Kakadu Big Wet, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Airing Date: Jul 24th, 2006
The Magnificence of the Top End, EnchaNTing, iNTrepid and adveNTure --- this is the catch phrase of the new $1 million push for Kakadu National Park just launched in April
Also this month, an Australian Traveller reader poll voted Kakadu as " the number one place to visit before you die'" - a pretty good reason to come here while you're still kicking! It's also one of only a few World Heritage areas on the planet listed for both natural and cultural values.
According to most, the top end has only two seasons- the wet and the dry. Despite the popular misconceptin that the rain in the wet season is eternally bucketing down, it usually only does so in the afternoon. The average storm only lasts for 25-45 minutes and are a spectacular sight in themeselves! The Big Wet sets up this diverse region for a quintessential Top End experience, and if you drive about 250km east of Darwin, you'll see the best of it in Kakadu National Park.
In the South Alligator Valley, Gunlom Falls is one of the most picturesque places at Kakadu, with spectacular views over the southern region of the park. It boasts a beautiful white sandy beach and a 150 m waterfall - it's a great photo spot, along with a refreshing swim and was featured in the Paul Hogan film "Crocodile Dundee". A steep 1km climb to the top will reward you with stunning vistas over the South Alligator Valley.
Stay amongst the oldest lviing creatures in the world at the Murdudjurl safari Camp on the traditinal lands of the Murumburr clan. The original Patonga Safari Camp first began in 1962, set up by a local tourism operator with the help of Murumurr family members. Family memebers were employed to guide visitors on bufalo hunting, safaris and barramundi fishing expeditions. Today, wildlife is protected within the park, but this way you can still see them from your campsite!!
Murudjurl provide a comprehensive tour of aboriginal culture Mandy Muir, who has lived in Kakadu all her life, along with other clans who form the region, takes visitors through the Murdudjurl Old School Gallery, and invites them to participate in weaving baskets and jewellery. The local women will show how they dye the pandanus grass using roots of certain plants to colour the pandanus grass. Visitors can also observe painting, sample bush tucker such as waterlilies and magpie stew and see demonstrations of didgeridoo playing.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Qantas return to Darwin from:
$539 ex Sydney
$595 ex Melbourne
$607 ex Perth
$607 ex Adelaide
Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 03/7/06.
Qantas - www.qantas.com
3 day 4WD Kakadu Experience - $885 per adult - $708 per child (6-14).
Includes twin-share accommodation in permanent tents, sleeping bags, all meals on tour, Yellow Water cruise & Murdudjurl Cultural Tour. Prices correct at 24/7/06.
Sahara Adventures - Ph: 1800 806 240, Web: www.saharaadventures.com.au
30 minute scenic flight with Kakadu Air Services from $110 a person*. *Conditions apply.
Kakadu Air Services - Ph: 1800 089 113, Ph: (08) 89419611, Email: info@kakadutours.com.au, Web: www.kakadutours.com.au
For more information on The Northern Territory visit: www.travelnt.com
