Need Suggestions for Darwin, Australia

I am leaving for my second trip to the Northern Territory of Australia in two weeks and I wanted to get some last minute input from everyone here on the site about any supplies I may need that I don't already have or any tips regarding photography certain creatures. I am bringing a medium sized carrying case with my Canon Rebel EOS XTI 10.1 MP, 100-300mm Lens, 55-70 mm Lens, 2 extra batterys, 4 GB memory card, 1 GB memory card, portable battery recharger, and a cleaning cloth. I am unsure whether or not I should bring my tripod....it is small and lite but of poor quality and I don't know if I'll even need it given the likely speed of my encounters. I have few questions regarding the local wildlife- what would any of you suggest as the best way to photograph very large reptiles from a boat? I am looking to get the best possible pictures without having myself become dinner.....I assume a 300 mm lens will be sufficient, but what would be the best way to approach photographing a 22 foot animal? Is 300 mm enough for Wallabies, Birds and Snakes? Any and all input is welcome. My main goal is to get plenty of less-conventional and perhaps even violent shots (perhaps I should set up near a watering hole?). Thanks

So can I post an answer Jim Ahh why not, we get on well with NPN anyway.

Try this Brandon http://www.australasiaforum.net/australasia/

Danny.

Places to definately put on the list to visit are McCreadies Billabong just south of Darwin and Yellow Waters in Kakadu N. P. Both have lots of bird and other wildlife that are used to people. The commercial Yellow Waters boat cruises are a must. They are set up for viewing wildlife and many good photos of birds and crocs are possible. Of course go the early morning crusie for best opportunities and your 100 - 300mm lens will be fine. There are many brochures available when you get there on being croc safe. Most important be carefull near the waters edge. Have fun.

Geoff

Australia

I would highly recommend the Yellow Waters cruises at Kakadu as well. In addition there are a few good sites along the Arnhem Highway between Darwin and Kakadu. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is an excellent spot for seeing a lot of waders and other birds. There were lots of many species of heron, raptors, the australian crane (brolga) and many others when I was there but it was a different time of year, July. As far as getting unusual, violent type shots I might recommend taking one of the cruises along the Adelaide River in this area where they feed the crocs. Granted its not a natural situation and I'm sure it would turn many people off but you would have the opportunity to take photos of crocs leaping out of the water. All the travel agents in Darwin would have info on those trips. I would be very careful going in a small boat or setting up close to a waterhole. As you probably know people are killed every year by these beasts. For photographing from a boat 300mm should be plenty of lens. On the land I would think you might want a larger lens for bird photography or to photograph a waterhole from a safe distance.