Chopper Tour Experience
Darwin NT
Read about this fantastic opportunity that Darryl can arrange. The story appeared in 5 interstate newspapers on Sunday 28th August 2005 and is reproduced with permission of the author.
Chopper
ride to the
home of
the barra
By KEVIN NAUGHTON
Take a helicopter ride at
dawn, chase buffalo across
the wetlands, drop in and
catch a barramundi, and
be back at your city hotel for
lunch — that’s the Darwin experience
done in style.
The Top End is a big and
beautiful part of Australia, and
there’s so much to see that a
traveller can fall into the trap
of taking on too much.
Kakadu National Park is a
three-hour drive from Darwin
and some of the great fishing
spots take time and local
knowledge to find.
Litchfield is closer, but you
either rely on your tour guide
or end up in the wrong spot at
the wrong time. That’s why it’s
useful to ask a local.
It’s that approach that led us
to one of the most amazing
days in and around Darwin.
Around dawn we were picked
up and driven to Noonamah,
about 35km south of Darwin,
where we linked up with the
pilot of a helicopter.
Most of his days are spent
doing aerial spraying and survey
mapping. Scenic flights are
also a specialty, but only on
the basis of fitting in with the
other business.
The early-morning view was stunning as we skimmed across the mango plantations and towards the muddy, crocodile infested Adelaide River - if you haven’t seen one before, the pilot will take you close enough to see their eyes as they slip back into the water at the sound of the chopper.
Next is a swing across the Mary River flood plain and a run towards the South Alligator River. There’s abundant birdlife, luscious views of wetland vegetation and the occasional herd of buffalo.
The pilot dropped down to mustering level and rounded them up towards a water crossing, so close you felt you could lean out and touch them. A lone wild pig was the next target; he was shunted into the paperbark trees, where we lost him.
Next, we landed close to a
waterhole about 40km back
from the mouth of the Mary
River. We hopped out, walked
over to the edge and looked for
any signs of crocodile presence
before being handed fishing
rods, each laced up with a
colourful lure.
Five minutes later, the first
barramundi was landed. It was
too small according to the
gauge, so back it went.
The hole was teeming with
fish; we cast to where we
thought each fish lurked. Fifteen
minutes later, the third
big hit on the line was matched
with the black-and-silver flash
of a barra on the run. It ran
left, then right, before slamming
into the bank under a log.
I waited for a few minutes
before it took off again, but
this time, we were close
enough to haul it out. At 65cm,
it was easily legal, but we
threw it back.
Pack-up time was a minute or
so, then back into the chopper
and another ride back to the
hangar. There were thanks and
handshakes all round, and we
drove back to Darwin.
Back by the hotel pool at 12.30pm, we’d done it all in half a day - just by asking a local.
Darryl Window runs private hire cars and arranges tours tailored to your needs and time. Phone 0417 832 836, www.askdarryl.com.au or e-mail dwindow@bigpond.net.au
For more information on this experience, please contact us
