Katherine River 3 Day Respite

Departures: Wednesdays & Sundays - Click here for departure dates
Tour Size: Minimum 2, Maximum 8
Cost: AUD$750.00 (2010 Season)
Tour Code: KR3
 

"What a fantastic experience. I saw and learnt so much about wildlife as we slowly paddled down the Katherine River. Our guide knew the birds, animals and reptiles we saw along the way. The food was tremendous - morning tea served on a silver platter and dinner cooked in the camp oven. I'd recommend this trip to anyone whether they can paddle a canoe or not. Congratulations Gecko Canoeing." - Phil Prentice.

Our most popular trip (although our guests say that it ended too quickly). Using top quality equipment and accredited, qualified guides, this trip covers 40 to 55 kilometres of wildlife rich river, downstream from Katherine and away from the often crowded Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). Fed by springs and soaks throughout the long 'Dry Season', the river below the Gorge, winds through rocky banks, paperbark forests, small rapids and pandanus channels. Comfortable bush camping, great dining, fantastic service and wildlife encounters - it all adds up to being a unique experience. A trip you will never forget.

Itinerary

Departs Wednesdays & Sundays – May to October (weather permitting)

Easily our most popular trip, (although our guests say, ‘it’s over all too quickly’). Using top quality equipment and qualified, accredited guides, this trip covers up to 50 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  You will be met 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.

Day 2  Wake to a dawn chorus in the brisk morning air. There is time for an early morning swim. After a hearty cooked breakfast, we pack-up camp and continue paddling down-stream. As we get further from immediate civilisation, the feel of remoteness sets in. The river continues to change from shady paperbark forests to lush pandanus channels, through open sections, surrounded by the river woods and over some small sparkling rapids which are fun and easy to negotiate. At the end of this satisfying day, you will find yourself in a bit of a routine and will have camp set-up quickly. Leaving yourself enough time to explore, relax, chat , check-out some animal tracks or just ‘find yourself’.

Day 3  After a sumptuous breakfast, we will pack up camp for the last time (you will now know where everything goes), we will return to the kayaks for one last relaxing day. You will be ‘tuned in’ to all the sights and sounds around you and will find yourself exhilarated by every experience, enjoy it while the moment lasts. At approximately 2:30pm (14:30) you will be picked up from the river and 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 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.
How Much? Tour Cost is $750.00AUD per person 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 3 day trip can cover up to 50km 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
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.