Katherine Flora Daly 6 Day

Departures: Most Sundays - Click here for departure dates
Group Size: Minimum 4, Maximum 8
2011 Cost:  AUD$1360.00
Tour Code: KD6

"One of the most rewarding things I've done. The diversity and abundance of both flora and fauna was fantastic, this combined with a great crew of people made for an enjoyable 6 days. When (if) I write a book next year about my journey around Australia, my time spent on this Gecko Canoeing tour will most certainly be a highlight! Thanks again." - Paul Schroder.

A true wilderness safari at a relaxing pace, down an everchanging environment. Travel up to 130 kilometres following the course of the Katherine River, beginning below Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), downstream away from often crowded areas, as the Katherine River flows gently westward to meet the Flora and Daly Rivers.

Just as the name suggests, this 6 day immersion gives us the time to explore, relax and reflect in arguably the best sections of the Katherine and Daly Rivers. Taking in the serenity and intimacy of these stunning locations, small sparkling rapids, shady channels and sandy beaches, joining ancient and diverse systems, 3 days floating westward on the Katherine and 3 days on the Daly affords time to Sit-Listen-Relax. Exclusive camping on magnificent sandy beaches, you will be captivated by every experience!

Please read crocodile and wildlife information.

Itinerary

Departs most Sundays, May to October (weather permitting)

Using top quality equipment and qualified, accredited guides, this trip covers up to 130 kilometres of intimate river. Fed by springs and soaks year round, the river winds through rocky banks, paperbark forests, small sparkling rapids and pandanus channels. Wildlife encounters, comfortable ‘swag style’ camping, great dining, fantastic service, - it all adds up to being a unique experience. A trip you may never forget.

Day 1  Our friendly fully qualified & accredited guide will meet and greet you at your Katherine accommodation between 7-7:30 am (0700-0730). You will then be transferred in a 4WD vehicle to Gecko premises, where you will pack your personal effects required for the tour into waterproof bags. You will be fitted with Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) a requirement, to be worn whilst on the river.
You will then be transferred to the Katherine River in a 4WD vehicle, sometimes over un-made roads and tracks. A safety brief and paddling instructions for kayaking and canoeing will be given before entering the water.
At a relaxing rate, there will be stops along the river for a morning break, lunch, swim and time to view the diverse river environment, bird and wildlife.
Approximately 4 pm (1600) you will step ashore for an overnight remote camping experience (no set campsites). There will be time to relax; fish or read all whilst your guide prepares the evening meal.
After a campfire meal, enjoyed with your favourite bottle of wine or spirit, sleep in a bed-roll (swag) under a blanket of stars.

Days 2 & 3  Wake to a dawn chorus in the brisk morning air then, after breakfast, we pack up camp and continue paddling westward viewing this tropical savannah woodland region with its small sparkling rapids and sandy beaches. As we paddle further from immediate civilisation, you feel the remoteness set in. The river continues to change from shady paperbark forests to lush pandanus channels.

Day 4  Again after a great breakfast, continue downstream. Spend the morning looking at the Flora River Junction with its ‘tufa dams and amazing limestone formations. Swim in crystal clear water or relax in your own personal spa. Try to capture a glimpse of the rare Pig Nosed Turtle. From here onwards you will start to experience the Daly River with its abundant wildlife and diverse plant life.

Day 5  After breakfast you will experience more of the mighty Daly River. Relax and unwind as the feeling of ‘civilisation’ leaves you. Enjoy the remoteness of the area, the lack of ‘noise’ cars, phones and crowds. Camp this evening will be at the Fergusson River junction. Here you will enjoy undisturbed views from all angles. The Fergusson River is home to many birds, both big and small.

Day 6  After your final morning’s breakfast, continue downstream taking in the last moments of serenity. Once you arrive at your pull-off point there is no turning back, here you will be transferred in a 4WD back to Gecko premises to collect your belongings. You will then be transferred to your Katherine accommodation or bus terminal as per prior arrangements made. Tour end 5:30 - 6 pm approximately.

Fact Sheet

Gecko Canoeing; tours in the back country of our Tropical Savannah Region, away from the normal tourist destinations.

The Area - Katherine Region

Katherine: 324 kilometres south of Darwin, Northern Territory. The majority of our Canoe/Kayak tours take place on the Katherine /Flora/ Daly River System, starting some 40 kilometres downstream from Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). The area that we paddle through is quite remote and represents a real opportunity for an environmental experience. Typically, 6/10 tours would encounter no other people.
The local Riparian Flora and Fauna is prolific and the scenery is varied and beautiful. The river system flows all year round and during the long 'Dry' season, it becomes the only water source for all manner of wildlife.
The Katherine Region is a terrific place to visit and base your Northern Territory experience from. We are close to The Kimberley, Gregory National Park, Mataranka/Elsey National Park, Manyallaluk, Kakadu Heritage Area and of course, right on our doorstep, is the magnificent Katherine/Flora/Daly River System.

The Canoes/Kayaks

We use 'Scupper Pro' sit-on-top kayaks for all trips, (we do have 2 person canoes for those who wish to use them). The sit on tops are self draining, comfortable and very stable. Many of our guests have never paddled before. Our fully qualified and accredited guides ensure that this is not a problem. Feedback highlights that paddling your own vessel, adds to the experience. Special needs clients may be escorted in a canoe by a guide/chauffer.

Where We Stop

We are totally self sufficient giving us the luxury of being selective with our campsites and resting points along the river. There's plenty of time to relax, swim, fish, bird watch, encounter wildlife and appreciate the scenery. We regularly access these sites with group sizes of 2-8, ensuring that we have minimal impact on the environment.

How Far, How Long, When

Typically, a 6 day trip can cover up to 130km of river. Paddling down stream, there is minimal portaging of equipment. Tours operate during the 'TOP END' dry season, April to October. The temperature ranges from 24 C to 39 C, but the nights from June to August can be cool, dropping to 5 degrees Celsius.

Tour Accommodation

We are fully self-sustained while on tour, giving us the ability to stop and set camp, wherever we wish. You are supplied with:
• A screen tent - for those who wish to sleep inside – you can still see the stars • A canvas bedroll, ‘we call it a swag’ – for those who wish to sleep outside • A ‘Thermarest’ self inflating mattress • A sleeping bag which can be fully opened
• A liner (or sheet) and pillow, a torch & mosquito repellent

The Campsites

Exclusive to us and well equipped. It includes:
• Dining Tables and chairs (with back rests)
• Cooking Grill, Kettle & Camp ovens
• Riverside views and swimming spots
• A shovel and toilet paper (for the call of nature) We bring out our rubbish; bury human waste 100m from water and burn toilet paper in the fire

The meals

Always a surprise for the nature enthusiasts! All hearty home style fresh food. • Dinners and breakfasts are cooked on an open fire • Lunches are ‘sandwich’ or ‘wrap’ style with cold meat and salad • A good old ‘Billy of Tea’ is available at lunch
• Tea, Coffee and Hot chocolate are available at camp • The guide will do the washing up (unless you really want to help)

What You Need to Bring

We recommend that you pack lightly and limit the space required. A packing list will be provided for you. You are able to bring along a bottle or two of your favourite dinner wine. We have no space for cold drinks such as beer or soft drinks. For your personal gear we provide;
• A 20 litre water proof bag (for your clothes) • A 10 litre water proof bag (for camera etc)

The group size

We travel with no more than 8 people on tour, (unless it is a specific group booking). You may not see anyone else while you are on the river.

Getting to Katherine

• Catch the Ghan train; • Catch the Greyhound bus; • Hire/drive a car or, • Book a 1 day tour with Travel North through the popular Litchfield National Park

Getting back to Darwin

Why not try this;
• An all inclusive 2 day adventure through the famous ‘Kakadu World Heritage Park’. Travel North will show you some of the top spots in the park whilst accommodating you comfortably in their semi permanent tented camp.