Jumping Crocodiles
 

A “jumping crocodile cruise” is a must for any visitor to the Northern Territory and we are exceptionally proud of our cruise. Our owner-operated 1 hour Jumping Crocodile cruises give you the opportunity to see territorial 'jumping crocs' at very close range. You'll get as close as you'll ever dare in a small group environment that provides memorable photo opportunities.

We have deliberately kept a low impact approach to our cruise site to respect this pristine region of the Adelaide River and the animals that inhabit it.

Our (child friendly) shaded boat only carries a maximum of 30 and operates 4 times a day over the dry season.

Cruise times: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm (Daily from May to November)

Prices: $30 (adult), $16 (child), $80 (family: 2A/2C)

Private charters are also available. Please contact Darwin Fishing Office for prices and availability.

Turtle Tracks
7.5+ hours - April to October inclusive - weather dependent

Enjoy the spectacle of a tropical sunset in an extraordinary remote location on this eco-certified turtle tour.

This odyssey through the Arafura Sea is for those with a spirit of adventure.  Leaving Stokes Hill Wharf at 4pm your cobwebs will be blown away as Darwin Harbour is left in the wake of our purpose built vessel Snubfin. Ride over turquoise waters to the nesting ground for flatback and olive ridley turtles.

Your journey will take you past historic Charles Point Lighthouse into Bynoe Harbour, arriving at a remote beach in time for the sun set.  Explore the island with Team Turtle, learn about the ancient mariners who inhabit these waters, experience day turning to night as you walk the bare sand. 

Back on board your bento meal will delight, and then after twilight fades, Team Turtle will charge the torches for a guided walk to witness the egg laying ritual.    For those who take this adventure late in the season you may have the privilege of witnessing the eruption of baby turtles from their home under the warm sand.  A fast boat ride will get you back to Darwin, with memories that will last a life time.

Nature dictates your experience and return time – the ladies usually come up around sunset, but not guaranteed. Later return if babies are hatching. Note that nesting turtles or hatchlings cannot be guaranteed on any tour.

What to bring: Flat shoes or sandals, camera, warm jacket.

Inclusions: Drinking water, bento meal (choice of local prawns, chicken or vegetarian), complimentary drink, experienced guides. Licensed bar available.  Regrettably, no BYO on this adventure.

Prices: $175 per adult, $150 per child (6 – 13 years)

Private charters are also available. Please contact Darwin Fishing Office for prices and availability.

Mangrove Route

Experience and explore the unique diversity and dimension of Darwin Harbour.  Visitors will experience the sounds and sights of a city harbour abounding with contemporary interest, drenched in history and with an unparalleled tropical marine habitat.

With the warm wind on your face, the smell of salt in the air and water temperatures of 28 degrees under the boat, you can experience...

The Habitat – The privilege of witnessing glimpses of the endemic snubfin dolphins, trying your luck with a mud crab pot, checking the crocodile traps, interacting with the mangrove eco system, discovering the reefs and sandbars with Darwin’s extraordinary 8 metre tide, as well as opportune sighting of birds and mammals.

The History – Visiting an ochre pit, learning about traditional culture, seeing the sonar sights of watery ship and seaplane graves from World War II, and viewing historic landmarks. At the historic Esplanade area the presence of saltwater people, colonials, Chinese, and hippies of the 1970’s have made their mark.

The Intrigue – Experiencing up close and personally the contemporary harbour, with is changing seascape, its pearling, fishing and cargo ports, and the quarantine area for the illegal fishing fleet.

The Mangrove Route might vary slightly depending on tide, weather, and harbour activities.

Capacity: Twenty passengers per tour, pick up from Stokes Hill Wharf

Operation of tour: Year round (weather dependent). 8.30am departure from Stokes Hill returning at 10.30 am.

What to bring: Flat shoes or sandals, camera

Inclusions: Drinking water, Commentary and Guide

Prices: $65 per adult, $50 per child (3-15 years).
Valid from 1/4/09 to 31/3/10

Private charters are also available. Please contact Darwin Fishing Office for prices and availability.

2 Day Gove Peninsula Snapshot

The adventure begins with an 8:30 am pickup from Gove Airport. From the domestic Airport you are taken to your accommodation at the Walkabout Lodge. You are given half an hour to settle in and change for that unforgettable snapshot of Gove. During the next two days, a host of activities combine in a flexible itinerary. Typically, your adventure goes like this:

Day One: Visit the lookout on Nhulun (Mt Saunders) which is a Registered Sacred Site.  The interpretive signage touches on this recent history along with the story of Creation Ancestor Wuyal, known as the Sugarbag Man. From the lookout you can see most of the area that you will be traveling over the next two days.

Next we travel 10 kilometres to the community of Yirrkala where we visit the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and Museum to experience the art, culture and history of the local Yolngu people. Many beautiful local art and craft pieces are available for sale at very reasonable prices. If the opportunity is available we can sit and talk with some of the Yolngu.

Next we visit some white sand beaches and marvel at the rugged pristine coastline with its crystal waters before sitting down to enjoy our packed lunch at one of many the scenic areas available. That afternoon we visit Gove Harbour and we can drop in to the Gove Yacht Club for a drink.

You are then dropped back at your accommodation to relax or have a swim in the pool before dinner at either the Arnhem Club or Walkabout Lodge.

During these two days you will be passing parts of the local bauxite mine and the Alumina processing plant so an overview of the processes involved will be explained as we go.

Day Two: You are picked up from your accommodation at 7am and taken to Gove Yacht club to enjoy a morning’s blue water fishing aboard MV Nomad.

At midday we then go ashore at Bremer Island to have lunch of “Catch of the day” and salad at our Island Retreat.

That afternoon you are free to beach comb, explore or swim at this exclusive paradise. If some of the Yolngu are available it may be possible to catch up and meet them too.

We get you back to Gove Yacht Club by 5pm and then to the Gove Golf Club for sunset drinks and nibbles before leaving for Gove Airport at 7pm.

Prices start from $750 p/p.

Private charters are also available. Please contact Darwin Fishing Office for prices and availability.

4 Day Gove Peninsula Fishing & Sightseeing Experience

The adventure begins with an 8:30 am pickup from Gove Airport. From the domestic Airport you are taken to the light aircraft facility where you board your light aircraft. The trip to Bremer Island in your charter aircraft is a scenic tour of the area.

During the next four days, a host of activities combine in a flexible itinerary. Typically, your adventure goes like this:

Day One: After landing at the Aboriginal community of Gutjangen you will be introduced to the local Yolngu people by your guide before being transferred by boat to the Retreat. Accommodation is airy twin-share tents with freshly made-up beds. A shower and flush toilet are nearby. Light lunch is served in the dining room facility before your first opportunity to catch that big one aboard MV Nomad. On returning to our camp later that afternoon, there will be an opportunity to explore the area and wander the eastern beach which is a great collector of flotsam from as far a field as New Guinea and Indonesia.

In the late afternoon enjoy a sunset drink and nibbles, overlooking our cove watching the sunset’s blaze of golden orange. We then enjoy a home baked dinner and followed by friendly conversation by the fire.

Day Two: Start the day with a hearty breakfast, we then head out for a mornings fishing aboard MV Nomad to supply the fresh fish for dinner that night. Back to the camp for lunch, then followed by a lazy afternoon swim, beachcombing, exploring or just a game of beach cricket. It is not unusual for the local people to visit as they pass the camp when out hunting and collecting turtle eggs, oysters and fish. The local Aboriginal people are welcoming to our guests and if requested a guided tour of hunting and gathering and country can be organized. Again in the late afternoon enjoy another sunset drink and nibbles. We then enjoy a fresh fish dinner and starlit skies. At night there is the possibility of seeing turtles coming ashore and laying their eggs.

Day Three: We start the day with a hearty breakfast, we then head out for another mornings Darwin fishing aboard MV Nomad. Back to the camp for lunch, at 1.30pm we then depart on a 40 minute boat trip back to Gove Harbour. The opportunity to have a drink at the Gove Yacht Club before being dropped at your accommodation the Walkabout Lodge. Your choice of the Arnhem Club or the Walkabout Lodge for dinner.

Day Four: You are picked up at 9.30am from your accommodation. Firstly visit the lookout on Nhulun (Mt Saunders) which is a Registered Sacred Site.  The interpretive signage touches on this recent history along with the story of Creation Ancestor Wuyal, known as the Sugarbag Man. From the lookout you can see most of the area that you have been traveling over the past three days. 

Next we travel 10 kilometres to the community of Yirrkala where we visit the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and Museum to experience the art, culture and history of the local Yolngu people. Many beautiful local art and craft pieces are available for sale at very reasonable prices. If the opportunity is available we can sit and talk with some of the local Yolngu people.

Next we visit some white sand beaches and marvel at the rugged pristine coastline with its crystal waters. We now sit and enjoy our packed lunch at one of many the scenic areas available.

Later that afternoon we then go to the Gove Golf Club for sunset drinks and nibbles before leaving for Gove Airport at 7pm.

During this time you will be passing parts of the local bauxite mine and the Alumina processing plant so an overview of the processes involved will be explained as we go.

Tour Package Includes:

• Light aircraft charter flight
• All transfers
• Entry permits issued by Dhimurru Land Corporation and Northern Land Council
• All meals and light refreshments while at Retreat (meals in town not included) (alcohol not included)
• Twin/double share accommodation
• Fully guided Darwin fishing with professional guide from 8.5m fully surveyed boat
• All Darwin fishing tackle on a replace if lost or damaged basis (your welcome to bring your own favourite outfit)
• GXL Land cruiser 4WD with professional driver guide

Prices from 1,800.00 p/p

Private charters are also available. Please contact Darwin Fishing Office for prices and availability.

One Day Adelaide River Wildlife, Leisure & Fishing Tour
This unique small group tour (max 10) combines many aspects of the Northern Territory that can be enjoyed in one leisurely day away from the crowds. Spend yor day at the far reaches of the Adelaide River spotting crocodiles, wild buffalo, jabiru, white breasted sea eagles, brolgas, adn an abundance of other wild and bird life that inhabit the ever changing landscape of this tidal river system.

Try your hand at catching that elusive barra, learn the history of the region, or just relax and enjoy the spectacular photo opportunities that will come your way.

With a maximum of 10 people on one of our 6 metre shaded boats, you'll be comfortable and close to all the wildlife action.

We provide..

• transfers
• morning and afternoon tea
• BBQ lunch at our secluded riverside site
• drinking water
• all fishing tackle

You bring..

• hat
• sunscreen
• insect repellent
• camera with lots of megapixels

Prices: $140 adult, $100 child (Including transfers to and from Darwin or suburbs) / $120 adult, $80 child (self drive to Howard Springs)

Private charters and family concessions are also available. Please contact Darwin Fishing Office for prices and availability.