An Australian Adventure Of The Northern Territory

Josh Shaw is an Australian traveller and photographer. While having our usual browse on Instagram, we spotted his amazing photographs of the Northern Territory and had to find out more about him and his adventure. Here, he explains why he headed up north, divulges his 10 favourite experiences, and offers up some advice for anyone else planning on taking the trip.
Why did you want to explore NT?
I guess I wanted to explore Northern Territory as I really didn’t know much about the area nor did I know many people who have travelled up there. For some reason it really didn’t seem a common holiday destination for an Australian, even though it’s possibly the most beautiful, unique and diverse area of our country.
From my experience when asking people about Northern Territory, it was most generally described as a far away, vast and remote land. The thought of exploring and exposing this unknown created a sense of adventure which really grew on me, to the point where I just had to jump on a plane and get up there!

How did you travel?
For this trip we decided to travel by 4WD Camper. Several weeks were spent studying hire companies and mapping out a self-drive tour with my partner Taylor (@itstaylorjones), including sights we wanted to visit, routes we wanted to travel and campsites to spend the night at along the way. We decided on a Britz Camper as they seemed the most equipped vehicle for our trip as we were planning to head off the beaten track and down the roads less travelled. Offering reliable, custom modified 4WD’s to specifically suit the Australian Outback’s harsh conditions with a kitchen, stove, fridge/ freezer, sink fit outs, fresh water tank, portable shower, awning, roof racks, several tent options (including vehicle rooftop tents), mattressess and literally everything right down to the linen and cutlery being supplied. Britz really took a lot of stress out of the experience as all we had to do is pack our clothes, arrive, pick up the keys and start driving!
Why did you choose this method of travel? How did it serve your experience?
When travelling, I enjoy having as much flexibility and freedom as possible, going by Camper allowed me the ability to set the pace of my trip and include some stress free detours along the way. Having the freedom to change directions in an instance and explore a new discovery or spend an extra night somewhere unplanned along the way can be fun, spontaneous and sometimes end up being the highlight of your trip! Not to mention getting to fall asleep under the stars each night and waking up to amazing sunrises and sounds of the outback as it becomes alive again each day – that’s the true NT experience!
What were your favourite places and activities of NT?
I literally have too many favourite places and activities to list, so I will share my 10 most memorable moments of the trip in no particular order:
1. Waking up early and hiking into Jim Jim Falls. Having the entire place to ourselves swimming in the natural plunge pool and laying on the beach like white sand in the middle of the Outback surrounded by 150m-high cliffs was an unforgettable and surreal experience I will never forget.

2. Lowering Taylor into the Cage Of Death at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin where she swam up close and personal with a 6m, 800kg Saltwater Crocodile named Chop. I happily took photographs from the other side of the glass.

3. Watching the sunset over Nadab Floodplains from the top of Ubirr Rock after spending the afternoon climbing around, viewing the Aboriginal Rock Art drawings in the area.

4. Camping out under the Milky Way in a tent without the fly cover in Kakadu National Park, laying in bed and falling asleep looking up at the most beautiful star-drenched sky I have ever seen.

5. Witnessing Saltwater Crocodiles launch themselves out of the Adelaide River while flocks of Whistling Kite swooped down to catch and eat pieces of meat that we threw to them from the boat on a Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise.

6. Cooling down and taking a dip in Mother Nature’s ultimate infinity pool after the somewhat exerting climb to the top of Gunlom Falls – luckily the view most certainly made it all worthwhile!

7. Pulling off the highway at Mount Bundey and onto Old Jim Road. Driving to South Alligator River Crossing before locking in the hubs and following a scenic 4WD trail to Red Lily Billabong camping area where we encountered our first wild bushfire before looping back onto the Arnhem Highway, 50km West of Jabiru.

8. Spending a lazy Sunday at the beach in Darwin, wandering Nightcliff and Mindil Beach markets, indulging in the delicious array of local food and checking out the crafts on display while watching the sunset over the Timor Sea. Cullen Bay was also an amazing place to have a picnic and enjoy the sunset!

9. Trekking along clifftops to the top of Maguk Waterfall in Barramundi Gorge, swimming around in the uniquely shaped rock pools following the river upstream where we were greeted with some dramatic landscape unlike any I have ever seen before.

10. Relaxing on a Yellow Water Cruise in Kakadu National Park, taking a journey through the region’s wetlands, discovering the rich abundance of wildlife and stunning scenery while getting an insight from the experienced indigenous guides on the local flora and fauna. For extra awe, take the sunrise or sunset cruise!

What wildlife did you see?
Kakadu National Park alone is home to more than one third of Australia’s bird species. Housing over 60 different species it is not uncommon to see Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, White-bellied Sea-Eagles, Whistling Kites, Pelicans, River Kingfishers, Barn Owls, Blue-winged Kookaburra, Jabirus, Brolgas and so, so many more. While there is a vast array of birds, the true locals are the Saltwater Crocodiles which are literally everywhere from the rivers, billabongs and even sighted at the beaches so make sure you pay attention to croc warning signs in the area as they are no joke! Other animals we encountered along the trip were herds of wild Brumby, Buffalo and Cattle. Lots of Kangaroos and Possums. Turtles, Barramundi and of course there were Dingos, Goannas and some Snakes. Did I mention the flies?

Did anything particularly surprise you about NT?
To be honest, before I visited I had visualised an image in my head of just a big flat, dusty, bare, open and unforgiving landscape. It wasn’t until I arrived and started exploring that I realised just how wrong I had been. Still to this day I cannot believe the beauty and diversity that is Northern Territory. It was also a nice surprise to leave the Gold Coast on a rainy 16 degree winter’s afternoon and arrive to Darwin’s sunny 27 degrees.
What would you recommend that people pack in their backpack for travelling through NT?
A wide brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen are a must as well as packing extra snacks and water because even in winter the sun can still be brutal! The heat combined with some tough hikes and minimal shade along the way can really take it out of you if you’re not prepared. Some other essentials I would recommend include comfortable footwear with good ankle support, insect repellent, a box of matches, flashlight, basic first aid kit and a fully charged mobile phone in case of emergency. It’s also important to visit the local information centres while travelling around to get up-to-date trail and park maps before you set out on an adventure. The staff will usually tell you where you can and can’t swim and any other warnings that may be in place for the area you’re heading. Although I hope to never use it, I always carry a snakebite first aid kit on me when hiking. Snakes are out there so it’s important to have the right first aid on hand and some basic training on what to do if the situation was to occur. Oh, and of course, your camera and an appetite for adventure – you’re going to need those!
What is your favourite photo from your NT trip?
I came home with hundreds of unbelievable photographs, each great in its own way so for me to choose one I have had to go with the photograph that tells a story and creates the most emotion in me when I look back at it. This day we woke up at the crack of dawn, spent about one hour driving down a dirt track followed by another hour navigating 4WD tracks before a one-hour hike through a thick monsoon forest and over/around large boulders. Taylor and I were both physically exhausted and starting to question if it was really worth all the effort. Literally just as this conversation ended we came around the next bend of the trail. What we saw next was the exact moment captured in this photograph. Still back on the trail coming out of the trees I got my first glimpse of the famous Jim Jim Falls, as Taylor looked up at the 150m-high cliffs in a state of awe. It’s safe to say we were both completely lost for words and completely certain it was worth the effort to get there.

If there was a song or album that best soundtracks your experience of NT, what would it be?
If I had to pick a single song it would be Alpine ‘Foolish’. Every time I hear that song or watch its film clip I’m instantly reminded of the trip and the good vibes we had going. There was also a lot of Sticky Fingers, Vallis Alps and Chet Faker cranking while we were on the road and around the campsite, setting the mood for us every day!
Keep up with Josh’s adventures and photographs on Instagram @thejoshshaw, at Facebook.com/joshshawpage and on his website www.joshshaw.co