Testimonial from Kirsty Cockburn and George Negus

Staying at EDEN was one of our family's most memorable holidays. Two young sons, a friend and his Dad and a combination for us of a need to de-stress but do it in the indescribably spectacular and atmospheric environs of the Northern Territory, warmed by its tropical climate and enriched by unending sights of its endemic wildlife and rich fruiting and flowering forests and escarpments.

This morning, revisiting at Wet season's end, nothing has changed our minds about why Heather & Jeremy's EDEN is an ideal base if you're on an NT explore.

We'll declare ourselves now as non-bird watching experts. But this is why we think EDEN has it all, as it were. The prolific nature of nature at Fogg Dam is extraordinary for the first time NT visitor but also we've observed the expert watchers when here and they can't believe the variety and how close we can all get to watch the birds. I guess FOGG DAM is underrated or unknown which just seems crazy to us.

I photographed 4 metres away from a Jabiru today in all its elegant glory.Other birds splashed with each other on overflowing dam walls as eagles watched from the surrounding low lying trees. When we moved they would all take off and return within seconds if we stopped again. No fear of humans here. Perfect for a bird watch. Surrounded in early morning song. No-one could fail not to be glad they bothered to get up early and come here, just a kilometre down the road from EDEN. Too easy!

One of our son's loves reptiles and snakes and has been returning here for years. It's a scientist's haven for research because of the frequent movements and high density of several species of water & frog loving snakes. Even as the cane toad invades, the night is rarely bankrupt of all things herpetological be it snakes or frogs.

When the water lilies are in flower, there are few places with more of them.And with a bush expert like Denise Goodfellow guiding you (a quick phone call away), you get even more out of what you're experiencing in these environs…with her marvellous stories and eyes. Suddenly you're looking at sights as plentiful as a department store sale! Strange contrast, but even for Australians, the bush is somewhat of a mystery except to those who have lived in it all their lives and more. So help to appreciate what you're witnessing is almost vital in the NT.

This is also where Heather and Jeremy are so thoughtful with their many suggestions of how to fill at least 2 or 3 days and more here.

We don't know anywhere more comfortable, clean, thoughtful outfitted than their B&B. And Heather's breakfasts thoughtfully consider your tastebuds & dietary preferences. We can read here in peace amongst a splendid range of colourful orchids or watch television and catch up on news or a movie. Whatever your mood, there are options which much traveller's accommodation doesn't cater for. We can grab a steak at the local pub or cook up a pasta or barbeque out the back and entertain at their hand-carved wood outdoor tables.

And there's a cute small pool for relaxing when the heat of the day gets too much for trekking around and even the air conditioned comfort of your vehicle is a back-debilitating thought. You do a lot of driving in the NT. It's worth it. Or, as our son exclaims: "that's what you do up here, Mama! That's part of the adventure." And it's true, if you stopped to compare the kilometres you cover on an NT holiday, you'd worry. But, we just do it when we're in the NT. Having said that, it's important to place yourself strategically to minimise and economise and that's why we recommend EDEN.

It's in a surprisingly smart spot. And, of course, retreating to EDEN after a lot of driving is a relief. Only you and this quiet, interesting couple involved in organic farming and hospitality TOP END-style.

Where to go from here? Well, surprisingly, it's a better spot to park yourself than Darwin if you want to feel like you're "out there." You can get to Darwin within 45 minutes to see the art galleries and museums & dine on the wharf or Cullen Bay or at the best located cafés in Australia at the Darwin Museum & Pee Wee's in the parklands of Fannie Bay. Even closer is the Sunday Nightcliff markets or the Parap Saturday markets where you salivate at the thought of laksa for breakfast or a fresh tropical fruit punch which has no peer anywhere.

Or, to go to the Territory Wildlife Park to familiarise yourself with what lives around these environs…close-up and in beautiful gardens, are a carefully selected collection of Australian animals, birds and reptiles. Rangers that work here, stay here! Their backyard is as exciting as it gets for a wildlife-passionate person.

Between the two is the character-named Humpty Doo. How could you forget a place called Humpty-Doo with its very Aussi pub and beer and t-shirts…on the Arnhem Highway en route Kakadu. Just 2 hrs away…a day trip that's feasible if time is short. From EDEN, drive to the Park and then walk and climb, take a midday break in the art and craft gallery set in an inspired architect-designed building of typically Australian materials and run by aboriginal art experts who've spent years working with the various aboriginal tribes painting from their bush studios. Ensure time for a sunset spot staring at the rock faces and waterfalls. A meal half way back at one of the river pubs & you're back in the most comfortable quiet spot between Darwin and one of the world's most famous parks.

Closer by EDEN is Windows on the Wetlands again, a way to start understanding the green dynamics of where you are and how this environment works with displays and photographs from all over the Territory.

Close by again is the famous jumping crocodiles on Adelaide River…you've got to do it once and of course, your kids will love it watching the huge crocs that leap to retrieve meat dangled temptingly into their waters. Then you can start educating yourself on where not to walk and what still water you walk past is actually full of crocodiles and to be respected! All safe fun and education just a few minutes drive from EDEN.

Another early morning can be spent booking a Barra fishing trip. They'll pick you up en route the Mary River or any of the other unbelievable fishing experiences. Just pick your timing well to enjoy the run-off fishing (after the wet season). Having said that, the fishing guides in the NT are so experienced, they just about catch a fish anytime of year. We're just talking about the difference between dozens of fish and several! Even if you're not into fishing, the scenery out on the rivers is impossible to appreciate in any other way. And fishing doesn't get much better than this. Either way you can't miss.

We could go on, but there's no space on their website!

Just seriously consider staying here the 2 of you or your family when you book a few days in the Northern Territory. We think it's a perfect base for so much that we love the place. Enjoy!!