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Published: December 1st 2008
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Killer Ocean
full of deadly box jellys We arrived to Darwin and were nearly knocked out by the heat and humidity as we stepped off the plane. About 35C degrees and 98% humidity. The flight from Perth was amazing. The scenery of Western Australia was crystal clear from 37,000 feet. We flew right over the Kimberley. Just made you think about the history of the land. So rugged so empty yet so beautiful. I have never seen a place like it.
On arrival to Darwin we headed to Cullen Bay to stay with Nathan and Emma. Our first order of business was to have as many dips in their pool as possible daily. I explored the local Art and History museum after a very arduous 1 hour walk through the mid day heat and humidity, albeit along the beach. As I walked along the shore I longed to go in but these waters can kill you. Riddled with box jellyfish (the worst kind) you are warned that swimming from October to May will most likely cause death and even when swimming from June to September you are highly advised to bring vinegar with you to the beach (to soothe jellyfish stings). Yipes!
The Museum was great
No swimming
a sea that you can't swim in during summer- how cruel! and full of aborginal art, local natural history exhibits (mainly a showcase of what can kill you in the NT-note the repeating theme), an entire gallery dedicated to Hurricane Tracey which devasted Darwin on Christmas1990s?? and to top it all off Sweetheart, the huge stufffed crocodile caught in waters not far from the city (for you guessed it attacking people).
Saturday we headed out to the local markets. We also journeyed out to Litchfield National Park with Nath (big Thanks to Nathan). First stop, the jumping croc cruise. Waiting around covered in the pestiest flies in the whole world we were a bit nervous of the wild crocodiles we were soon to see. We boarded the boat and were advised to keep out hands inside because "you know what will happen if you stick your hands out of the boat folks"!
This tale was quick to follow:
Tourist: So what's the biggest croc you have seen in the river?
Tour Guide: There's a croc around from time to time about 4 metres long. We have seen him on Easter Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. He's quite religious. We call him Jesus. And that's just what
you say when you see him "Jesus, that's the biggest croc I've ever seen". He makes my heart race every time I see him.
Not long after leaving the dock we encountered our first croc (now well trained to come to the boat to jump for some free meat- yum!) They got the first few jumping quite easily and some excellent photos followed. We cruised up and down the Adelaide River and watched as they jumped about 8 crocs and fed the local kites and river eagles. An excellent show!
Next stop Litchfield National Park to see the magnetic termite mounds that are flat and only run north-south and lovely Florence Falls for an afternoon dip!
A visit to Parliment house to see the Northern Territory Parliment in session (boring yet riveting) rounded out our time in the NT of Australia. Many thanks to Nath and Emma who let us stay during our time there. Next stop the East Coast!
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janelle
non-member comment
ayi ayi those crocs are narely! Sure beats a Yak rug eh?