Top end time out

When in the Top End, if you’re not game, then get back on the plane.
If done right, an adventure through Darwin, Kakadu National Park and surrounds should be both magical and terrifying at the same time. After all, this place has more ‘warning croc’ signs that it does people. It’s where a bush nurse is more valuable in an emergency than a doctor. And of course, it’s where the locals know more about crocodiles than they do about dogs.
I leapt right out of my comfort zone and had a series of adventures never to be forgotten. Go and get yourself a new SD card for your long term memory bank because there’s sure to be loads of ticks on bucket lists after every Top End adventure!
Darwin city – Daaaaamn it’s hot and quirky
As I first lay eyes on Darwin soil, I’m greeted with a hot and humid slap across the face. It’s all thongs and shorts here. The mere thought of jeans adds on a few extra degrees. Darwin city is quite small; just a few high rises and, listen up Sydneysiders, no peak hour traffic!
The main strip you want to stay close to is Mitchell Street and Smith Street. There’s a mix of traditional watering holes and modern cafes, bars and restaurants. A few quirky establishments add to the city’s charm – have a nibble at the ‘Duck’s Nuts’, get up to some mischief at ‘Shananigans’ or grab some parsley from ‘Happy High Herbs’? Hmmm…

If you’re a bit posh, you can grab a fancy bite at ‘Hanuman’ for a delish Asian feast. Check out my pandan chicken entree and my main of coconut and turmeric barramundi. Yummo!

In any case, whether you’re posh or not, you must go to a great vantage point to enjoy Darwin’s spectacular red sunset. The park on The Esplanade is a good spot.

But a great spot is at the ‘Darwin Ski Club‘. Grab a drink and a gigantic shish and soak up this stunning display of colour.

Parap Markets – Thai on your bargaining hat!
I absolutely love this place. I want to eat, drink and wear everything. There’s a great deal of Thai influence here. From laksa to fresh paw paw salad, Thai massages to banana fritters.

Hot tip: It can get pretty hot in the busy lanes so make sure you stay hydrated – the perfect excuse to try as many exotic juices as possible.

Whilst sipping on my watermelon, lime and honey juice, I stroll past the many stalls chatting to friendly locals. Everyone’s a bit happy go lucky here. I realise it’s probably because it’s difficult to be up-tight in this hot climate, stress literally melts away.

Jumping Croc Cruise – Are we safe in this boat?
In the Top End, anywhere you can get your feet wet, there’s a sign saying telling you not to because it’s croc inhabited.

 

We hop on board the Spectacular Jumping Croc Cruise and yet again dive into croc territory. Our guide Chantel casually entices wild crocs to jump for their meat on a stick, and boy do they perform. I have visions of crocs jumping onto the boat, but I have trust in our expert guides.

Chantel also feeds enormous whistling kites, as if they are tiny sparrows. She knows which ones to feed from her hand and which ones are too aggressive for direct contact. When asked how she recognises them, she says the same way you’d recognise your baby in a crowd.

Again, there’s a safer option if boats and real crocs aren’t your thing – not quite as exciting though.

Kakadu National Park – Heaven and Hell
Kakas is about three hours south of Darwin and truly the rainbow serpent did a great job creating this vast and beautiful landscape. Since there’s about 19,000 square kilometres of it, a great way to appreciate its vastness is to hop aboard a scenic flight.

You’ll also want to cruise down the stunning yellow water billabong at sunset. It’s simply magical. As our guide points out, it’s both heaven and hell. Heaven, because of the beauty – pink lilies, wild brumbies, Jesus birds, honeyeaters, blue-winged kookaburras and lots more. Hell, because of the danger that lurks – large crocs, sea eagles and snakes to name a few. This contrast is what makes this cruise so exciting. And to top it all off, we watch a stunning sunset reflect off the yellow tinged water. Amazing!

Barramundi Gorge – Don’t forget your swimmers
A highlight for me would have to be our swim in Maguk (Barra Gorge). Stealth crocs make swimming in the top end a no no. However our guides from Sacred Earth Safaris assure us that after a short hike over some rocks we’ll come to a gorge that crocs are too lazy to get to. I can’t help but think that one day an adventurous croc will brave the rocks for a good feed. But until that day – we shall swim!

And let me tell you, after a bush walk in 40 degree heat, a swim in a picturesque gorge with a waterfall is all the refreshment we needed. The water was so clean and invigorating. Well worth the walk!

After surviving the heaven and hell analogy, these were my highlights. Definitely add to my list, but don’t subtract from it. Each of these experiences was memorable in its own unique way.

The Top End is like no other place on Earth, so before you leave this Earth make sure you give it a go. You’ll feel a broad spectrum of emotions. You’ll be scared, relaxed and everything in between, but most of all, you’ll feel like you’re living every lastminute.

Have you ever travelled to the Top End? Any tips to share?