october 2009

tales from the territory…

06

kakadu’s six seasons

profile andbush business

+ fun croc facts+ diary deals

top 5 kakadu GREEN Season

activities

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1 Scenic Flights of Waterfalls

Stuck for Christmas present ideas? Then a helicopter flight over some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Australia is a perfect solution. See Jim Jim and Twin Falls in full flow, the incredible rock formations of the Arnhem Land escarpment and witness the wetland beaut�� of witness the wetland beaut�� of Kakadu.

Light planes and helicopters depart from Cooinda, Jabiru and Darwin airports.

When: December - Februar��

How: Kakadu Air offers fixed wing and helicopter flights over Kakadu, prices start at $130 for half an hour per person on fixed wing and $195 for a 20 minute heliflight.

www.kakaduair.com.au

2. Cruising

An ideal wa�� to explore the flooding wetlands and inland rivers of Kakadu is on board a boat cruise. The Yellow Water Billabong and Gulu��ambi cruises showcase this natural wonderland at it’s best. The explosion of wildlife and plantlife after the life-giving rains provide visitors with rare opportunit�� to see the Park in full swing. From pink lotus lilies to the steel�� gaze of a (estuarine) saltwater crocodile this is a world-class nature experience.

When: Available throughout the wet season

How: Prices from the Yellow Water and Gulu��ambi Cruises start at $55 per person.

www.kakadutours.com.au www.��ellowwatercruises.com 3. Catch a Barramundi

Australia’s greatest sports fish is teeming in the waters of Kakadu. Guides at Cooinda and Jabiru can help ��ou hook up and lure a wild ‘barra’. As the post-monsoon sets in and the waters drain off the floodplains and into the river s��stems this run-off is the prime time to experience the thrill of the chase. But don’t forget the other species like salmon, cod and saratoga.

When: Februar�� - March

How: Yellow Water Fishing Safaris offers half da�� safaris with prices starting at $180 per person or full da�� safaris from $320.

www.gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au Phone: 08 8979 0145Mob: 0427 790 004

4. Walks & Art Sites

As waterfalls flow and rivers rise the Yurmikmik wet seasonYurmikmik wet season wet season walks of southern Kakadu are a trekkers delight. Amble along the interconnected tracks and explore the bushland in full bloom.

Kakadu’s ancient rock art galleries are world renowned. There are three main art sites to explore: Nourlangie Rock, Ubirr and Nanguluwur, however

The wet season in the Top End is an incredibly special experience. Whether you plan to visit during the early monsoon downpours or the post monsoon run-off there are plenty of activities on offer and bargains to be had. From barra fishing to birdwatching it’s time to get intimate with the Territory.

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TOP 5 Kakadu GREEN Season activities?

Photo: Jim Jim Falls, wet season

Photo: Jacana

Photo: Fishing, Yellow Water

Photo: Sunset, Yellow Water Billabong Photo: Nourlangie Rock

accessibilit�� ma�� var�� throughout the wet. You can experience these independentl�� or on a guided tour.

When: Available throughout theAvailable throughout the wet season

How: Ranger guided walks commence Ma�� 2010. Visit the Kakadu Parks website: www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/index.html

5. Birdwatching

Kakadu is home to a third of Australia’s bird life, and man�� species are endemic to the Park, like the chestnut-quilled rock-pigeon, the white-throated grasswren and the white-lined hone��-eater. The wetlands come alive during the monsoon months and are a hive of activit��, making for a birdwatcher’s paradise.

When: Available throughout theAvailable throughout the wet season

How: The southern hills and ridges of the South Alligator region are particularl�� enjo��able in the wet, visitors can venture out on walks and watch the contrast of the cool creeks and the monsoon forests.

www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/index.html

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Each year Kakadu undergoes spectacular transformations as the turbulent weather of Northern Australia takes hold.

The Bininj/Mungguy (local Aboriginal people) recognise six seasons in the Kakadu region and for thousands of years have lived their lives guided by these forces of nature.

Did you know Kakadu has six seasons

Gunumeleng

Mid-October to late December

Thick humidit�� builds afternoon thunderstorms and scattered showers which splash the land with green

Wurrgeng

Mid-June to mid-August

Flocks of birds crowd billabongs as the weather becomes dr�� and cool

Banggerreng

April

Clear skies are interrupted b�� wind�� storms. Life is ever��where from fruiting plants to animals bus�� with their ��oung

Gurrung

Mid-August to mid-October

Hot and dr�� conditions with mounting thunderclouds

Yegge

Ma�� to mid-June

Cool conditions and low humidit�� shroud the land in morning mists and cover billabongs with waterlilies

Gudjewg

Januar�� to March

Thunderstorms, heav�� rain & fl ooding generate an explosion of plant and animal life

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Profile

Photo: Dwane Baker from the Djabulukga Association Kakadu

Dwane Baker arrived in Kakadu 13 ��ears ago, purel�� b�� chance, and has no intention of leaving the place that has become his home.

Living in Macka��, Queensland, at the time, Baker felt the need for change, so he called a catering compan�� that he had worked for previousl�� and asked if the�� had an�� openings. The�� sent him to Kakadu, the town located within the boundaries of the famous Park.

Now he is the operations manager for the Djabulukga Association which operates 10 businesses within Kakadu, including Gulu��ambi Cultural Cruises, Magela Tours, Lake View Caravan Park, the Border Store, the café at Bowali Visitors Centre and the Marrawuddi Galler��.

“I just love it, I feel a part of it,” Baker sa��s of his life in Kakadu.

“Being married into the Aboriginal mob here ��ou get a different perspective too, ��ou reall�� get that connection to countr��.”

Baker loves nothing more than spending his weekends exploring the countr��side with his kids and sa��s he spends most of his time promoting the Park’s attractions to visitors.

“Whenever I run into people I spend ages telling them where the�� should go and what the�� can’t miss, I love it so much ��ou can’t stop me talking about it,” he sa��s.

Naturall��, he has his favourite spots in the park, one in the north and one in the south. Ubirr, located at the northern end of the park and famous for its role in Crocodile Dundee, is home to some of the most impressive rock art galleries in Kakadu. And in the south, Gunlom Falls

provides spectacular views across the escarpment.

“Ubirr Rock is one of the most relaxing places ��ou could ever go and Gunlom is incredibl�� gorgeous,” he sa��s.

“The views are just brilliant and ��ou can reall�� just forget the rest of the world in those places.”

www.kakadutours.com.au

World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park has been providing home and shelter for more than 50,000 years and it continues to attract newcomers with its spell-binding landscapes, incredible wildlife, and cultural heritage.

Kakadu Tours GREEN season Ubirr Combo TourCapitalising on the lush green landscapes of the wet, and increased access to the Top End’s creek s��stems, Kakadu Tours offers a m��stical wet season tour.

Cruise through mist�� paperbark forests on cr��stal clear waters that are alive with activit��. Glide past lil�� pads, tall wet season grasses and through billabongs lined with pandanus and fresh water mangroves.

Follow the floodplains of the Magela Creek all the wa�� to Ubirr, a significant rock art site that also boasts one of the most amazing views in Kakadu.

For more information visit www.kakadutours.com.au

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Bush business

InterContinental Hotels Group has rolled out an indigenous emplo��ment program (IEP) at both its Kakadu properties, the Gagudju Crocodile Holida�� Inn and Gagudju Lodge Cooinda, providing traineeships in front office, housekeeping, food and beverage and tours and retail.

The traineeships run for 12 months and include on the job training, external accredited training, a structured mentoring program and cross-cultural training for both existing staff and the trainees.

David Bowen, hotel manager for Gagudju Crocodile Holida�� Inn, said the local communit�� had been activel�� engaged in the instigation of the program and had been invaluable in getting the word out about the opportunities available, finding suitable candidates, preparing resumes and coordinating interview times.

“The program focuses on training and developing indigenous emplo��ees so the�� can attain the skills needed to gain emplo��ment within IHG, with the aim that the�� will be our future leaders,” he said.

Bowen said both tourism and local culture were entwined in Kakadu National Park and the IEP was a bridge between the two.

Seven trainees, all with ties to the local Kakadu clans, started work at the Kakadu properties in Jul�� and recentl�� completed the class room element of their traineeship with Charles Darwin Universit��. The�� are now moving into the more practical elements of the their program.

As the dr�� season draws to a close, and the waterholes contract to their lowest levels, huge numbers of birds congregate at billabongs, creeks and rivers, providing fabulous opportunities to spot the rare and endemic species of Kakadu, including the white-throated grasswren and the Banded Fruit Dove.

The Bird Week program has been designed to cater for both experienced and beginner birdwatchers.

For the most intrepid, there will be long treks in the sandstone countr�� and for the beginners, there will be smaller, interactive groups helping to identif�� different species.

Organisers of the event are working with Birds Australia to maximise the high standard of birdwatching opportunities and participants will be led b�� guides who have been trained and/or endorsed b�� Birds Australia’s Kakadu Birding Project.

Packages start from $1550 per person twin share and there are places still available.

For more information visit www.travelnt.com

Kakadu bird weekFor the first time Kakadu National Park is holding a week-long event dedicated to its prolific birdlife, from 10-17 October.

Hotel assists Indigenous job seekers

Photo: Jabiru and Magpie Geese - Birds of the Top End

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Crazy croc facts

3-Da�� Kakadu Waterfalls Fl��-over

From $999* per person twin share

Soar over the Adelaide and Mar�� River wetlands before entering Kakadu National Park. After fl��ing over the East and South Alligator Rivers, fl�� over the township of Jabiru, the famous “Rock Escarpment” and the spectacular Jim Jim and Twin Falls. After landing at Cooinda enjo�� the world renowned Yellow Waters wildlife boat cruise and discover Kakadu’s wildlife for a spectacular experience of this majestic World Heritage-Listed National Park.

The package includes a 1 Da�� Kakadu Tour with scenic flights, return flights including in-flight catering, scenic flight of Kakadu National Park, Yellow Water Wildlife boat cruise, lunch at Gagudju Lodge.

Departs Dail��

Phone 13 67 68 for more information

* Conditions Appl��

deals5-Da�� Tropical Taste of the Top End

From $520* per person twin share

Explore the historic sites of Darwin and discover attractions including the Museum & Art Galler��, Fannie Ba�� Gaol, Botanical Gardens, Indo Pacific Marine, Pearling Exhibition and World War II tunnels. Enjo�� the freedom and flexibilit�� of car hire to drive to Crocod��lus Park, home to over 10,000 crocodiles, then venture on to the Batchelor Butterfl�� Farm Tropical Retreat to relax in a well-appointed deluxe cabin and release, relax, revive.

The tour includes 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Darwin, Cit�� Sights Tour, 4 da��s car hire including unlimited kilometres, Crocod��lus Park Entr��, 2 nights accomodation at Batchelor Butterfl�� Farm Tropical Retreat

Departs Dail��

Phone 13 67 68 for more information

* Conditions Appl��

9-Da�� Drive the Top EndFrom $959* per person twin share

Time is precious, so draw a line on the map from Darwin to Kakadu and start ��our engine. A breathtaking two-hour cruise through the Yellow Waters wetlands is a must, and it’s right next to ��our accommodation at Gagudju Lodge Cooinda. Given ��our hire car comes with unlimited kilometres, wh�� not continue driving to Katherine. Glide through towering gorge walls on a Nitnit Dreaming cruise. Strap ��ourself in for a journe�� to Batchelor, which neighbours Litchfield National Park, before returning to the Territor��’s capital.

The package includes 4 nights 4-star accommodation in Darwin, 6 da��s car hire, 1 night 4-star accommodation in Kakadu, 1.5 hour Kakadu Yellow Water Cruise, 1 night 3.5-star accommodation in Katherine , 2 hour Nitnit Dreaming Cruise, 1 night acccommodation at Batchelor , entr�� to Territor�� Wildlife Park, 1 night accommodation at Darwin Airport

Departs Dail��

Phone 13 67 68 for more information

* Conditions Appl��

The word crocodile comes from the Ancient Greek word crocodilos, meaning “lizard”.

Large adults weigh between 400 and 500 kilograms.

Crocodiles are unable to stick out their tongues.

Large estuarine crocodiles can eat any animal within their range including kangaroos, wild boar, dingos, goannas, birds, domestic livestock, water buffalo, sharks and even humans.

Crocodiles do not have sweat glands and release heat through their mouths. The�� often sleep with their mouths open and ma�� even pant like a dog.

The estuarine crocodile is estimated to live around 70 years on average, and there is limited evidence that some may exceed 100 years.

The biggest measured crocodile caught in the NT was a 6.2m saltie that got caught in a fishing net set on the Mar�� River in 1974. The net’s owner killed the croc with an axe and removed its head.

There are estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 estuarine crocodiles in Australia spanning from Broome in WA to Rockhampton in QLD. The Mary River in the NT contains an average of 15 crocodiles per kilometre.

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Photo: Saltwater Crocodile no swimming sign

numbers game0 - The number of fatal crocodile attacks recored in Darwin Harbour.

8.5 - The length of a saltwater crocodile reportedl�� shot in QLD in 1957, however no verified measurements of the croc were made.

17- The land speed record in kph for an Australian freshwater crocodile.

21 - The number of fatal crocodile attacks in Australia since 1985.

50 - The number of kilometres around Darwin the NT Government intends to make a croc-free zone.

5000 - The force of an estuarine crocodiles bite in pounds per square inch.

200 million - the number of ��ears crocodiles are believed to have been in existence.

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diaryNov 13-15

Red Centre Open, Alice Springs

This is the richest tennis tournament in the Northern Territor�� and attracts pla��ers from all over Australia. Invitational, B Grade and Under 14 national points events are all included in the open.

Telephone: 08 8953 2538

Nov 14-19

XXXX Gold Gove Game Classic

This is the major event of the ��ear for the Nhulunbu�� Regional Sports Fishing Club, and sees teams chasing prizes in more than 35 categories.

www.govefishingclub.org.au

Nov 23-26

NT Billfish Championship, Gove

Hosted b�� the Gove Game Fishing Club Inc, this is the Territor��’s premier bluewater event. This tag-and-release competition targets marlin and sail-fish onl��, and is a team event.

Telephone: 08 8987 2012

Dec 6

Carols by Candlelight, Darwin

Bringing together talented performers from different cultures, the carols are held in the beautiful surrounds of the Amphitheatre at the George Brown Botanic Gardens. A fireworks displa�� complements the event.

Tel: 08 8999 3841

Dec 31

New Year’s Eve at the wharf, Darwin

Partake in a quintessential Darwin New Year on Stokes Hill Wharf, with free live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and al fresco dining.

Tel: 08 8981 0631

Photo: Fishing, Darwin Harbour

Photo: Alice Springs Golf Course

Photo: New Years fireworks

Photo: Marrara Sports Complex, Rugby

Jan 23-24

Heineken Hottest 7’s in the World, Darwin

Two da��s of Rugb�� 7’s action, with international, interstate, intrastate and local Darwin teams, the event also includes a women’s competition. This is Australia’s highest pa��ing 7’s event with $65,000 prize mone�� up for grabs.

www.hottest7s.com

Jan 23

Top End Mud Racing, Darwin

Loud, fast, exciting and extremel�� dirt��, this is great viewing for all the famil��. Watch as vehicles from VW Beetles to custom-built, high powered machines compete across a 700-metre course.

www.mudracing.asn.au

Feb 14

Chinese New Year

Celebrate and enjo�� the festivities of the coming of Chinese New Year. The 2010 Chinese New Year falls on Sunda�� Februar�� 14 - the Year of the Tiger. For two weeks the Chinese New Year is celebrated around Darwin with lion dances and blessing ceremonies in the cit��.

www.chungwahnt.asn.au