WILL & KATE ON SAFARI IN NT
By: Will & Kate & John Westbury
Photos: Will & Kate - August 2011
Will & Kate are enjoying the Northern Territory, and while managing to obtain some work here and there to subsidise their travels they take time out to explore what we have to offer downunder. With that in mind they chose to take a trip with HUNTER SAFARIS, look at some crocodiles, try and catch the elusive barramundi and take in the beauty of the outback. This is their review of a great attraction and if you are heading to Darwin it's well worth it.
"We've been saving like crazy since arriving in Darwin and it's been a while since we have been on a trip hosted by someone else. With that in mind we chose a trip with HUNTER SAFARIS heading off down the Adelaide River in search of crocodiles and hopefully to bag a barra as they say up here.
"We packed our sunscreen, hats, water and cameras and headed off to meet our mini bus which arrived on time at 9am. We were greeted by our friendly tour guide Harry who, with his brother run this small business taking visitors further down the Adelaide River than any of the other tours dare to go.Following introductions to the rest of the group we set off to our boat and on the way stopped off at the Wetlands Information Centre which is well worth a look at.
"Arriving at the boat it looked smaller than I had imagined, but this was good because I didn't want to go on a boat with hundreds of people all wanting the best photograph angle. The boat was 7-metres in length and I was pretty sure we would come across crocodiles of a similar size. Harry explained to all of us 12 but hesitant passengers that there have never been any incidents with crocodiles in the 20-years he has been doing this tour, and also that he had items on board to scare off any over friendly or inquisitive crocs.
"Feeling a lot more relaxed we headed off down the river and the tide was very high. Harry explained that as a tidal river we would be seeing a lot more crocs on the way back by which time the tide would have dropped by 3-metres and they would be sunning themselves on the banks. No sooner had Harry finished explaining about the tides than a croc floated along the river and got very close to my side of the boat. He floated right up next to us as Harry cut the engines for us all to have a good look. This 3-metre croc was so close I could have reached out and tickled it had I felt so inclined and didn't mind losing an arm, so instead I decided just to photograph him.
"A little further down Harry pulled the boat over to a bank and we hesitantly climbed out as we had by now seen several crocs in the area including a couple of 5 to 6-metre monsters, but Harry assured us this was well worth a look. Along the bank we saw an old crocodile nest which was amazing and a very rare thing to see as there were still pieces of croc egg shells inside. This one had been attacked by a goanna when the crocodile had gone into the river to cool off. None of the baby crocs had survived which was sad for the crocodile but an amazing sight to see.
"Back in the boat we floated along the river spotting large birds and the odd beautiful Jabiru stalking through the grass before finding a bit of shade and stopping once more. Harry then produced an array of biscuits and some home made banana and honey cake with tea and coffee, and we thoroughly enjoyed this in what would have to be one of the more beautiful and isolated spots in the Northern Territory.
"Further down the river we spotted an extremely large crocodile sunning itself on the bank, and Harry spun the boat around so everyone could get a really great photo. The great thing about these smaller tours is that everyone gets the chance to get a good photo as there's no pushing or shoving and running from one side of the boat to the other or getting a photo with someone's head in it. This is certainly a lot more personal and relaxing experience the way Harry conducts it.
"Arriving at another section of the river Harry introduces us to another of his "business partners", a large White Breasted Sea Eagle which was perched up in a tree and came swooping in as we approached. Harry produced some buffalo meat and placing it on the lid of the Esky he floated it out to the middle of the river and told us to have our cameras ready. This magnificent bird swooped down and grabbed the meat from the top of the floating lid. This was certainly an amazing photo opportunity and we all excitedly compared our photos as Harry steered us towards our next destination.
"We next arrived at the destination of our bush BBQ and in the middle of this very isolated backdrop was an amazing bit of luxury. The area was all decked out with tables, shade, BBQ, flags, maps and even a proper chemical toilet for the ladies. Harry cooks up an amazing feed while everyone chatters about what an amazing experience this is. After filling up on sausages, steaks, rissoles and a beautiful array of salads it's time to head off to our final and most furherest destination of the day at Goat Island. Harry hands out fishing rods for those who want to try their luck in bagging that elusive Barramundi. Unfortunately we didn't have any luck but a man near us got a very large bite, but made the mistake of yanking on his rod in an attempt to set the hook, but instead pulled it out of the mouth of the fish.
"Arriving at Goat Island it was exactly as we had expected. It's inhabitated by a very friendly man named Kai who moved out there nine years ago. He runs a little bar and bistro and has three rooms available all with ensuite bathrooms for visitors wishing to stay there the night. Local fishermen stop by for a beer, visitors come to see Kai feed the island's famous resident crocodile, Casey, and Harry brings his visitors up here on a daily basis. We had a nice cold drink at the bar and admired the surroundings. We really loved this little island and plan to go back for another visit and stay overnight and see the feeding of Casey.
"We waved goodbye to Kai and set back off along the river spotting many more crocodiles on the way back as the tide had dropped by an astonishing three metres. The little streams we had explored on the way up were now just muddy pathways filled with shrubs. Harry beached the boat right up close to the biggest fattest crocodile we have ever seen. It just lay there in the mud enjoying the sunshine. We all took turns sitting next to it while Harry took photos for us which was great, and this is just part of his friendly attitude towards all visitors.
"We arrived back, disembarked and on the way back in our mini bus chatted excitedly about all we had seen and what a brilliant day we had. This is one of the best experiences we have ever had, not only in the Northern Territory but on our whole trip so far around Australia. You cannot get a more close up and personal experience than this and it's very well worthwhile the cost for a whole day out on the river.
"Thank you Harry for an amazing day and we thoroughly recommend this tour for people of all ages visiting Darwin. Don't be fooled! You won't get the same experience with any of the biggest touring companies! You can find out more about this great all day tour by visiting www.adelaiderivercruises.com.au and you can also book your great trip on their web site also.
"Very soon we are going to experience the other tour offered by HUNTER SAFARIS, namely the famous "jumping crocodiles", and judging by the tour we have just been on this too will be an experience to remember!

















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