Jumping crocodiles in Darwin

by World Cruising on 3 Sep 2016 World ARC participants greatly enjoyed a tour this Thursday to see ‘jumping crocodiles’ on the Adelaide River. The tour commenced with a stop at the Window on the Wetlands visitors centre for a talk on the local fauna and flora by a member of the National Parks and Wildlife service.

The talk was fascinating, describing many of the unique aspects of this unusual environment and a number of the current issues that threaten the pristine survival of the area. The centre itself is an interesting and very modern building with a fantastic view over the surrounding wetlands, floodplains and the nearby Adelaide River.

On arrival to the Adelaide River crews were then treated to a snake handling display with ‘Monty’ the python. Monty took a particular liking to Ben from Wishanger II curling his long tail around Ben’s head and shoulders.

Next it was all aboard our vessel on the Adelaide River for the crocodile cruise, before the vessel on the Adelaide River had even departed the dock crews saw their first big ‘salty’ (saltwater crocodile) swimming stealthily in the waters astern. During a humorous safety briefing participants were asked not to protrude, hands, arms or camera past the safety rails, we were in the crocodile’s territory now and it was a firm reminder that one wouldn’t think twice about making a meal of a World ARC crew!

With some nearing five meters in length crew gasped at these monstrous creatures as they treated everyone on board to a display of their power and strength. Crocodiles repeatedly ‘jumped’ for a large chunk of buffalo meat that was dangled out for them. The handlers on the boat are very careful not to overfeed the crocodiles in the river and they follow a strict set of rules in regard to the frequency each crocodile is feed and treated.

With so many crocodiles in the river it was amazing that the handlers were able to recognise so many different individuals. During the cruise we saw a frightening number of other crocodiles and the handlers also provided a ‘birds of prey’ display feeding large eagles and a flock of kites, it was an amazing sight watching these big birds swoop and pick up small pieces of meat thrown into the air.

Last night Tipperary Waters Marina and local restaurant Frying Nemo hosted a welcome function for World ARC on the picturesque boardwalk overlooking the docks here in Tipperary Waters Marina. It was very enjoyable evening and crews enjoyed catching up and sharing a cold beer or glass and wine while enjoying another spectacular Darwin sunset.