Darwin Warnings Or Dangers

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TAKE CARE
Many visitors when driving in Australia's "outback" DO NOT take the wildlife into consideration . These animals can be very numerous and to hit any at speed can be disiasterous even fatal. The driving distances here are vast with Towns and Road Houses long distances apart.and although the areas are so sparsely populated speeding vehicles having accidents with wildlife and feral animals is inevitabel.
Local people usually do not drive, if at all, at high speeds at night . I always try and be off isolated country Highways at sunset and organising my camp or accomodation. as sunset is when wildlife comes out to eat and "fossick for food". There are other animals ALSO to be aware of when driving here as there are numerous large "feral" animals roaming the outback ie: camels, horses, buffalo, lost cattle, wild pigs ,donkeys, wild dogs and of course then there is all the natural wildlife..Please remember this can happen in extremely isolated areas where there is NO help and NO communication....so Please take care when driving "Aussies outback"
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF ADVISORY WILDLIFE ROAD SIGNS..THEY ARE THERE FOR A GOOD REASON

Mind yourself on this 1.5 circular walk. After a relatively easy day (except for distance to arrive at Kakadu) and carting hats and water around that we really did not need up till then, suddenly we were on a hot dusty guided walk in the hottest part of the day. No water , small hat...me...I was caught out!

There was no special reminder to bring water nor did I see any signs. Sure we did get to shady spots to view the outstanding aboriginal art on the cave walls but I was certainly ready for the shade by then.

We saw indentations in the rocks where food was once prepared and later climbed the rocky surface of a cliff for a great view of the surrounding area. Not a climb for everyone .

The Federal Government has an ongoing battle with illegal fishermen entering Australian water poaching fish and in particular shark fins and trochus shells.

Many fishing vessels end up being torched to destroy pests and diseases or just left to rust in Darwin Harbour.

The Australian Navy has just spent squillions on new patrol boats that are faster with capacity to stay at sea longer.

Poachers beware!

Australia has got a very strict policy of what one can take into the country and what not.
Most of the food items are prohibited upon arrival and even if you have an apple in your hand luggage you may get fined.
If in doubt check the web page link below and see what you can bring with you.

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Darwin like most Australian capitals has good beaches...but here one must be wary of crocodiles that frequent the area...just be vigilant at all times..Saltwater Crocs have been known to venture miles out to sea..ALWAYS take notice of the warning signs..

When out and about here in the Northern part of Australia..ALWAYS make sure that you are carrying ample water for you for the time that you are out hiking or just walking.There are very few places to replenish your water supply in the National Parks so make sure that you have enough...to be without water here is extremely dangerous..

When travelling in the Northern part of Australia locally referred to as the "Top End" ,it is strongly advisable to carry and use a reliable insect and mosquito repellant..Especially in the evenings by the water or the local rivers.Don't worry about the aroma as everybody else (if they are smart ) is wearing it as well....Dengue fever has been reported in some parts of northern Australia..

"The Build Up" as they call it in the Northern Territory, is before the storm season starts. October to March, is when the wet, storm season is, and its very hot and humid.

If you are not used to this kind of heat, you will not like it. We were there at the start of it, and I was in the pool at 7am, and at night we had air conditioning and fans going all night.
If you can, try and visit at a slightly cooler time, unless you want to see some spectacular storm action, and rain like its being poured from a bucket.