Kakadu, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Airing Date: Jun 13th, 2005
Kakadu National Park is Australia's largest national park, extending nearly 200 kilometres from north to south, and over 100 kilometres from east to west. It protects samples of all major landforms and habitat types of the Top End of the Northern Territory.
Kakadu has 1600 types of plant life and a third of Australia's native birdlife and the area is believed to be 2 billion years old! The park also protects an entire river system - the South Alligator River. Aboriginal people have lived in Kakadu for about 50,000 years, leaving a wealth of archaeological and art sites that provide insights into Aboriginal culture and the environmental changes witnessed over countless generations.
Jim Jim Falls is one of the highlights of a visit to Kakadu. To reach the falls there is a 4WD-only track and a 900m walk. Jim Jim Falls is a 215m drop and is amazing during the wet season and equally stunning in the dry season with a beautiful plunge pool for swimming.
Not far from Jim Jim Falls is Twin Falls, named because of the two cascades of water that plunge into a pool lined with a white, sandy beach. The falls themselves are only accessible through a magnificent gorge which changes colour with the sun. Enjoy the amazing scenery by taking a 30 minute scenic flight with Kakadi Air Services.
Situated 3 hours from Darwin, Gagudju Lodge Cooinda offers convenient access to Kakadu National Park attractions. Set amongst the heart of the Kakadu National Park, Gagudju Lodge Cooinda offers 48 spacious air-conditioned lodge rooms with convenient access to all amenities and park attractions.
The Mimi Restaurant takes pride in having a predominantly Australian wine list, which features wines from top producers throughout the country, accompanying local delicacies such as kangaroo, barramundi, emu and crocodile served with tangy fruits and aromatic herbs.
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda is the base for the world renowned Yellow Water Cruises, where crocodiles, birds, fresh water mangroves and exotic tropical trees are a regular sighting amongst this extraordinary territory.
The cruise offers passengers pristine wetlands and the opportunity to see wildlife (crocodiles and birds) at close quarters. In their commentary, the guides orientate the passengers; describe the river system and the importance of the wetlands, identifying the flora and fauna explaining their behaviour in connection with the ancient culture of the Gagudju People.
Further Information:
Gagudju Dreaming Experience starts from $188 a double. Subject to availability.
Includes one night accommodation, breakfast and 2 hour Yellow Water Cruise. 50% off for the first 100 callers. Valid September - November.
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda: Ph. 08 8979 0145. reservations@gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au.
www.gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au.
A 30 minute scenic flight with Kakadu Air Services starts from $80 a person. Conditions apply.
20% off for the first 100 seats.
Kakadu Air Services: Ph. 1800 089 113.
kakair@kakair.com.au.
www.kakadutours.com.au.
Northern Territory Commission: Ph. 136 110. info@travelnt.com.
www.travelnt.com.
Prices correct at 13/06/05.
Qantas will get you one way to Darwin from $244 ex Brisbane, $268 ex Sydney, $277 ex Melbourne, $303 ex Adelaide and $320 ex Perth.
Prices available online only & include surcharges, fees and taxes. Conditions apply.
Prices correct 10/5/05.
