BLOG: Kakadu dreaming

HOW often do we overlook our own backyard in favour of some far flung paradise?

Usually these destinations fail to live up to the hype and quite often you come home feeling disappointed knowing you have some of the most picturesque settings a short air flight away. With this in mind, I promised myself the next holiday I took I was going to visit some of the wonders that exist right on our own doorstep. I know Kakadu is a tourist's wonderland, but for ignorant Aussies like me, it was amazing to get a sense of our history instead of someone else's for a change. I'm glad I took the punt.

I headed off to the NT with my mate Christian Orsini. We were to meet up with one of my long-time friends Sean Cremin, who had on a previous fishing trip introduced me to one of his new Top End mates, Genda. As the name suggests, Genda is of indigenous descent, mixed in with some good Scottish blood, which accounts for his surname of Campbell. He runs a slick tour guiding business called Kakadu 4WD Safaris and conducts tours right through the Top End, including Kakadu, into Aboriginal areas prohibited without permits.

Throughout the trip we managed to stop off and see the famous White Lily Billabong, home to a huge variety of birdlife, Yellow Waters to see the most amazing sunset you will ever experience, and Jim Jim & Twin Falls. If waterfalls are your thing, you won't find prettier than those in Kakadu. Too bad I was travelling with mates cause I was in the mood for a hug!

As expected, we visited the ancient aboriginal rock art site of Nourlangie. Genda was always on hand to explain the symbols and the painting methods used to create these amazing works of art. The best part about this area was the fishing. Nourlangie Creek, an offshoot of the South Alligator River, is one of the Northern Territory's real treasures. While November is typically a docile month – so I'm told, and three tide days is like "needle in haystack" stuff, the barra weren't too cooperative as expected. We had three days to hit a few fish and to be honest, we struggled. We got fish to 80cms but only after long days of towing lures with little in between to break the monotony.

The trip did teach me a few things though. One, being in the Top End is no guarantee you'll have excellent fishing as some would presume; always ensure you pick the right seasons to fish, two, that trolling lures are sometimes deadlier than cast lures, much to my behest, and three, never let the guide fish. Genda comprehensively kicked our butt and reminded us of this fact the whole way home. I guess humility is one trait he seems to lack!

While the scenery and landscapes defied explanation, the real drawcard was Genda himself. He's a unique feller full of wit and humour. The whole time we were in stitches and one thing is for sure – he knows his stuff. He was raised on the land and his knowledge of flora and fauna is par excellence. He is also a bit of an enigma. You would swear the man is blind as a bat. He couldn't tell you how many fingers you are holding up in front of his face from five paces. Yet, we could be speeding down the highway at 130 kp/h, coming to a screeching halt, see Genda make a dash for the bush, climb a 30ft tree and come back down with a goanna! When it came to bush tucker he had 20-20 vision.

Do yourself a favour and experience the Top End. While the fishing played second fiddle on this trip it was well worth the effort and I feel enriched as a result. Log onto www.kakadu4wdsafaris.com and take a look at what you will experience.