone formation used for shelter since ancient times. There we found countless Aboriginal paintings left at the walls, for thousands of years. Telling their "Dreamtime" stories. (Mythical Creation Time) ... read more

Geo: -18.2867, 147.697Finally I got to see The Reef! :) What an awesome day! The Backpackers shuttle took us to the Reef Fleet Plaza, the Marina from where all our boats depart for the Great Barrier Reef. After about 90 min we reached the Outer Reef and put our wetsuits on. Jumping into the water was like landing on another world. A Wonderworld! The colors, shapes and marine life were absolutely stunning! During our lunch break we moved to another spot of the coral reef. And it was there where I finally met Nemo ;) And not only him. Crush was there too! So I found myself swimming with a sea turtle for half an hour :) Awesome!When we returned to Cairns I needed to hurry up. Had to catch a plane to Darwin! 45 minutes ... read more

Geo: -20.2679, 148.716In the morning we hauled the anchors and sailed for Hayman Island. As we reached Blue Pearl Bay a sea turtle stuck its head out of the water. Excited, everyone jumped into its wetsuit and into the water. Of course by that time the turtle was gone. But all of us were looking for Nemo again anyway. In vain, as we found out later. After the snorkeling we made our way back to Airlie Beach. Back in town I realized what an idiot I was forgetting my swim shorts on the boat. I hung them up to dry in the cabin and forgot to pack them later. Of course, when I returned to the boat two hours later the crew told me they hadn't "found anything" during the cleaning. It was a painful reminder ... read more

Geo: -20.2679, 148.716Today I started my sailing trip on the boat "New Horizon" heading for the Whitsunday's. A group of 74 islands within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. So, no touching or taking of anything! As we sailed towards Hook Island we saw a baby whale ;) For the night we anchored at the Nara Inlet, a breeding ground for Hammerhead Sharks. Not at the moment though. Our crew provided a delicious seafood dinner and we enjoyed the beautiful sunset with a couple of Carlton Draught's ;)Heute begann ich meinen Segeltrip auf dem Boot "New Horizon" zu den Whitsunday's. Einer Gruppe von 74 Inseln, die zum Great Barrier Reef Marine Park gehoeren. Deshalb, Anfassen oder Mitnehmen streng verboten! Als wir Richtung Hook Island segelten sahen wir einen Baby-Wal :) Fuer die erste Nacht ankerten wir ... read more