Top End of the Northern Territory, Australia November 2007

We started with an overnight stay in Darwin, the smallest and most tropical of Australian cities, where we were taken on a city tour to acclimatise, ending the day with a spectacular sunset over the sea.

Then we toured: first going to Litchfield NP, viewing amazing termite mounds, swimming at the beautiful Florence Falls, and visiting other great swimming spots. We then travelled on to Kakadu where we stayed overnight before viewing aboriginal art sites, cultural centre, gallery and walking in the fabulous countryside, the day was rounded off with sunset viewing at Yellow Waters Billabong – a magical experience.

The following day we returned to Yellow Waters for a cruise to view the wildlife: after a friendly warning to keep all parts of the body inside the boat we set off and saw lots of crocodiles up close, and a huge variety and quantity of birdlife – abundant is too small a word!

The best part of the trip for me was our trip the next day to the Tiwi Islands: we flew on small aircraft and had to be weighed to distribute the loads evenly! On arrival we were met by our guide Harry and his fellow islanders: the ladies showed us their face-painting – each person has his or her own design which is unique to them, like a signature; then a smoking ceremony was performed to welcome us to their country.

We were then taken to the artists community studio where we met some of the artists and could buy examples of their work; some of which are highly-prized and are shipped all over the World to collectors. I loved the building which was covered on every surface with designs and artwork, and it was great to watch the artists working; I bought a T-shirt printed with flying fox designs and I still have it and still wear it 10 years on - excellent quality!

Our picnic lunch was taken in the bush by a billabong and some of us took the opportunity to swim and cool down: this pool is fed by a cold-water spring and it is too cool for crocs – at least that is what we were told, and no-one did get eaten!

After lunch we visited the school and church and learned about the WW2 history – these islands were the front-line during the Japanese bombing of Darwin and there were many tales of heroism by the local people.

All too soon we had to fly back to Darwin after this memorable day with people who continue to live their traditional culture, although with selective input from the mainland: for instance, they are absolutely fanatical about Aussie Rules Football; and their sales of artwork bring in valuable resources to the community.

I really enjoyed seeing the best of the Top End of Northern Territory and can heartily recommend it as a destination.