Ben Dark loves the Northern Territory, so much so he lives there. Many Australians and international visitors have visited the territory, but mostly in the dry season. Ben reckons the best time to visit Kakadu is during the wet when water rages off the escarpment and onto the flood plains. Wild thunderstorms and huge raindrops hitting the colourful terrain creating nature's rock art.
Some areas are inaccessible during the wet season but a helicopter flight will give you the most wonderful perspective of the ancient area, seeing hidden areas not visible from the ground.
Ben took off in one of North Australian Helicopters' Robinson R44s and enjoyed breathtaking views of the Arnhem Land plateau, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls. Jim Jim Falls are higher than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Twin Falls are twice the height of the Statue of Liberty!
The helicopter tours also take in the tropical rainforest pockets, Lightning Dreaming, Ranger Uranium Mine and the beautiful Double Falls. Tours fly over the wonderfully named Deaf Adder Gorge which contains sacred Aboriginal sites not accessible to the public.
Wildlife can be spotted on the flood plains including plenty of crocodiles. And native vegetation is encouraged by the wet to flourish and attract birdlife back to the area.
Kakadu National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it covers around 110,000 square kilometres of the Northern Territory and is Australia's largest national park.
Location
Out of Jabiru in the Northern Territory.
Cost
North Australian Helicopters flights take 25 to 80 minutes and prices start at $220 for adults and $150 for children under 10 years. They depart from Jabiru Airport and operate year round, depending on the weather. Most rain falls between January and March. They also operate out of Katherine Gorge.
Prices correct at June 25, 2009.
For further information
North Australian Helicopters
Ph: 1800 621 717
www.northaustralianhelicopters.com.au
opsnah@bigpond.com
