Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
it does not rain 24 hours a day, it still comes down in buckets for an hour or two
each day, mainly in the late afternoon or during the night. The land floods as far
as the eye can see, the humidity is murderous, and the temperatures hit nearly
104°F (40°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 and frequency as hurricanes hit Florida.
Many people find the “buildup” to the Wet in October and November, when
clouds gather but do not break, to be the toughest time.
Despite that, many people love traveling in the Wet. Waterfalls become mas-
sive torrents, fork lightning storms crackle across the afternoon sky, the land turns
green, cloud cover keeps the worst of the sun off you, crowds vanish, and there is
an eerie beauty to it all. Keep your plans flexible to account for floods, take it
slowly in the heat, and carry lots of drinking water. Even if you normally camp,
sleep in air-conditioned accommodations now. Book tours ahead, because most
will operate on a reduced schedule. See the tips about traveling in the Wet, below.
GETTING AROUND
The
Automobile Association of the Northern Ter-
ritory (AANT),
79-81 Smith St., Darwin, NT 0800 (
&
08/8981 3837;
www.
aaa.asn.au), is a good source of maps and road advice. See also the Northern Ter-
ritory Tourist Commission's site at www.ntexplore.com, which is designed
specifically for those setting out on a driving holiday.
The Northern Territory has no open road speed limit, but drivers should be
careful to keep to a reasonable speed and leave enough distance to stop safely.
Most Aboriginal land is open to visitors, but in some cases you must obtain a
permit first. If you are taking a tour, this will be taken care of, but independent
travelers should apply to the relevant Aboriginal Land Council for permission.
Always carry 4 liters (1 gal.) of
drinking water
per person a day when walk-
ing (increase to 1 liter/
1
⁄
4
gal. per person per hr. in summer). Wear a broad-
brimmed hat, high-factor sunscreen lotion, and insect repellent containing
DEET (Aerogard and RID brands both contain it) to protect against the dan-
gerous Ross River Fever virus carried by mosquitoes in these parts.
Deadly
marine stingers
(see “Bugs, Bites & Other Wildlife Concerns,” in
chapter 2) put a stop to ocean swimming in the Top End from roughly October
to April or May.
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, because crocodiles may be present. If
you're cut off, the only thing to do is wait, so it's smart to travel with food and
drinking water in remote parts. Check road conditions every day by calling the
Northern Territory Department of Transport & Works's 24-hour recorded
report on road conditions
(
&
1800/246 199
in Australia); dropping into or
Croc Alert!
Saltwater crocodiles
are a threat in the sea, estuaries, lakes, wetlands,
pools, and rivers of the Top End—even well inland. They may be called
“saltwater” crocs, but they live in fresh water, too. Never jump in the
water or stand on the bank unless you want to be lunch.
Tips
