City Girl In The Aussie Bush

Lindsay Yap tells us about her first Aussie bush experience.

- Lindsay Yap

Having lived in the city my whole life, I have a sweet spot for the country. Fresh air and no crowds – it’s the dream. That’s why I was excited to go on tour recently with Venture North Safaris to Australia’s remote Northern Territory. Honestly, though, I was a tad nervous about the ruggedness of it all – particularly the creepy creatures I might encounter. But I’m so glad I went!

No more beating around the bush (sorry, I had to); here’s a glimpse of what I got up to during the five-day trip.

The experience

Venture North’s “Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour” is a great one for those who want an authentic bush experience, but still desire some creature comforts. Running from May to October, each tour takes up to six guests – my travel companions were two retired couples from Switzerland and Canada.

The 12-hour drive to the Cobourg Peninsula is done in a sturdy four-wheel drive vehicle and spread across two days, bringing you through a variety of stunning landscapes. Many of the roads are unpaved, so be prepared for some jostling and bumps on your journey.

I was picked up bright and early from my hotel in Darwin on the first day of the tour. Out from the driver’s seat jumped a young blonde bloke with shoulder-length locks who swiftly stowed my duffle in the trailer behind. He introduced himself as Damon, our guide for the tour. We later found out that he is Venture North’s youngest tour guide – he’s 21 – and probably the youngest in the Northern Territory.