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Information
about the exciting Katherine Region In Northern Terriory,
Australia
also known as The Top End.
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Crocodiles
Do Inhabit River Systems in the Katherine Region
Freshwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) are the
predominant species in most of our Katherine Region
rivers. The Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosis)
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 river. 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 crocs,
passing this information onto Parks to help with their
research and records.
A healthy Tropical Savannah river system isn't complete
without the presence of crocodiles.
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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, however if the opportunity presents,
it will eat bats, birds and small reptiles.
5,6
& 7 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).
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).
We could almost guarantee that you won't personally
see one as they are shy animals and hide as soon as
they are alerted to our presence.
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White
Bellied Sea Eagle,
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Osprey,
Black Kite,
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Whistling
Kite,
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Wedge
Tailed Eagle,
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Brown
Falcon,
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Grey
Goshawk
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White
Bellied Sea Eagle
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DEEP
WATER
The
Katherine/Flora/Daly River System is a 'drop
pool' type river.
Deeper
waterholes, sometimes up to 8 kilometres in
length are picturesque, calm and flat.
The
vegetation provides shade during the hottest
part of the day.
These waterholes are then separated by an elevation
drop.
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FLOWING
WATER
Elevation
drops vary, from rock bars and gravel races to
narrow chutes and pandanus channels.
In any case , these areas are always very beautiful
and the flow of the water increases. Simple rapids
exist, between grade 1 and 2 on the International
River Grading System. These rapids suit beginners
and can be lots of fun.
Guides know the rivers extremely well and will
offer you advice and prepare you with enough knowledge
to safely negotiate these areas, if you choose
to paddle them. Your safety and enjoyment is our
priority.
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WHAT
DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
When
you come on a Gecko Canoeing Experience, you can expect
to be paddling 'down stream' on peaceful stretches of
water, separated by small rapids or channels around
every hour.
No paddling experience is necessary and it is not crucial
to be a proficient swimmer as you will be wearing safety
equipment.
Capsizes sometimes occur, however this is not a problem!
The water is a comfortable temperature, the craft allow
you to be able to get back onto them easily, and your
guide will always be close by to assist you.
You will never be asked to do anything you are not comfortable
with!
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About
us - 'Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals'
incorporating www.australia4tours.com group of websites
As
one of the Northern Territory's leading small group safari,
sightseeing, charter, tour and selfdrive
specialists "Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals a Darwin
Travel Agent License Number NT 094. Incorporating www.australia4tours.com,
www.kakaduayersrocktours.com and www.australia4wheeldriverentals.com.
We seek out tours from only experienced tour companies to
some of Australia's most famous landmarks including Uluru
(Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park.
From
the tropical Top End to the spiritual heart of the Red Centre,
from Aboriginal Culture to abundant wildlife - then onto Adelaide
and Cairns we have sourced an excellent range of tours for
your next vacation in Australia. Our experienced staff have
collectively over 30 years in the travel industry will help
you discover the best of these unique and special tours offers.
Australia
4 Wheel Drive Rentals
Australia Business Number 54 561 356 425
Australian
NT Licensed Travel Agent No. 094
Tel: International 0061 (0)8 89 453 338 Fax International
0061 (0)8 89 455 507
Mobile: International +61 400 278958
Email:
info@australia4tours.com
341 McMillans Road, Anula, Darwin 0812, Northern Territory,
Australia
Postal address for correspondence: P.O.Box 3410, Darwin, Northern
Territory, Australia 0801
Australia
4 Wheel Drive Rentals 2002. All rights reserved.
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MISSION
STATEMENT
As one of the Northern Territory's leading small group safari
specialists "Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals"
(incorporating www.australia4tours.com), we seek out tours
to some of Australia's most famous landmarks including Uluru
(Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park. From the sunny tropical
Top End in it's dry and spectacular wet season's to the spiritual
heart of the sandy Red Centre, from Aboriginal Culture to
abundant wildlife and incredable flora - then onto Melbourne,
Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Cairns we have sourced
an excellent range of tours for your next vacation in Australia.
Our
experienced staff will help you discover the best of these
unique and special tours offers across Australia with camping
safaris to one day sight seeing coach trips, ecotourisim adventure
camping safaris in Kakadu National Park and Uluru (Ayers Rock)
from Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Resort (Uluru) in Northern
Territory including learning about Aboriginal culture.
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