Warning: Constant WP_MEMORY_LIMIT already defined in /home/irawan/public_html/wp/wp-config.php on line 91
Northern Territory – Irawan's blog

Category: Northern Territory

  • Kayaking in Darwin Australia

    Kayaking in Darwin Australia

    After living in Darwin for over 13 years, this year I decided to get a kayak and jumping into the notorious Darwin water that most people are avoiding because of the crocodile and box jellyfish. This dry season of 2021 has been the best so far since I live here. Some nice and cool mornings and not too humid.

    Crocodiles in Darwin 🐊

    The biggest and most common questions about any activities in Darwin is ‘how often or what’s the chance you will encounter crocodiles while kayaking is “Are you not scared with the crocodile or box jellyfish (stingers)? The answer is: of course I’m scared of the crocodiles and that’s why I only do kayaking and not jumping in the water. And the kayak is an easy going I’ll get there when I get there kind of kayak, not surfski where you can fall into the water anytime.

    Nightcliff Kite Corner

    I launched my kayak from Nightcliff Kite Corner where many others started their stand-up paddleboarding at sunrise time. On one nice weekend day, there were about 30 SUPers having fun riding the waves at sunrise. You will be surprised by how many people are doing SUP, kayak, windsurf and kite surfing at this place. It’s like a little unique community happening in this corner.

    Fun Supply Darwin provides some kite surfing and SUP lessons and fun equipment hire. They usually park at the Kite Corner or Lake Alexander at the East Point. Check their schedule on their site.

    I paddled from this corner slowly to Casuarina coastal reserve way and stopped at the Surf Life Saving club and having a coffee at De La Plage cafe. There’s a creek near this spot that saltwater crocodile has been seen around.

    East Point

    When the first time I got my kayak, I tried it out first at the Lake Alexander at the East Point to know and get used to it and after I had the confidence and comfortable with it, I tried it out on the ocean from East Point beach at sunset time. It was amazing.

    The calm water and sunset in the background were so relaxing. I paddled from the beach up to just pass Pee Wees restaurant. On this water where it’s not far from Ski clubs and others, you will see so many yachts anchored down.

    I was a bit surprised but not surprised at the same time that I passed across other kayakers, two individual sport kayakers, one paddle fishing kayak, and two others just floating around taking photos of the beautiful Darwin sunset.

    I’m looking forward to paddle on many other spots around Darwin.

    Bundilla Beach – Cullen Bay

    The Bundilla beach (formerly Vesteys beach) has a smooth ramp that goes straight to the water and it has a spacious parking lot so it’s easy for me to get ready launch. We can go two ways either to East Point or Cullen bay.

    How it started

    It was on my birthday in 2018 my loved one got me a surprised present by booking the Fun Supply Darwin kayak rent and took me for a drive earl in the morning blind folded and I thought it was going to Palmerston. End up at the Kite Corner and the kayaks are ready for paddling. I was scared of the crocs but decided to jump on it.

    Turned out to be the best experience in Darwin with the most beautiful calm water and burning sunrise sky. Here’s one of the photo

  • My First Tiwi Islands AFL Grand Final 2018 – What an Experience!

    My First Tiwi Islands AFL Grand Final 2018 – What an Experience!

    I got the chance to go to the Tiwi Islands AFL Grand Final in the Northern Territory. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Australia. The vibe was amazing, everyone was so welcoming, and the energy around the whole event was just next-level.

    The game itself was incredible. The Tikaliru Dockers were on fire and ended up winning the grand final, and the crowd went absolutely wild. Even if you’re not a hardcore footy fan, you couldn’t help but get caught up in it. The players were so fast and skilled, and every goal or big play had people jumping out of their seats. It wasn’t just about the sport it was full of heart, community, and pure love for the game.

    What really stood out for me was how connected the whole community was. You could see how much it meant to everyone, from the kids running around with footy boots on, to the elders sitting proudly in the shade. I felt so grateful to be there and be part of something so special. Plus, seeing the Tiwi culture up close—through the art, the music, the smiles—was something I’ll never forget.

    If you ever get the chance to go to the Tiwi Islands for the grand final, do it. It’s such a unique and powerful Aussie experience—footy, culture, and community all in one. I went as a first-timer and felt like I’d been part of something bigger than just a game.

  • Nightcliff Surfers

    Nightcliff Surfers

    Don’t Let Crocs or Storms Stop Them

    Suppose you’ve ever been down to Nightcliff during the wet season. In that case, you’ve probably seen something that looks crazy: dozens of surfers out in the water near the jetty, even when the sky’s dark and stormy. And yep, they know crocodiles have been spotted around there. But that doesn’t stop them. These surfers are locals who love the thrill, and the wet season is their favourite time to hit the waves.

    While most people stay indoors during those wild monsoonal downpours, this crew grabs their boards and heads straight for the sea. The waves get rough, the wind picks up, and the ocean gets that stormy mood—apparently perfect for surfing. They don’t mind the rain, the lightning, or croc warnings. To them, it’s all part of the fun. It’s like their version of extreme sports, Top End style.

    The photos I took from the 2018 wet season show how many surfers were there. You can see them all lined up in the water near the jetty, even as the sky is about to burst open. It’s honestly pretty epic. They’re not reckless, they love surfing and aren’t about to let some rough weather or a crocodilus scare keep them away.

    That’s what makes Nightcliff such a unique spot. The people here aren’t afraid of a bit of danger (or a lot of it). These surfers know the sea can be wild, but that’s precisely why they’re drawn to it. It’s not just about catching waves, it’s about doing what you love, even when most or I would say, “Yeah nah, mate.” And honestly, that’s what living in the Territory is all about. Note that this post is not about encouraging anyone to take the risk, but giving you the facts.

  • Numbulwar – Numburindi Festival

    Numbulwar – Numburindi Festival

    Hunting – Numbulwar Clinic opening ceremony – Numburindi Festival 2017 – Crabbing

    A short video of our trip to Numbulwar Community, Northern Territory Australia.

    NUMBUL-WHERE?

    Numbulwar is an Australian Indigenous community located on the South East coast of Northern Territory, about 780 km from Darwin. To get there took about 12 hours drive with 200km unsealed road.

    Our lovely hosts took us hunting, crabbing and going to Numburindi festival. We were lucky that the Numbulwar clinic opening ceremony was happening at the time we arrived as well. At the same time the Numburindi Festival was happening and we have the opportunity to witness the amazing ceremony and dance party in the community.