subject: How to Come Up Close and Personal With an Australian Crocodile [print this page] How to Come Up Close and Personal With an Australian Crocodile
Crocodile Dundee would have been in his element. But for the terrified occupants of a tiny boat on the East Alligator River, a remote and wild part of Australia's Northern Territory, it was an experience they will never forget.
My heart had been pounding more than once on this holiday in Australia's Northern Territory. But nothing compared to the gut wrenching experience I shared with other terrified visitors on the East Alligator River in a remote area of Australia called Arnhem Land.
I was about to come face to face with the wildest of Australia's wildlife. A terrifying encounter I will remember for the rest of my life.
Our day's adventure started placidly enough. We were drifting silently along the East Alligator River in a remote wilderness area called Arnhem Land.
We enjoyed the peace and serenity as we observed Brolgas ( beautiful Australian birds similar to a stork) Sea Eagles, Magpie Geese and crocodiles basking in the sun on the river banks.
Our guide, who could have passed for Crocodile Dundee, warned us that we were "in the croc's dining room" and to keep our arms inside the boat. He also warned us of the dire consequences of "falling in".
We became a little edgy however when our guide pointed out a crocodile slipping silently into the water and heading straight for our boat. His 4 metre bulk was largely hidden under the water. All we saw were his snout, the scales on his broad back and his slow moving tail.
Our guide was vigilant and advised us to "watch him".
Seconds later, all hell broke loose.
The prehistoric monster raised his bulk out of the water, opened his gaping mouth and twice smashed his snout on the bow of the boat.
Some in the boat panicked and screamed. Others just sat there frozen with terror. One backpacker at the front of the boat came face to face with a set of teeth and was so hysterical, she later confessed she almost jumped out of the boat, but remembered the guide's warning.
Dundee was unfazed. Calmly he started the outboard motor, leaving the predator in the boat's wake.
When we had recovered, we asked if this was a regular occurrence.
In typically outback Aussie style and with a touch of Tom Jones, he replied with a broad grin.
"It's not unusual", he said.
At the end of the tour and over a few cold beers, a few of us shared the thought that he might have had a private arrangement with that beast!
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