Darwin and Top End in August

[p38arover]

My wife and I are planning a couple of weeks hols in Darwin and the Top End end-August. We won't go to the Alice, Kings Canyon, nor Ayers Rock (nor Uluru :) )

We are in the very preliminary stage and are considering a camper van for the first week or so to go to Kakadu, Katerhine, etc. and the last bit of the hols in Darwin itself.

We will either fly or go by The Ghan - it depends on what discount I get for being a railway employee (we get some travel discounts on train travel in Australia and overseas).

(later)

Just got of the phone from the travel passes people at work. The discounts are substantial so we may go by The Ghan.

Any suggestions on things to see would be appreciated.

Ron

[BigJon]

Why would you not visit the Alice? We have a lovely little town here. I just got back from a week in Darwin, had a great time. Fishing, socialising... https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[blitz]

Can you get off with the car at each stop point?? if you can that way you can see the sights of each area for a couple of days before getting back on the train.

I think it would be a great way to 'do the N.T.'

Cheers Blythe

P.S. if you want to catch up while up here for a BBQ not a problem

[p38arover]

Originally posted by BigJon
Why would you not visit the Alice? We have a lovely little town here. I just got back from a week in Darwin, had a great time. Fishing, socialising... :)

NT is too big to do it justice in a couple of weeks. The Alice and Ayers Rock will have to wait for the next trip.

Ron

[p38arover]

Originally posted by blitz+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(blitz)</div><div class='quotemain'>Can you get off with the car at each stop point?? if you can that way you can see the sights of each area for a couple of days before getting back on the train.

I think it would be a great way to 'do the N.T.'[/b]

I agree, it would be a great way to go but it would take a while - The Ghan only runs once weekly Adelaide to Darwin. Twice weekly Adelaide to Alice Springs.



P.S. if you want to catch up while up here for a BBQ not a problem

Sounds good - I'll keep that in mind. Thanks very much,

Ron

[camel_landy]

The hot springs at Mataranka were nice....

It depends how far out you want to go in the camper but an evening at Daly Waters is well worth the effort. :wink:

Mark.

[p38arover]

I shall put some marks on the map.

Are swimming trunks required at the hot springs? 8O

Ron

[camel_landy]

Originally posted by p38arover
I shall put some marks on the map.

Are swimming trunks required at the hot springs? 8O

Ron

They'd probably let you skinny dip if you wanted to.... 8O

Mark

[noddy]

Ron -- this might sound a bit contentious, but I would not bother with Kakadu 8O.....well for any extended period.

Depends on the type of holiday you are after, but if we went back up there, I would be heading straight for Arnhem Land. Need to get your permit sorted, but IMHO it was much better than Kakadu, which was full of backpackers and day tourists.

[p38arover]

Yes, if we were staying for an extended period, we'd do what you suggest.

We won't be so we'll go and I'll perve at the female backpackers.


Thanks, Noddy.

Ron

[mrapocalypse]

Litchfield Nat park is a goer. Smaller, more to see and the swimming is great. Lots and lots of luverly waterfalls. 2wd too.

Try to get some fishing in. Even if you're not much chop it's pretty good in the top end.

Do kakadu in a plane or chopper, in the long run, it's the best and most value.

Katherine gorge was good before it got flooded out.

Best coffee is at the Roma Bar on Cavanagh street.

Beer is good no matter where you go.

pauls Ice coffee, It's a Darwin thing but you'll never be the same again.

[p38arover]

Good stuff there mrapocolypse - except for the fishing.

I can't stand the smell of fish and rarely eat them. I won't touch them as I don't like the feel of them.

I'll look into the flights over Kakadu. We did the same over the 12 Apostles last year - it seems expensive at the time but if one never goes back then one has missed the opportunity - plus it's only a small (percentage wise) addition to the overall cost of the holiday.

Ron

[p38arover]

I picked up our tickets for the Indian Pacific (Syd-Adelaide) and The Ghan (Adelaide-Darwin) yesterday. We are going Gold Kangaroo twin cabin - price $1506 (usual price - over $5000).

We depart Sydney 29th July, arrive Darwin 1st August. First night at the Novotel Darwin then pick up the camper van - a Britz (LWB Mercedes) Elite with toilet and shower - no roughing it for these little black ducks. Drive it for a week, back to Darwin for 4-5 days then fly back to Sinney.

Ron

[incisor]

sounds like it will be a great trip....

mans gunna have to get a job in the railways and have a holiday :P

[disconut]

The hot springs at Mataranka were nice....

It depends how far out you want to go in the camper but an evening at Daly Waters is well worth the effort. :wink:

Mark.
Yuk! nobody in their right mind camps at Mataranka now. We stayed up the road. (on advice from other caravanners). The greenies have protected the bats and now millions of them c#@p all over the place. Stinks to high heaven.
Drop in but don't bother staying.

Stay here, http://www.oztravel.com.au/travel_mall/hotels/Territory_ManorMataran.html

You can watch the bats fly home to the hot pools.

Trev.

[camel_landy]

Yuk! nobody in their right mind camps at Mataranka now. We stayed up the road. (on advice from other caravanners). The greenies have protected the bats and now millions of them c#@p all over the place. Stinks to high heaven.
Drop in but don't bother staying.

Stay here, http://www.oztravel.com.au/travel_mall/hotels/Territory_ManorMataran.html

You can watch the bats fly home to the hot pools.

Trev.

I was alright then... I've got almost no sense of smell. :D

M