current article

Three cheers for the juvenile delinquent

" 'Harry's seven years old, a lovely boy with an excellent temperament, though he can be a bit of a wimp.'

'And who's this?' I asked.

'Ah, that's Bazza. Being a teenager, he can be something of a juvenile delinquent,' said Nick with a chuckle.

And so they were introduced. The camels, that is."

This article follows the camels of the Northern Territory, in particular Bazza, in their tourist-friendly roles. From quiet early morning walks along the sandy river bed to the excitement of the Camel cup in Alice Springs.

current article

The Red Heart

"Up before 5am? Red dust all over everything? Leg weary at the end of the day?

This is no holiday lazing by the pool under the palm trees.

There's so much to see and do in Australia's Red Centre that sleeping in isn't likely, and red dust on your boots is a matter of pride.

What's there to do?"

This article provides a lively round up of things to do in the centre of Australia, from riding a camel and hot air ballooning, to dinner in the desert under the stars. It also includes activities which focus on the grandeur of this ruggedly beautiful landscape.

current article

On the Trail of the Rainbow Serpent

" 'The child cried louder and louder, whereupon a great wind sprang up and the Rainbow Serpent rushed into the camp, trapping everyone with its huge circular body and swallowing them forever.'

The ranger's voice held a hushed group of tourists spellbound, as I examined the rock painting of the fabled Rainbow Serpent.

The tale also served as a warning to aboriginal girls brought here to learn about life as adults and how to take care of their children. The crying child in the legend had apparently been given the wrong food through carelessness.

This was Ubirr, one of the foremost rock art sites in Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory."

This article begins with the creation spirit, the Rainbow Serpent, painted on the rock at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park. It takes readers on a journey through these and other Aboriginal art sites at Nourlangie Rock, as well as taking to the water to view the birdlife in the wetlands system of Yellow Water.

current article

In Search of the Lightning Man

"The others tramped past nearly knocking me over, as I alone stopped to read the sign.

Having followed the journeys of early Australian explorers at school I was intrigued to see the quote from Ludwig Leichhardt's journal for November 26, 1845:

'At sunset Charley returned to the camp accompanied by a whole tribe. One of them had a shawl and neckerchief of English manufacture, and another carried an iron tomahawk.' "

This article is a journey in search of indigenous aboriginal culture and tradition, focusing on the rock art of Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock and the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Crossing paths with Europeans like Leichhardt and watching the dramatic sunset, it reflects on the changing world of this unforgettable land.   

article requires an update

How's the water?

" 'DANGER. Crocodiles inhabit this area. Attacks cause injury or death,' says that Crocodile Safety sign again. 'Keep away from the water's edge. Do not enter the water.'

Looking at the rivers and billabongs of the Northern Territory on a fine and sunny day, you wonder whether there'll ever be anywhere to swim.

The massive saltwater or estuarine crocodiles are at home in either salt or fresh water. And while they are an ever-present danger, they are also a major tourist attraction in the Territory."

This article begins with the Jumping Crocodiles Cruise where the massive reptiles leap for pieces of meat, before looking at the crocodiles as part of the natural eco-system in Yellow Water, a wetlands environment teeming with birdlife. Finally the plunge pools and waterfalls of Litchfield National Park are featured, where in the dry season there is swimming after all.