Australia > Boating on the Yellow River

The birds are already awake early outside. From about six o’clock, they make a hell of a racket. I have breakfast in the cabin with yogurt, orange juice, and coffee. We take the bus to another spot around Nawurlandja Mountain, where Aboriginal rock paintings can also be found. From the parking lot, it’s about a half-hour walk to the paintings. Although it’s only half past eight, it is already humid and warm. According to the weather forecast, today will be a bit warmer than yesterday. The heat might not even be the most annoying thing in the forest. It’s the many flies buzzing around. I’m constantly debating whether to use my fly net. The synthetic net itself is also warm. I decide to try without it. The Aboriginal rock paintings lie beneath an overhanging rock formation. Ann says she fears that the paintings will soon no longer be visible. In the years she has been guiding, she has seen the quality of the paintings deteriorate rapidly. This is due to weather influences, visitors, and also animals scraping near the paintings. Around the parking lot are traces of recent fires. Ann explains that a small fire broke out last weekend after a lightning strike. The firehawks, birds of prey, take advantage of this. They pick up burning twigs to drive their prey further away. They are probably unaware that they are making the forest fires worse. On the way back to the lodge, we stop at the visitor center. A small museum shows the history and artifacts of the Aboriginal people. Just before noon, I am back at the lodge.

Australia - A boat trip on the Yellow River in Kakadu

I go to the pool to cool off a bit. This is disappointing. The water is warm. When I get out, flies immediately come flying around me. I retreat to my room. At the end of the afternoon, we gather for a boat trip on the Yellow River. From the boat, it is clear that the water level is high. The banks are underwater. Birds sit in the grassland.

Australia - An Australian jacana walks over the lily pads

An Australian jacana walks over the leaves of the water lilies. During the dry season, crocodiles often gather in this nature reserve. Now, in the wet season, the creatures can spread out further. A crocodile can cover up to a hundred kilometers in one day. Hopefully, we’ll see a crocodile today. When a second boat passes by, Jess, our skipper, asks if they have seen anything. There is a crocodile lying on the shore further along.

Australia - A crocodile lies on the shore of the Yellow River in Kakadu

Jess steers the boat close to the animal. The crocodile is resting with its mouth open to cool down. On the way back, we pass a swimming crocodile. It swims a few dozen meters alongside the boat. The crocodile quickly looks for a safe spot and dives under. Saltwater crocodiles can grow over five meters long. With their powerful tails, they propel themselves through the water. Crocodiles eat prey smaller than themselves. People are also in danger in the water. It’s no coincidence that Jess warns not to put your arms outside the boat. As we return to the jetty, the sun sinks on the horizon. More and more little birds can be heard. Back at the lodge, I head to the restaurant. Today, I choose a crocodile burger. Quite fitting.

Australia - A crocodile swims past the boat in Kakadu