We arrived at Cooinda Lodge Resort - which is 54klm turning right from the Arnhem Highway just before entering Jabiru township area (say 10klm before). The road was sealed and very well maintained also right into Cooinda. Though it seemed like forever to get there allow 90mins. We arrived at 3.40pm and thought our Yellow Waters boat cruise started at 4.30 and that's what our ticket said but actually the pickup at Cooinda (free shuttle) was at 4.10pm. Well thinking checking at Cooinda would be like everywhere else and like wait upon wait I was surprised to be checked in something like 6 minutes and from a polite well dressed and smiling counter staff.

We stayed at the cabins and for local ratings it had everything we needed. We heard from a tour operator that the resort is refurbishing the rooms for a fresh face in november so that will be be a added feature. We waited for the free shuttle part of the service provided and it arrived spot on time. Once there at the carpark a whooping 1klm away we saw around 10 other vehicles, some campervan and 4WD selfdrive hire rentals and also tour grous. It appeared some were there for the sunset view as the carpark merges with the waters edge and some to join the cruises. There were 4 cruise boats from what we saw and there was only one boat on the water during our cruise that seemed to be doing the reverse of what our itinerary was.

The cruise went for around 90mins (I really wasn't keeping track as too engrossed in the beautiful sights I forgot). Our guide was a young aussie - who was so enthusiatistic about the Billabong and an abudance of knowledge on local, state and government issues with Yellow Waters he never ceased to amaze us. He ran a very low key non-plastic fluent talk throughout the cruise on each new species of birds, qater lillies and crocodiles, horses, buffalo and cattle. Yes horses but he will tell you all about them.

There was cups and cool iced water on hand and plenty of it, a toilet on board so creature comforts were maintained.

The highlight of the trip were 2 occasions that Iwas lucky enough to snap above left the 2 crocs eying off the birds like only 2 metres away. Maybe they were trying to remember their Peking Duck recipes that's why they just sat there. our guide said out of the water the birds have the advantage so the crocodiles don't usually snap at them.

Now above is my best snap as here we saw the bird, Jabiru, the most magnificent bird you could imagine so proud and rather regal and a crocodile no more than 2.5 metres away both just eyeing each other. Finally my wife took the camera off me after 124 pics hahaha and took a series of sunset shots. No matter how bad a photographer you are you will get some amzaing shots to hang in the living room of your house.

reflections on the Yellow Waters Billabong

Rating: (Please note I am very critical at the best of times so this actually received my best rating to date)
100%: A must do experience
70%: Good value for the dollar but could have areas of improvement
35%: If nothing else may as well do it
1%: Forget it and look at a nature documentary on TV, other options

Yellow Waters Cruise:
Service: 99%
Guide: 100%
Product: 98%
Scenery: 97%
Flora and Fauna: 99%
Value: 97.5%

Blog: By Rob

Yellow Water Wetlands (check wet season access)

Where: Turn north-west off the Kakadu Highway 50km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre.
Features: Yellow Water is part of the South Alligator River floodplain. During early dry season, a boardwalk provides good views of Yellow Water's wildlife. When waters recede, a 1km return walk takes you across the floodplains to a viewing platform on Home Billabong.

Boat tours: Commercial boat cruises operate on Yellow Water throughout the year and provide a marvellous opportunity to see the varied birdlife of Kakadu's World Heritage wetlands. Bookings are required. Telephone: Within Australia: (08) 8979 0111 International: +61 8 8979 0111. A web site with all the prices and times is at http://www.yellowwatercruises.com/index.htm