Thu 14th August – Day 96: Darwin (new fridge fitted) – Adelaide River Wildlife and Fishing Tour.

Another early start so we could pack up the van and get it to the Refrigeration shop in time to meet our tour departing Howard Springs at 9am. Pulling into the Howard Springs BP we are met by our guide and owner of the Adelaide River Experience ‘Harry’, along with 7 other adventurers.
www.adelaiderivercrusies.com.au
Harry’s minivan takes us out through Humpty Doo and the millions of Mango Trees already dripping with green fruit, past the Naval radio aerial base, down to where the Adelaide River intersects the Arnhem Highway. Here we board our 12-seater aluminium boat for a 30km journey upstream into a wilderness where there is no road access.
Stop for lunch at a bend in the river on acreage leased by the owner from the NT government where a small bush camp is set up exclusively for us to have a BBQ and enjoy the sounds of the bush. It was a small area hidden from the bank of the river but had running water pumped from the river below and after a few cold drinks and a great feast we continued on our way. Next we did a spot of Barra fishing as we wound our way up the river, once again the lines were retrieved without success. Pete is working on the theory that the more times you try the better your chances. The next bend of the river brought us a special treat as Harry has befriended a group of white breasted sea eagles, Australia’s largest bird of prey. From high in a tree they swoop down to take chucks of meat off a floating esky lid just off the back of the boat. It gave the kids a great view on how they hunt for their food. Next stop was Goat Island where Kai, the owner of the island and mate live, offering limited accommodation to fishing enthusiasts and their families (http://www.privateislandsonline.com/goat-island-au.htm). They are a bunch of eccentrics and we had a cold beer while we were entertained by their singing dog. Their other trick is to feed ‘Casey’ the lodges resident croc, where they actually put food on a plate up the bank and she will come ashore and eat a plate full of … ready for this … veges. This was the turn around point and we headed back to the departure spotting every single species of wildlife this diverse eco-system could offer. The kids counted 82 saltwater crocs with one even chasing the boat! We came across a herd of buffalo and you have no idea just how big these creatures are until you see them in the flesh. We went home totally exhausted, picked up the van from the fridge man, and went ‘home’ for yet another set-up. That night we voted today’s tour as the best on the trip. Sleep.
Free Spirit Resort Darwin Big 4 (powered $55/night)