Australia’s Northern Territory

While I am an experienced travel agent, my specialist area of interest is Australia. I already know a great deal about the country, but my recent trip arranged through Travel Counsellors has given me some fantastic insights. Many of the things I experienced could be taken straight out of National Geographic Magazine

My trip included swimming, snorkelling and taking a helicopter flight over the magnificent Barrier Reef.

I spent most of my time in the tropical north of Queensland. I visited the Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rain Forest. I was privileged enough to share many truly amazing experiences. These included being welcomed in the traditional way by the Kuku Yalanji tribe. My indigenous guide shared with me his family’s dreamtime story. He also showed me the tree that his granddad had taught him to bend as a signpost when he was left in the bush at the age of 12.

My trip then took me up to Darwin which is the gateway to a true outback adventure. I had many early mornings but they were all definitely worth it. I saw the sunrise over the incredible Katherine Gorge and the peaceful and majestic Yellow River with its amazing bird life. I went on a long climb to swim in the stunning waterfalls at Maguk. I knew that crocodiles were in the area along with snakes as I had seen them earlier in the day, but this made it all the more exciting.

I made my own aboriginal painting under the instruction of Manuel at Topi Didi while he shared stories of his heritage and the Dalabon tribe. My painting wasn’t nearly as good as the cave art I saw at Ubirr in Kukadu National Park but they did started painting there 40,000 years ago and the most recent is 2000 year old. This art was used by the elders to teach their grandchildren and shows the anatomy of kangaroos and turtles amongst other things. From here I climbed to the Nadab. This is where I experienced the most amazing panoramic views over the flood plains and into Arnhem Land. That night I slept in a swag (sleeping bag) under the full moon. The stars were breath-taking and overall it was an incredible experience that will stay with me.

We returned to Darwin using some of the red unsealed roads which allowed us to spot red tailed kites, dingoes, giant termite hills and other wildlife along the way. It was a unique safari experience showing the real Australia. Once back in civilisation we took a sunset cruise from Darwin harbour where we saw wild dolphins which was just amazing. Overall this was a unique trip and has given me so many tips and insights to Australia that I really can’t wait to share with customers.