Locals know that from September on, the best remains in store.
Most visitors to the Top End come when the land is at its most unattractive. Iconic postcard-perfect waterfalls have dried to a mere dribble, and the wildlife is at its least active.
During the marginally cooler months, coach loads of tourists jostle for prime position; crowding vantage points and walking trails. Ironically, they all have the common goal of venturing off the beaten path and getting back in touch with nature.
But the locals know that from September on, the best remains in store. As the Wet season builds, the Gods play out a nightly drum-roll of thunderstorms that bounce off clouds lying stacked upon the horizon. A deafening chorus of frogs competes, adding to the cacophony of percussion. This is added to by the mournful howl of winds, signaling the imminent arrival of monsoonal rains.
Lightning streaks across the skies; reserving Mother Nature’s finest display for those who linger a little longer. Within minutes, roads are ankle-deep water and the world seems to heave a collective sigh of relief. The madness of the tourist season has come to a close and life is being restored to the land.
The onset of the Wet resurrects Kakadu’s long-dormant waterfalls, which release a torrent that thunders down from above. The flood waters inundate low-lying plains, submerging roads that provide the only means of land-access to the Park.
For a time, the wilds force out the surrounding world and a secret transformation takes place away from prying eyes. It’s a change of guard where the sunburnt land is refreshed anew and bedecked in all of nature’s finery.
The locals have long known that Kakadu’s twin sister Nitmiluk, rivals the former in beauty. Accessible year-round, Nitmiluk’s gorge system is both towering and imposing, in contrast to Kakadu’s low-lying wetlands. Nitmiluk has a dramatic rugged beauty, with escarpments pockmarked with caves and ancient rock art sites that appear wallpapered with red, yellow and white ochre depictions of wildlife and ancestral spirits that appear as fresh today as they day were when first created, some 40,000 years ago and counting.
By September, the majority of tourists have departed and they won’t return again until April. But as the locals will readily tell you, it’s during the Wet Season that the Top End is at its finest..
This is the Top End that the world hears about, but only the privileged get to see. When the hoards are gone and the dollar goes further, this is the place to be.
Nitmiluk Tours have a spectacular wet season package to discover & reconnect:
The “NITMILUK/ KAKADU TWIN PARKS SPECTACULAR”
offers the best of the Top End during the wet; the most ultimate time to experience the extremity of the Top End, waterfalls flowing over the escarpment and the fluorescent green floodplains. ‘The Katherine/Kakadu spectacular’ includes one night’s accommodation at the Nitmiluk Chalets in the tranquil national park, a wet season cruise on the torrent waters of the mighty Katherine Gorge, a sumptuous breakfast overlooking the Katherine River and Kakadu by Air; a breathtaking scenic flight from Katherine to world heritage listed Kakadu with highlights such as Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Katherine Township and Gorge.
Twin Parks Package Itinerary:
Please arrive at the Nitmiluk Visitors Centre approximately 1.00pm to check-in to the Nitmiluk Chalets. This allows guests time to refresh in the resort’s lagoon- style pool, explore some of the shorter nature trails, or relax in the air-conditioned comfort of their accommodations.
At 3.00pm head into Katherine and then to Tindal Airport (approximately 45 minutes drive). Your aircraft awaits departure for a spectacular Scenic Flight into World Heritage-listed Kakadu. The flight departs at 4.00pm and returns approximately 1hour and 45mins later.
We recommend the evening be spent at the Nitmiluk Poolside Café, which serves a range of ice cold drinks, beer on-tap, a variety of wines and delicious selections of meat & seafood grilled to perfection. The wildlife emerges on sunset; with the surrounding lawns crowded with wallaby and small kangaroo.
The following morning an all-inclusive breakfast can be taken on the balcony of the Nitmiluk Information Centre, overlooking the Katherine River. A short stroll leads to the boat jetty where the nature cruises depart for what feels akin to a journey back through time. (Please arrive at 8.45am for a 9.00am departure)
A wet season cruise is a lucky draw of adventure and wonder as you travel down the gorge, sheer red rock faces either side. The itinerary is dependent on Mother Nature and the river levels however you will be guaranteed an awe-inspiring experience whether it is a visit to a secluded waterhole for a swim or a thrilling powerboat ride; the wet season cruise will give you an appreciation for this breathtaking season. Birds and other wildlife are in abundance, making this a photographer’s dream.
