Aussie tourists warned after swimmers spotted in 'crazy' act at popular spot
For years, people have been flocking to the Mangrove Boardwalk near Darwin to enjoy the lush scenery and hopefully catch sight of a native animal or two. However, persistent rainfall has left the area flooded, with water now "the same level as the railing", a recent visitor told Yahoo News.
This has enticed some to pull out their snorkel gear and even blow up inflatables to swim in the area, despite it being a well-known habitat for crocodiles and the world's most venomous jellyfish.
Online, locals called the swimmers out for being "crazy" and said Darwin "is pretty much crocodile city".
"Please just keep in mind that you are putting yourself in a lot of danger by being anywhere near potentially croc infested water, let alone swimming on a flooded bridge," one said.
Yahoo News reached out to visitors who had recently taken the plunge, however both declined to comment.
Northern Territory's Department of Tourism and Hospitality (DTH) told Yahoo News all visitors are urged to be croc-wise, with only designated swimming areas safe for swimmers in the state.
"Any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles. How you behave around crocodile habitats is your responsibility," a DTH spokesperson told Yahoo, confirming that approximately 300 crocodiles are removed from the area every year for public safety.
"People are reminded to only swim in designated swimming areas," the spokesperson said. The City of Darwin council echoed a similar sentiment, urging people to stay out of the water.
😲 Warning as massive Aussie predator spotted near popular children's playground
🧐 Tracks on Aussie beach lead to 4WD couple's 'spooky' discovery
🙂↔️ Alarming scene at popular Aussie tourist spot sparks warning
Box jellyfish, which can kill swimmers within minutes if badly stung, are known to reside in the area too. There have been 14 confirmed box jellyfish deaths since 1975, according to the state government, and are prevalent between October and June. Snakes were also recently spotted in the water near the Mangroves Boardwalk.
While the boardwalk is currently closed due to maintenance, it isn't fenced off by authorities. Visitors are warned to simply steer clear.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Hidden gem: Angola opens up to tourists in a pivot from oil
When Feliesiano Muteca started surfing a decade ago, he had the waves at Cabo Ledo on Angola's long Atlantic coastline pretty much to himself. Now, the unspoilt and sandy beach about 125 kilometres (75 miles) south of the capital Luanda has become a prized destination for international surfers, with a reputation as a hidden gem. The Portuguese-speaking southern African nation is still scarred by a long post-independence civil war that stalled its development, although parts of Luanda flash with oil money. Wary of its dependence on oil and already burned by the market's volatility, Angola is embarking on a drive to lure back foreign tourists by easing access for travellers and boosting its attractions. These include Cabo Ledo, where Muteca is a qualified surfing instructor with the sport's accredited body. "There are two of us, and we give surf lessons," said Muteca, who started out when he was about 10 years old by borrowing boards from other surfers. "Otherwise, we're there to help out on the beach," he said, pointing to thatched cabanas being assembled on the sand. Further along, a small lodge has set up a beachside bar and cafe, with cabins on the hillside overlooking the Atlantic. It is filled with a group of Germans enjoying the shade between waves. The same company, Carpe Diem, has a larger resort just up the coast. Nearby tourist sites like the dramatic seaside Miradouro da Lua cliffs once had little more than a dusty road to a lookout point. Now there's a smoothie hut and a cocktail bar, with a branded wooden frame showing the best angles for photos and selfies. - Cruises and cuisine - After five decades of war that ended in 2002, the vast country had a Stalinist government suspicious of the outside world. Oil fuelled a post-war boom but an oil crash sent the kwanza currency tumbling. In 2014, it traded at around 100 to the US dollar. It is now trading around 900 to one dollar. The oil boom days sent tourism to a high of nearly $1.6 billion in 2014, with the yacht crowd filling Luanda Bay and splashing huge sums on lavish beach parties. That plunged to just $14.8 million last year, according to the National Bank. It led the government to adopt a new tourism strategy. Since last year, dozens of countries have visa-free entry. An airport where soldiers once patrolled with AK-47s is now staffed with smiling young travel ambassadors wearing denim overalls with bibs that read: "Can I help you?". The yacht club remains busy but Luanda has also become a stop for cruise liners. Local tour companies are opening to guide visitors through the less developed interior. And high-end international companies are adding Angola to their itineraries. Luanda-born writer Claudio Silva in June co-hosted a week-long journey for foodies, travelling with a top Angolan chef to visit new wineries and explore pre-colonial cuisine and heritage farming. "Deep-dive gastronomic tours like the one we're doing with Roads and Kingdoms are an opportunity for us to tell our own stories, through food and culture, in urban and rural settings, where our journey is guided by the experiences of the people who live here," he said. South African luxury train operator Rovos Rail has also added the Angolan port city of Lobito to its routes, creating overland treks that can run across the continent from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic. Those journeys pass through inland areas largely unseen by outsiders for decades. That means accommodation can be basic or require camping. The once-rich wildlife population was decimated by the years of war but government-sponsored repopulation efforts are under way, said Pedro Monterroso of African Parks, a non-profit conservation group. Local rangers and communities are also being trained to become involved in the safari sector, said Monterroso, whose organisation has been hired by Angola to run Iona National Park along the Namibian border in the ancient Namib desert. "The vision is they want to be Namibia or Botswana in 10 or 15 years," Monterroso said, referring to Angola's neighbours that draw tens of thousands of foreign tourists every year to their unspoiled natural riches. gs/br/kjm
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
I've been to more than 35 all-inclusive resorts. Here are 10 mistakes I always see first-timers make.
I've stayed at all-inclusive resorts around the globe and seen first-timers make the same mistakes. Check out water-sport rentals and amenities at sister properties — and pack an insulated travel mug. Don't go overboard with frozen drinks or fill your plate during the first pass at a buffet. Vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is very appealing for many travelers — and with good reason. Being able to budget before you arrive and not having to worry about toting around cash or credit cards can alleviate a lot of travel headaches. As a travel writer, I've been to dozens of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, the Maldives, and more. During my stays, I see guests overlook many details that could make their sojourns more enjoyable. Whether you're planning your first trip to an all-inclusive resort or this is already your preferred style of vacation, here are 10 mistakes to avoid. Not every all-inclusive resort is designed equally. Some have gorgeous pools and underwhelming beaches, or vice-versa. Some cater to families with dedicated kids' and teens' clubs and activities, but others prohibit guests under 18. I've stayed at resorts that run the gamut. The point is that having everything included in and of itself isn't necessarily enough of an appeal. Think about what you're looking for in a vacation, do your research, and look beyond the slick marketing and touched-up, wide-angle photos on the resort's website. The term "all-inclusive" doesn't mean what it used to. These days, some resorts offer upgraded rooms and suites in certain areas of the property, with perks that may include butler service and dedicated lounges, restaurants, pools, or beach areas for these VIP guests. Although spending more for these amenities isn't for everyone, they can bring a sense of luxury and civility to your vacation, especially if you're staying at a crowded resort where guests are forced to set out towels before breakfast to claim lounge chairs. You may have access to a slew of restaurants at your resort, but that doesn't mean you can roll up to the host stand and automatically get a table, especially at peak dinner times. Remember, everyone wants 7:30 p.m. To avoid disappointment, book tables for the popular spots right after you check in or before you arrive, if that's an option. Keep in mind that depending on how many nights you're staying, you may be entitled to only a limited number of reservations for the à-la-carte concepts, so choose wisely. My advice is to prioritize places that serve local cuisine. After all, you can get steak or pasta just about anywhere. All-inclusive resorts are often known for over-the-top buffets any time of day, with omelet and freshly-pressed-juice stations at breakfast and salad bars, local specialties, carving stations, and all the desserts at lunch and dinner. Grabbing a plate and reaching for the serving spoons before giving the area a look-see is a rookie move that can also lead to overeating and wasting food. Before tackling a buffet, take a walk around, as options can change not only from meal to meal but daily as well. And make it a point to take a spoonful of something you've never tried. I used to roll my eyes at resort guests who'd tote their travel mugs up to the bar to be filled with their beverage of choice. I thought they were being overly indulgent and exploiting the concept of "all-inclusive" — but now I think they're on to something. For one thing, insulated tumblers keep drinks colder for much longer and reduce the number of trips to the bar. Beyond that, they're more environmentally friendly than all those single-use plastic cups. If you're bringing your Stanley and asking the bartender to fill it, though, tip them for going above and beyond. Speaking of tipping, I'm aware that some all-inclusive resorts invite guests to "leave their wallets at home." But unless the property you're staying at has a strict policy against it, small tips can go a long way. Tipping the bartender at a crowded swim-up or lobby bar when you first order, for example, can result in quicker service for your second and third rounds. If you have a fabulous server at dinner, it's a nice gesture to leave them some cash on the table. And don't forget about the housekeeping staff, who keep your room free of sand and endlessly replenish your towels. Not all drinks at all-inclusive resorts are created equally. I often suggest a stop at the lobby bar, which tends to stock top-shelf liqueur. Upgrade your piña colada by requesting it with dark or aged rum instead of white, which gives it much more flavor. If you see Aperol or Campari on the back bar, you can be sure to get a decent spritz. Craft your own low-ABV libation by asking for sauvignon blanc or rosé mixed with club soda and a dash of simple syrup, garnished with a lemon wedge. Definitely try the local beer or wine if it's available. A piña colada is decidedly delicious — I like to have one mid-morning, which I half-jokingly refer to as a "breakfast smoothie." But if you keep hitting the swim-up bar to order blended concoctions, you're probably going to end up drinking a zillion calories and getting a stomachache or killer hangover to boot. If you're on a quest to keep the buzz going, maybe switch things up a bit with a spirit mixed with soda water or a wine spritzer. Don't forget to hydrate with actual water to counter the effects of all that heat and sunshine. Some resorts are part of sprawling complexes with several adjacent properties owned and operated by the same parent company. If your stay includes reciprocity (such as a "stay at one, play at three" policy), you'll get access to other facilities, including additional pools, fitness centers, beach areas, and restaurants. Making use of them is a great way to avoid boredom and make it seem as if your vacation includes stays at multiple hotels. Although Jet Ski, hoverboard, and parasailing rentals can be pricey, your all-inclusive may allow you to borrow simpler equipment such as stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, floats, and even Hobie-Cats at no extra cost. Still, I often see them lined up on the beach all day, barely being used. Consider signing the waiver, donning a life jacket, and just trying them. If you're staying at a place where these water sports are popular, add your name to the wait list first thing in the morning. Read the original article on Business Insider
Skift
3 hours ago
- Skift
Fairmont Enters Japan Market With Tokyo Property
STR reported China hotel data for the week ended June 28th. Hotel RevPAR in China was down 2.8% year-over-year. Last week's RevPAR numbers were up against what should have been an easy comp of down 9.4% in the year-ago week. Last week's occupancy was down 2.8% while ADR fell 0.4% y/y. Thailand's foreign tourism arrivals declined by nearly 4.6% in the first six months of 2025. The Tourism and Sports Ministry said foreign visitors totaled 16.61 million from January 1 to June 29, down 4.56% year-on-year. China dropped from the top spot due to the big decline from that source, now in second place behind Malaysia, with just 2.25 million arrivals in 1H25. The Bank of Thailand cut its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals in 2025 from 37.5 million to 35 million. This compares to nearly 40 million arrivals back in 2019. Chinese visitation is down about 30% from where it was pre-Covid. The South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao, operated by Accor's MGallery Collection, is set to open in August, introducing a new luxury resort experience in Bohol, Philippines. The 188-room resort is located on Panglao Island's beachfront, just five kilometers from Bohol-Panglao International Airport. The property features a spiraled Walk Bridge, a banyan-tree-inspired lobby, and rustic-chic rooms with bamboo, rattan, and coconut wood accents. There are four restaurants and a signature MGallery 'M Moment' experience featuring asin tibuok, a rare artisanal sea salt unique to Bohol. Filinvest Hospitality Corp said it is looking to open 60 refurbished rooms at its five-star Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan in Cebu this year. The two phases of the room renovations should be finished by the end of this year. Filinvest Hospitality is looking to elevate the Crimson brand across all its properties. It manages seven hotels with a total of 1,800 rooms under brands like Crimson and Quest. By year-end, it will open the 256-room Grafik Hotel Collection Baguio and plans to break ground on the 300-room Crimson Clark Hotel in Pampanga this year. Its goal is to open about 2,000 new rooms by 2029. Dusit Hotels and Resorts announced the dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives will soft open this month. This is the group's first all-inclusive lifestyle resort and second Dusit-branded property in the country, complementing the luxury Dusit Thani Maldives. The soft opening will begin on July 27th. The resort is located on a pristine natural island just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Male. The upscale resort features 127 spacious villas across seven distinct categories, ranging from 77 to 306 square meters. Each villa includes indoor-outdoor living spaces, private decks, and most have plunge pools. It's all-inclusive concept offers a la carte dining across five distinctive venues, unlimited premium beverages, daily entertainment, and resort credits for personalized indulgence. The dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives includes the Namm Spa, rooftop bar, full-service conference facility, and more. The resort is scheduled to celebrate its official grand opening in Q4 2025. Fairmont Tokyo celebrated its grand opening on July 1 in Minato Ward, Tokyo. This is Fairmont's first property in Japan, occupying the upper floors of the 43-story Blue Front Shibaura tower in Tokyo's Minato Ward. The property offers 217 rooms and suites, an infinity pool, spa, and gym, and five dining venues. The launch comes amid a sharp uptick in upscale hotel developments across Japan. Next year, Mitsui Fudosan plans to open the Waldorf Astoria Tokyo Nihonbashi, and there are many similar projects underway across the country. Japan's luxury hotel market size reached US$7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $10 billion by 2033, according to IMARC Group. Enford Hotel in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, will officially open the largest outdoor infinity pool in the central region on July 18th. SOLEADO is an open infinity pool that is located on the fifth floor of the hotel and includes six private cabanas, food and beverage options, and more. Oswal Group's realty firm, Vardhman Amrante Pvt. Ltd., will invest Rs 260 crore to build a hotel in Ludhiana, Punjab in India. Marriott International will manage the 200-key hospitality project under the Westin Hotels & Resorts brand. The 5-star hotel will be the largest hotel property in the city, part of a seven-acre commercial project with a total development potential area of 17 lakh square feet. Construction will start next year with an opening in the last quarter of 2030. Indian Hotel Company Ltd. announced the disinvestment/sale of its 100% shareholding in Leanluxe Hospitality by its Roots Corporation. The sale is to sugar daddy Tata Sons. Indian Hotels also announced the signing of a Ginger hotel in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The greenfield project is being developed by JK Urbanscapes Developers Limited. The 100-key Ginger Kanpur will be located near Kamala Cricket Club and will feature Ginger's signature Qmin as well as a bar, meeting room, and fitness center. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 34 hotels in Uttar Pradesh, including 21 under development. Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of D Square Statue of Unity Kevadia, a member of Radisson Individuals. The hotel is strategically located in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, in close proximity to Ekta Nagar Railway Station. IHG Hotels & Resorts signed an agreement with Thanishq Hospitality to develop a 200-key hotel, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Electronic City, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2029. IHG currently has 48 hotels operating across six brands in India, and a strong pipeline of 63 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.
