TopEndNewYearOriginal
EXPERIENCES / KAKADU
Top End New Year
Overview
Anyone who selects this trip should have a spirit of adventure. Those who take part may not know exactly where they are going until shortly before the trip departs. This is because nominating an area too soon would mean that we couldn't guarantee to show them the best that the Top End have to offer at this time of year. The reason for this is the weather.
The exact date of the monsoonal rains which cool the land and fill the creeks cannot be predicted far in advance. The monsoon normally begins around mid December. However, in some years, it begins in late November. In others, it may not arrive until mid January. By delaying our decision, we can be sure of choosing an area where water is plentiful and roads are open.
If the rains have begun, dry season visitors never see anything like this. Every waterfall will be flowing, the landscape will be lush and green. Better still, we'll have every one of our swimming pools to ourselves.
KAKADU
28 Dec 2022 - 1 Jan 2023
The walk we do will probably
be chosen from the following. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to choose a walk not listed in these notes.
Baroalba Creek - Kakadu
This would be a single five day, four night walk. We begin and end on the marked track to Kubara Springs.
Baroalba Creek is the main drainage for Mount Brockman, a large, irregularly shaped massif sitting on the plains a few kilometres away from the edge of the Arnhem escarpment.
While the edges of the massif are extremely rugged and steep, much of the centre consists of a large basin drained by Baroalba Creek. The rugged nature of the approaches prevented buffalo from reaching the basin, making this one of the few completely undisturbed areas in Kakadu. The area is full of rock shelters that were used by Aboriginal people over the millennia.
The best time to visit is during or immediately after the green season when every creek is flowing and the waterholes are full.
The best time to visit is during or immediately after the green season when every creek is flowing and the waterholes are full.
Litchfield Plus
Our walk here goes to the spectacular Tjaynera Falls. Thousands see it in the dry season. Hardly anyone visits when it is at its wet season best.
This option would be two, two night walks.
Located less than 150 kilometres from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a wonderful area full of permanent springs and waterfalls.
Our second walk would be at Depot Creek where we find a wonderful small gorge unknown even to most locals.
Most of those who do come, do so in the dry season. They never see the spectacular waterfalls that make this such a special place.
If we do this, you will learn why Walkabouts owner Russell Willis has run regular overnight wet season trips there for the for the past ten years, taking a few friends if the tours which visit it don't sell.
Details
DATES
Dec 28 - Jan 1
PRICES
Full price: A$2295
*discounts available
GROUP SIZE
4 - 12 guests
CAMP SITE
Mix of sand and rock ledges. Most sites are good to excellent but we have to avoid some of our dry season campsites which could get flooded. You are unlikely to see anyone else anywhere along the route.
ART
We may visit a variety of art sites. Depends on final location.
SWIMMING
This is the best time to see the Top End waterfalls. We will have good pools at almost every campsite and lunch spot.
WILDLIFE
Birds are always present but spread out at this time of year. You are unlikely to see many large animals.
CLIMATE
It will be hot (although not as hot as you might think) and it will be humid. The average daily maximum is 33-34ºC (91-94ºF). If we get a spell of relatively dry weather, the temperature could reach 40ºC (104ºF). The average minimum is 24ºC (75ºF). Sleeping bags are not needed. Rain is almost certain. On average it will rain two days out of three, mostly in short, sharp bursts. Averages can, however, be misleading. Occasionally, it might rain for days at a time
COOKING
In spite of the wet weather, we should have campfires every night and hot water available every morning.
WALK RATING - MEDIUM
Terrain
There could be a few steep climbs, none of which is over 200 m. As short as they are, these climbs are strenuous. Some may require using your hands to hold on as you climb up or down. None are technically difficult. None require ropes or other special.equipment.
You will definitely have to float your pack across one or more flooded creeks. If you can’t swim at least 100 m unaided, do not do this trip.
Vegetation
In all cases, much of the walking is through relatively flat, open woodland with a grassy understorey.
Distance
4-6 hours per day
Pack Weight
You need to carry up to 4 days food.
Unless you have walked in the wet season before, please do not book this trip until you have read our
Wet Season page. This links to two additional pages, just as important if you are to enjoy the trip.
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28 Dec 2022 - 1 Jan 2023
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