While still in Cairns, I was checking weather forecast for Darwin. During the Christmas there was a big storm passing through the north. So just in case I want to know what we have to prepare for. In the matter of fact it is a very dry "wet season" this year, but still there is big possibility of cyclones, storms and other violent and extreme weather conditions in the north of Australia. So far we been very lucky and had absolutely amazing weather:) sun sun sun all the way up.
But let's go back to the Darwin 7 days weather forecast... it goes like this: thunders, thunders, thunders, thunders, thunders, thunders, thunders.
I think this is the only place where weather girl have 100% accuracy.
In wet season generally Aussie's don't travel up to the north and lots of tour companies are closed. But there is few companies which are open all year around and because for them it a low season, you can virtually book the trips just the day before.
Generally the reason why we went on trip rather than driving ourselves was that the car rental is more expensive in here. Additionally all cars come with limited km's per day. So the total cost of the trip is nearly the same as the tour. So it was a no brainer to us.
In here apart from Darwin there are 3 worth seeing places outside the city, which are the Kakadu National Park, Litchfiled National Park and Katherine something. With our limited time and some research completed we decided to do Litchfield with Jumping Crocks as a extra treat. Apparently some parts of Kakadu Park are inaccessible since last wet season - especially Jim Jim falls (main attraction) so we decided to skip it this time. Normally during the wet season some parts of Kakadu Park are being closed due to high water levels and crocks presence in the touristy spots :) that's a good reason to not to go there isn't it:)
So we went on our trip. First the jumping crocks on Adelaide River. Before boarding the cruise we had a date with the local Pythons. After a photo shoot we went hunting for crocodiles. We were feeding crocks in their natural environment. It's amazing what those creatures are capable of doing. Jumping of the water up to a 1m high. Smaller crocks can jump even higher! Apparently everything hanging at this level above the water is classified as a food for them. After that information there was no arms sticking out of the boat with cameras believe me :)
Their favorite food are fruit bats and fish and anything struggling in the water. They can swim with the speed of nearly 20km/h. The fastest swimmers in the world are reaching staggering 4km/h. Some of them can be under the water for over 4 hours. Apparently for every 2 crocks you see in the river there is another 5 that you can't see. And looking at the water of this river there is no wonder that they picked it as their home! Stay away from the water! Amazing and extremely dangerous creatures!
After that very entertaining cruise we went to the Litchfield National Park to see some waterfalls and plunge in the natural water holes. As we experienced it in Cairns, water holes are absolutely amazing natural swimming pools. Oh yeah, I nearly forgot. One good thing about the wet season in those parks is that there is absolutely no tourist around. So if you have a good weather at that time, then the whole place is just for you! :) Brilliant!
After lunch and some swimming we went to see termites. Termites of different flavors. We seen and some of us tasted pepper termites and lemon termites. And of course we had a chance to see and touch their building skills! The biggest one is nearly 50 years old and hard as a rock! I actually forgot how to call them "houses" :)
Short time after we encountered a flash storm! speaking of weather! Thunders, strong winds and buckets of rain in few minutes completely flooded the place. 30 minutes later... sunshine and blue skies :)
That concluded our first day. Next day we explored Darwin city for a while. Done some shopping and wondered around. Center it self it's not a big area, just a few streets with bars and shops. Maybe three, to be exact. Nice and cosy place. Worth seeing but is it worth staying? I don't know. One day is way to short to judge that. It's a small place anyway but worth exploring, there is plenty of work around here with mining and construction industries booming in the area.
Before our day ended we had to seek a shelter before another storm passing through Darwin. Quite big one with thunders every 10 to 20 seconds. Some people are coming here to chase them taking pictures. I always wanted to see one, well I think I have another item crossed off my bucket list!
Tomorrow we are heading to Alice Springs and Uluru, to experience true Red Center Australia.
I see you in the outback!
But let's go back to the Darwin 7 days weather forecast... it goes like this: thunders, thunders, thunders, thunders, thunders, thunders, thunders.
I think this is the only place where weather girl have 100% accuracy.
In wet season generally Aussie's don't travel up to the north and lots of tour companies are closed. But there is few companies which are open all year around and because for them it a low season, you can virtually book the trips just the day before.
Generally the reason why we went on trip rather than driving ourselves was that the car rental is more expensive in here. Additionally all cars come with limited km's per day. So the total cost of the trip is nearly the same as the tour. So it was a no brainer to us.
In here apart from Darwin there are 3 worth seeing places outside the city, which are the Kakadu National Park, Litchfiled National Park and Katherine something. With our limited time and some research completed we decided to do Litchfield with Jumping Crocks as a extra treat. Apparently some parts of Kakadu Park are inaccessible since last wet season - especially Jim Jim falls (main attraction) so we decided to skip it this time. Normally during the wet season some parts of Kakadu Park are being closed due to high water levels and crocks presence in the touristy spots :) that's a good reason to not to go there isn't it:)
So we went on our trip. First the jumping crocks on Adelaide River. Before boarding the cruise we had a date with the local Pythons. After a photo shoot we went hunting for crocodiles. We were feeding crocks in their natural environment. It's amazing what those creatures are capable of doing. Jumping of the water up to a 1m high. Smaller crocks can jump even higher! Apparently everything hanging at this level above the water is classified as a food for them. After that information there was no arms sticking out of the boat with cameras believe me :)
Their favorite food are fruit bats and fish and anything struggling in the water. They can swim with the speed of nearly 20km/h. The fastest swimmers in the world are reaching staggering 4km/h. Some of them can be under the water for over 4 hours. Apparently for every 2 crocks you see in the river there is another 5 that you can't see. And looking at the water of this river there is no wonder that they picked it as their home! Stay away from the water! Amazing and extremely dangerous creatures!
Short time after we encountered a flash storm! speaking of weather! Thunders, strong winds and buckets of rain in few minutes completely flooded the place. 30 minutes later... sunshine and blue skies :)
Before our day ended we had to seek a shelter before another storm passing through Darwin. Quite big one with thunders every 10 to 20 seconds. Some people are coming here to chase them taking pictures. I always wanted to see one, well I think I have another item crossed off my bucket list!
Tomorrow we are heading to Alice Springs and Uluru, to experience true Red Center Australia.
I see you in the outback!
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