How can I visit Heart Island on the Great Barrier Reef? for information our company has no affliation some of these Suggested duration 1-2 hours and tour specialist including camping and accommodated one Seasons - Wurrgeng - Cold Weather Season, Kakadu Seasons - Gurrung - Hot Dry Weather - Gurrung, from mid-August Saw one croc, which swam against the incoming tide and got close to the fishermen. A comparison between the wet and dry season tidal crossing on the East Alligator River, known as Cahill's Crossing. Road access Thinking of travelling to the Top End overland? Come at high tide (check the www for times) bring a camera and enjoy the spectacle of dozens of salties churning up the water and chowing down on barra. Camping Area (check wet season access), Borderstore in Darwin, Northern Terriotry Australia (Tel +61 (0) 8 7999 at some times of the year. We then clamber up the lookout to catch sweeping views of the emerald flood plains and escarpments. The south, east and Mary rivers are home to the densest population of salties in the Northern Territory, you only have to you tube Cahills Crossing to get an understanding of what we are dealing with. It usually closes in November or December and reopens around mid-April to early May. It covers about 4,500 sq. Highlights include crocodile-spotting amid the paperbark trees on the Yellow Water cruise near Cooinda and birdwatching at the Mamukala Wetlands. Usually accessible between April and October, depending on rainfall. Extra adult passengers - $11.00. Little wonder the crocs are assembling. Cahills Crossing is at the end of the Arnhem Highway at the eastern end of Kakadu National Park. I hear you say. Well there's one easy answer, it's calledWilly Weather, this site is extremely helpful and tells you the approximate tide times at the crossing - which you can check months ahead. Transit Fee $12.10). Reports Currency Some even bring their children.Crocodiles frequently congregate at the river crossing, to feast on swarms of fish that head upstream with changing tides. The crossing may be 50km from the sea, but water levels are very tidal. in April, is the season when the rain clouds have dispersed Kakadu. Cahills Crossing is generally closed during the wet season (Dec-May) due to monsoonal rainfall raising the water levels to heights far too high for crossing. You'll receive our latest news, promotions, as well as helpful articles about traveling Australia. Important: After two days exploring Kakadu, enjoying nature walks through ancient landscapes in the winter sunshine, we ended up here at the murky, croc-infested waters. Did it just move? Air and sea access Merl Links Site Explore different ways to experience this place. Officer Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary and Marine Park Board Its a seasonal phenomenon that occurs in the later part of the dry season, during wurrkeng and kurrung, when floodplains and other nearby waterways dry out and the freshwater flow from the headwaters of the East Alligator River decreases. Children Crossing the East Alligator River from Kakadu National Park into Arnhem Land is an experience few forget in a hurry. The best time of the day to visit is at high tides, where you can see the most action among the crocodiles. Kakadu National Park reminds visitors to Be Crocwise at all times. . A crocodile once decapitated a man there in front of his friends.Each year, dozens of drivers attempt to make it across the submerged crossing but instead end up being washed away into the croc infested waters. ), then a sunrise cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong is sure to show you an abundance of these beasts in their element! depending on the rains. No. Wait another hour; youll see dozens of the mongrels, an elderly chap, fishing rod in hand, startles me by emerging from behind a bush. Cobourg Peninsula is Australian Travel Agent based in Northern Territory Australia. by Jacqui Lang | Apr 17, 2020 | Destinations: NT. Its fascinating to watch them stay motionless then leap half out of the water to pounce on fleshy fish. Climbing to the top is one of the best things to do in the Northern Territory. To see them in full force, you must get closer to the Crossing. If you don't wish a instant quote and wish a manual customised Name You should add all times to Darwin Harbour predictions. So to recap - to cross Cahills Crossing safely you'll 1) - want a high clearance 4wd with snorkel. Water levels, water flow and crocodiles all make Cahills Crossing phenomenally dangerous. As a tour operator on theCobourg Peninsula it's a water crossing we do many times each week and have done so for the past 15 years. Suggested duration 1-2 hours A fee of $232.10 applies per vehicle (Camping Fee $220 plus Not only does this wonderful tour get you up and close (but not too close) to Kakadus apex predator, but it also allows you the opportunity to see some of the national parks other unique wildlife and vegetation in the glorious morning light. Route Kakadu National Park is 151 kilometres south-east of Darwin. Crossing and gives visitors a great vantage point to safely watch up to 40 crocodiles feeding during the Spring high-tides. dunes and associated coastal grasslands, mangroves, rainforest for up to 7 nights. the only National Park in the Northern Territory which contains The viewing platform is currently being upgraded which is great however I feel that as it is a major tourist attraction for the area an alternative site to view the crossing is required. which is in 7hr 17min 40s from now. Some tides may prevent Tide Height. as it was the first park in the world to be declared under such as Gibb River Road. By about 2pm the road is completely immersed in water, and even the fishing ensemble have retreated a couple of metres. (Online you can find striking photos of cars and caravans that have ended up in the river. There is no golden rule for safe crossing times at Cahills, it may be safe to cross 6 hours either side of the low tide during some parts of the dry season and in the wet the crossing might even be totally closed. Large tides push muddy water and plenty of mullet upstream and over the causeway, providing the best setting for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. Below are the monthly tidal predictions in graph format. Five other tourists are there with cameras, even though high tide isnt for another 45 minutes or so. They act as a reminder of what happens when you attempt to cross with the water too high. I need to cross in June to see a relative at Oenpelli/ Gumbulumba. We keep your details safe and secure. It is named after the legendary buffalo hunter Paddy Cahill (1863-1923) who was one of the first European pioneers of the region. fees (adults only) are collected on site. (East Alligator), Cahill patches, swamps, lagoons, coral reefs, sea grass meadows and Visiting Cahills Crossing is not for the faint of heart. But Australia's Kakadu sees seasons of varied extremes -- area before you start any walk and also the rangers station It is referred to as floating fish behaviour and up to 40 crocodiles can be spotted together at the same time, a spectacle that attracts big crowds.The area has become so well known, there are even viewing platforms to watch the crocodile feeding spectacle.The crossing is popular with tourists and fishermen despite warning signs that point out an extreme risk of saltwater crocodile attacks.Yet some people continue to risk and sometimes lose their lives. This is where the Arnhem Highway crosses the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land. The Border Store sells food, fishing gear and souvenirs. Please note some of these links are supplied only as a link contained in this blog are offered for general educational and information Once over the other side of Cahills Crossing, youre in the Arnhem Land and on the Oenpilli Road. here email us your enquiry if your not sure, Kakadu (ABC Radio Darwin: Jesse Thompson) Access is via an unsealed road (4WD only) through Arnhem Land. Went there twice to see crocs in the wild. Standing on a sandy riverbank, gazing out at the muddy stretch of the East Alligator River called Cahills Crossing, I spot a floating shape. Kakadu The roads are usually open in the dry season (May - September), Read below for daily, hourly and monthly tidal predictions. Take your time and just wait and watch. + country code Cahills Crossing is located in the Northern Territory on the East Alligator River approximately a 3.5 hour drive east of Darwin in Kakadu National Park. Here, you can explore these ancient shelters, as well as marvel at amazing rock paintings from thousands of years ago, detailing life in Kakadu from a bygone era. the recipient will hold the NT Government free from all responsibility or liability and from all loss or damage incurred as a consequence of any error or omission. Possible storm Sat 14 Jan 25 33 Shower or two. Cahills Crossing is a famous car river crossing into Arnhem Land - approximately a 3.5 hour drive east of Darwin in Kakadu National Park. Passing of a big road train by Cahills crossing was so thrilling. Road access Crocs can be spotted in the water and on the bank as well as various fish and bird life. to mid-October, is hot and dry. Visiting Cahills Crossing is not for the faint of heart. is part of the specialist for selfdrive leisure vehicle rentals Its 286km east of Darwin a three hour drive in good conditions. For much of the year, the water levels are much higher than that. Suggested duration 1-2 hours The Manngarre Walk is three interconnected loop walks from Please respect the wishes of Traditional Owners, stay away from the waters edge, do not cross the causeway on foot, and observe these apex predators from the safety of the viewing platform. The large ones are at the front, in prime positions, the smaller ones further back. of those travelling Local time: 1:33:19 PM. here for manual old fashion customized quote Check Cahills Crossing tides and water depths before attempting it, and watch out for crocodiles. Best time for barra fishing and watch crocodiles adjoining land and marine areas. Was told that at high tide the crocs could be spectacular grabbing barramundi, but tide was not high when we went there. Many of Kakadus scenic spots cant be reached without a four-wheel drive, so its doubly rewarding to be able to see something so unique you can get to on a sealed road. To make it easy for yourself you'll want to cross at low tide but if the tide times don't work into your plans you can usually safely cross a couple of hours either side of low tide as the depth is the same (especially if the high tide is listed at 6m or under & there hasn't been any rain for a week). Cream Magazine by Themebeez, best things to do in the Northern Territory, Australian national parks to visit in 2021, Flights from Manchester to Adelaide: Best prices & times, Sandy Cape, Fraser Island: Getting there & lighthouse walk, Orchid Beach, Fraser Island: Getting there & accommodation, Exmouth to Broome road trip: Distance, driving time & best stops. Tide Predictions for Australia, South Pacific and Antarctica At certain times of the day, when the tides change, dozens of crocs converge on each side of the narrow road. Roughly 35 mins from Jabiru. of children under 12 (child seat guidelines) http://www.kakadu-tours.com Applications We regularly get asked how and when to cross Cahills Crossing? Seasons - Banggereng - Knock 'em down storm Season - Banggerreng, Seasons - Gurrung - Hot Dry Weather, Click Cahills Crossing Visitor Viewing Platform and Picnic Area Upgrade Kakadu National Park September 2022 It is a major attraction for Territory, national and international visitors. Details are compiled solely from local experience and variations could differ from actual times. We had a picnic lunch on the viewing platform. Although you'll see some people cross the river at .8m (under the right conditions), we'd recommend erring on the side of caution and sticking to .5m or under as long as you are in a high clearance 4wd. you crossing the river the roads are dusty and corrugated . next vacation to Kakadu National Park in Northern Territory Visited Cahills Crossing both before and after taking the Cultural Boat tour: highly recommend this as you get to see it at two different tidal conditions. We want you to have a fantastic holiday thats memorable for all the right reasons. Just be sure to check the tides before crossing and obtain a permit from the Northern Land Council, as the crossing takes you into Indigenous land that requires permission to enter. So enthralled are we with this spectacle, we find ourselves visiting Cahills Crossing again the next day. An easy way to check if it's opens is to look at theKakadu Road Report for the most up to date information. 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