Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 8 . THE TOP END
Croc Alert! (& Other Safety Tips)
Saltwater crocodiles are a serious threat in the sea, estuaries, lakes,
wetlands, waterfall pools, and rivers of the Top End—even hundreds
of kilometers inland. They may be called “saltwater” crocs, but they
live in fresh water. Never jump in the water or stand on the bank
unless you want to be lunch.
Always carry 4 liters (a gallon) of drinking water per person a day
when walking (increase to 1 liter/ 1 ⁄4 gal. per person per hour in summer).
Wear a broad-brimmed hat, high-factor sunscreen lotion, and
insect repellent containing DEET (Aerogard and RID brands both contain
it) to protect against the dangerous Ross River Fever virus carried
by mosquitoes.
Deadly marine stingers put a stop to ocean swimming in the Top
End from October to April.
budget, and time restrictions. Accommodations can range from five-star hotels to
“under the stars” in Aussie bush swags. Touring with Mike can involve hiking, fishing,
meeting or camping with his Aboriginal mates, canoeing, exploring seldomseen
Aboriginal rock art, taking extras like scenic flights, and swimming under
(croc-free) waterfalls. Mike is one of a select group of operators with Australia’s
Advanced Eco Tour Accreditation and Savannah Guide status, and has a tremendous
knowledge of the Top End’s geography, Aboriginal culture, and ecology. Fun
and personal, his trips are accompanied by good wine (sometimes in locations like
a bird-filled lagoon at sunset) and “bush gourmet” meals.
Lord’s Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris (& 08/8979 2970; www.lordssafaris.com)
is based in Jabiru and operates charter tours throughout Kakadu
and Arnhemland. Owner Sab Lord was born on a buffalo station in Kakadu
before it was a National Park, and has a strong rapport with local Aborigines.
His small-group 4WD tours, which can be tailor-made, visit the Injalak Hill
rock art sites in Arnhemland and the arts center at Oenpelli, and have exclusive
access to the Minkinj Valley. Day tours to Arnhemland cost A$165 (US$107)
adults, A$130 (US$85) children under 14, and operate May to November. They
also do tours to Jim Jim and Twin Falls.
For details of tour operators running from Darwin to Broome, see “The Kimberley
Region” section in chapter 9.
1 Darwin
1,489km (930 miles) N of Alice Springs
Named after the founder of the theory of evolution, Australia’s northernmost
capital (pop. 97,750) has proud white civic buildings, pink bougainvillea, and a
touch of Asian exoticism. It’s a modern tropical capital—most of it was rebuilt
after Cyclone Tracy wiped out the city on Christmas Eve 1974. Don’t fuss about
unpacking your jacket and tie here. Shorts and rubber thongs (flip-flops) will get
you most places—even the official state invitations stipulate dress as “Territory
Rig,” meaning long pants and a short-sleeved open-necked shirt for men.
Darwin is most commonly used as a gateway to Kakadu National Park,
Katherine Gorge, and the Kimberley, and many Australians have never bothered