31 Mar 2023
What a fantastic experience with so many highlights.
It would take you a whole week driving to capture everything this single day achieves. Your day starts early but couldn’t be easier, ample parking if you drive and easy to find if you came by cab. Complimentary pod coffee/tea/bottled water while the aircraft is prepared.
Ryan was our fixed wing pilot and host for the day - such a lovely young chap who had so much knowledge about all the features we were flying over and ensured both sides of the plane had equal viewing of the main features. First flight is out over Darwin CBD and harbour down to Katherine over the Darwin dam.
Here we were greeted by pilot Aaron for a 30 minute helicopter tour over the Katherine Gorge, so spectacular from the air and the full length of the Gorge (not achievable by boat and I am told it is a five day hike on foot).
Back in the plane for flights over the magnificent Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls, neither were accessible by road at that time but had huge amounts of water from the wet season cascading over the falls.
Next stop was the 90 minute Yellow Water Cruise on a small (but safe) open air boat skippered by Greg #2 (Gecko) who also had vast knowledge of the area and some funny jokes. He even rustled up four crocodiles for us to photograph just over the side of the boat (remember to keep your arms inside the boat while taking those photos).
After the cruise you have the option to purchase lunch at the Lodge or eat what you have bought along - your choice but the food at the Lodge was excellent and reasonably priced.
Last flight was back to Darwin over more magnificent scenery, the waterways carrying the water from the Falls all the way to the ocean.
I purchased the trip as a birthday surprise for my partner and I don’t think I will ever find a better present. Do yourself a favour - book early to avoid the disappointment of missing out.