A portrait of an island continent in six episodes. 5: Land of Flood and Fire Kakadu, in the Northern Territory, and the happy hunting ground of Crocodile Dundee, is Australia at its wettest. Just a short distance from Papua New Guinea, the top end receives the tropical monsoons. The deluge supports lush swamps with myriads of birds, flying foxes and some of the largest crocodiles in the world. There are caves where grotesque bat-eating frogs and snakes lurk, and termites provide nesting places for kingfishers that do not fish. During the dry season, spectacular congregations of ducks and geese occur as the pools dwindle. Here, Australia's own unique wildlife mingles with immigrants from south-east Asia. But over 50,000 years ago, man set foot on Australia's northern shores and, through fire, made a lasting impact on the land.
Narrated by Robyn Williams. Executive producer (BBC) JOHN SPARKS
Series producer JOHN VANDENBELD BBC Bristol (R)
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