NZ Pinot Noir 2012

 

To see more wines like this and for a in-depth review and a female outlook on wine go to my wife's wine blog. It looks a lot better than this one. Just hit the link below.
http://martapadin.blogspot.com.au/search/label/mundo%20wine

Jumping Crocs & Fogg Dam

Marta and I are not into going on these wild life cruises but we are running out of things to do in Darwin. I had the feeling we where going to pay good money to watch trained monkeys. So after a short 82km, 1.5 hour drive we where at the Adelaide River and hopped on The Original Jumping Croc Cruise for $30 each.

We didn't get more than 30 meters and the crocs started coming out of the woodwork. It was great being only 2 or 3 meters away from a 6.5 meter monster, that wanted to bite our heads off. 

The cruise was only one hour, but worth it. It's about the only place you can see a croc so close without it eating you and there is also a bird show of kites, if they are around.

On the way home we diverted into Fogg Dam to fill in the rest of the day. This is a great place to see birds up close and get some good photos as you drive along the dam wall and stop at lookouts. You could also walk it, which would be much better, but like most things in the NT, the walk is closed for the wet season due to crocs.

 Jabiru

This is the closest I have come to a Jabiru or any wild birds. There is also a lookout and car park at the end of the road.

Kakadu in the wet season

Traveling in the Northern Territory can be a challenge. The hot weather, humidity and rain in the wet season can be hit and miss. You can have storms passing over you all day and other times just missing you. So doing anything like going for long walks can be tough. You will always end up wet through from the sweat or the rain.
Most of the roads and walking tracks are closed due to flooding and the walking tracks around the billabongs are over run with buffalo, crocs and wild bore. So it's wise not to venture out too far. A lot of the park can be reached by a 2 wheel drive car but a 4x4 is more fun
Sleeping can be hard work as well, having no air con in the truck or if you are in a tent can make for a long sweaty night,

Its a 4 hour 286km drive from Darwin to Ubirr, witch is where we spent the fist night.  Merl campground has flushing toilets and hot showers with drinking water for $10 pp. and alcohol is permitted. Some camps around the park are alcohol free so do your research.
The next day we went on the 1km circular track witch takes you past Aboriginal rock art and up a 250meter climb to some great views.
The east Alligator river is next door and is a good spot for a bit of fishing. But look out for the crocs. There are many other walks around here but all closed at the time.

If you are in need of supplies Jabiru town is a good place to stop and refresh and also the Bowali visitor centre is a great place for all the info you need. 

Then off to Nourlangie region where you can find more walks. There is a 1.5km walk with more rock art and ancient Aboriginal shelters. This walk also links up with a 12km loop if you are keen and can handle the heat, humidity and fly's.

There are many swimming holes doted around the park too, but closed in the wet.

You will find a abundance of wild life throughout the park. Even throw most of the animals wan't to eat you, bite you or sting you. Its a very safe place to spend your time.  

So if you go in the wet season don't expect to do much. But still amazing to see how green  and lush the NT can be. 

We are heading back to Kakadu in a weeks time now it has been opened up for the dry season. We hope to see it before the fire's blaze through and hit the 4x4 tracks and swimming holes. So will get back to you on that.

   




Before you go you will need a park pass, but if you live in the NT and have proof you can go for free.
A Kakadu park pass costs $25 and lets you explore the park for 14 consecutive days - See more at: http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/plan-your-trip/passes-and-permits.