Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 8 . THE TOP END
buckets, usually for an hour or two each day, mainly in the late afternoon or
overnight. The land floods as far as the eye can see, the humidity is murderous, and
the temperatures hit the high 80s°F (30s°C). The floods cut off many attractions,
sometimes suddenly, and some tour companies shut up shop for the season.
Cyclones may hit the coast during the Wet, with the same savagery as hurricanes
hit Florida. Many people find the “build-up” to the Wet in October and November,
when clouds gather but do not break, the toughest time to be there.
Having said all that, the Wet is a wonderful time to travel. Waterfalls become
massive torrents, lightning storms crackle across the afternoon sky, the land
turns green, cloud cover keeps the worst of the sun off, and crowds vanish. Keep
your plans flexible to account for floods, take it real slow in the heat, and carry
loads of drinking water, and you should be okay. Even if you normally camp,
sleep in air-conditioned accommodations now. Book tours ahead, as most will
operate on a reduced schedule.
GETTING AROUND The Automobile Association of the Northern Territory
(AANT), 79–81 Smith St., Darwin, NT 0800 (& 08/8981 3837; www.aaa.
asn.au), is a good source of maps and road advice. The Northern Territory
Tourist Commission’s site at www.ntexplore.com is also designed specifically for
those setting out on a driving holiday.
TRAVELING IN THE WET Some roads will be underwater throughout the
Wet, while others can flood unexpectedly, leaving you cut off for hours, days, or
even months. Flash floods pose dangers to unwary motorists. Don’t cross a
flooded road unless you know the water is shallow, the current gentle, and the
road intact. Never wade into the water, as crocodiles may be present. If you’re
cut off, the only thing to do is wait, so travel with food and drinking water in
remote parts. Check road conditions every day by calling the Northern Territory
Department of Transport & Works’ 24-hour recorded report on road
conditions (& 1800/246 199 in Australia); dropping into or calling the AANT
(see above) in Darwin during office hours; or tuning into the local radio stations
as you drive. Local tour companies, tourist bureaus, and police stations should
also be able to help. In the Kimberley, call the Main Roads Western Australia
department (& 1800/013 314 in Australia) for a 24-hour recorded report.
TOUR OPERATORS Taking an organized tour can solve the hassles posed
by distance, isolation, and the Wet floods in the Top End, and it will show you
things you might not discover on your own. There is no shortage of companies
running coach, mini-bus, and 4WD tours from Broome, Kununurra, Darwin,
and even Alice Springs. A loop through Darwin, Litchfield National Park,
Kakadu National Park, and Katherine is a popular triangle that shows you a lot
in a short time.
Reputable companies include AAT Kings (& 1300/556 100 in Australia, or
08/8941 3844; www.aatkings.com); Odyssey Safaris (& 1800/891 190 or 08/
8948 0091; www.odysaf.com.au); Sahara Outback Tours (& 1800/806 240
in Australia, or 08/8953 0881; www.saharatours.com.au); Adventure Tours
(& 1300/654 604 in Australia, or 08/8309 2277; www.adventuretours.com.au);
and Billy Can Tours (& 1800/813 484 in Australia, or 08/8981 9813; www.
billycan.com.au).
Far Out Adventures (& 02/6557 6076 or 0427/152288; www.farout.
com.au) does tailor-made 4WD safaris into Kakadu, Darwin, Arnhemland, Litchfield
National Park, Katherine, the Kimberley, and more Top End regions. Proprietor/guide
Mike Keighley will create a private adventure to suit your interests,