Katherine River Wildlife ‘n’ Nature Tour, NT, Australia - 3 Days

We are a LOCALLY BASED, highly accredited and award winning company, proud to have lived and operated in the region for 25+ years. We have a high standard of guiding and often train and support other operators. We are a very personable operation which really focuses on our GUESTS experience in fine detail. We cater to those who wish to really experience the Top End, to get out there and get up close to nature. We are a local Katherine Tour Operator guiding the Famous Jatbula Trail in Nitmiluk National Park and offering some really wild walks – The Dreaming Place Trail from the Manyallaluk Aboriginal Community to Nitmiluk Gorge, and a new walk from Koolpin Gorge to Twin Falls in Kakadu National Park.

We use a range of ‘Scupper Pro’ sit-on-top kayaks or 2 person canoes, (mainly for adult/child or couple pairing). The sit on tops are self draining, comfortable and very stable. The canoes are 4.5m open style polypropelene suited for touring. Many of our guests have never paddled before. Our fully qualified and accredited guides ensure that this is not a problem.

Your Safety and Enjoyment are our upmost priority. It is indeed a safe trip (we have been running it for 25 years). We are extremely experienced and the conditions are actually quite friendly. All safety equipment is provided and a 'hands-on' approach whilst on the river and camping is used. Crocodiles Do Inhabit River Systems in the Katherine Region The Katherine/Flora/Daly System does not have a large concentration of these animals, however, we operate on the premise that an animal is present and safety procedures reflect that, (eg swimming, camping and paddling rules). Freshwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) are the predominant species in most of our Katherine Region rivers. The Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) also inhabits the waterways of the Katherine Region, however the numbers are distinctly less. The Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory have a Crocodile Management Plan that is utilised in the Katherine River, this allows crocodiles to be located, trapped and removed to a local Crocodile Farm for research and breeding. Parks & Wildlife use helicopter spotting and night spotlighting from boats to keep track of what is in the rivers. We have also volunteered our eyes and ears to help the process. As we are regularly utilising the river, we keep track of movements and sightings of crocodiles, passing this information onto Parks & Wildlife to help with their research and records. A healthy tropical savannah river system isn’t complete without the presence of crocodiles. If we are very quiet and lucky, we may see one as they are shy animals and hide as soon as they are alerted to our presence. Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) The Freshwater Crocodile is the most common in the Katherine Region. It ranges in size from 30cm to 3m. Most commonly seen crocodiles are between 50cm and 1.5m, generally sitting very still in the water or on a log over the water. The Freshwater Crocodile is a shy animal. Food for these animals consists mainly of small fish and insects which are easily swallowed, when the opportunity arises bats, birds and small reptiles are also eaten. 6 Day Tours For those guests participating on our longer tours; Be Aware that we will be passing through areas which will almost certainly be inhabited by larger Estuarine (Saltwater Crocodiles – Crocodylus Porosus).

No, not at all. We pride ourselves in taking even beginners on the river, after all, why should the experience only be for experienced paddlers? We like the opportunity to 'go a little extra' and make things a little bit more special in a special area. A bit of comfort (although basic) helps you to settle in and appreciate the environment around you, allowing you to fully 'connect' and experience all there is to experience.

The river (during the paddling season) is quite clear and gentle. A 'drop pool' river provides long pools of tranquil water and is broken up by a channel or low grade shallow rapid (easy to stand-in) every hour to make things a little more active and fun. We can help you down these sections quite easily. The temperature during the day is about 30°C and low humidity. In the evening the temperature can get to below 10°C. It rarely rains during our 'Dry Season' however, early or late season could provide some.