Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Swim in the Falls
Remember the idyllic pool that Paul Hogan and Linda Koslowski plunged
into in Crocodile Dundee ? That was Gunlom Falls, 170km (105 miles)
south of the Bowali Visitor Centre. A climb to the top rewards you with
great views of southern Kakadu. It is generally regarded as croc-free and
safe for swimming. Access is by four-wheel-drive; it is cut off in the Wet.
Moments
around October. An observation platform gives you a good view, and a sign
explains the dramatic seasonal changes the wetlands undergo. Choose from a
1km ( 1 2 -mile) or 3km (1 3 4 -mile) round-trip meander. The Bowali Visitor Cen-
tre sells hiking-trail maps. There are also some challenging unmarked trails along
creeks and gorges, for which you will need good navigational skills.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
High season is usually from April 1 to late October/early November.
Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn Some people think this hotel is grossly
kitsch; others declare it an architectural masterpiece. I liked it. It was built to the
specifications of its owners, the Gagudju Aborigines, in the form of their spirit
ancestor, a giant crocodile called “Ginga.” The building's entrance is the “jaws,”
the two floors of rooms are in the “belly,” the circular parking lot clusters are
“eggs,” and so on. From the ground, it's hard to work out, but from the air the
shape is quite distinct. Love it or hate it, it is the most luxurious place to stay in
Kakadu; a stylish modern hotel with basic but comfortable rooms. Guests can
access the town's nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and Olympic-size swim-
ming pool a few blocks away. The lobby doubles as an art gallery selling the
works of local Aborigines, and a trail leads to the Bowali Visitor Centre.
1 Flinders St. (5km/3 miles by road east of Bowali Visitor Centre), Jabiru, NT 0886. & 1300/666 747 in Aus-
tralia, 800/465-4329 in the U.S. and Canada, 0800/405060 in the U.K., 1800/553 155 in Ireland, 0800/322
222 in New Zealand, or 08/8979 2800. Fax 08/8979 2707. www.gagudju-crocodile.holiday-inn.com. 110
units. A$340 (US$221) double. Rates often reduced in the Wet. Extra adult A$33 (US$21). Children and
teenagers under 20 stay free in parent's room with existing bedding. Free crib. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities:
Restaurant; 2 bars; small outdoor pool; tour desk; car-rental desk; secretarial services; limited room service;
concierge; babysitting; coin-op laundry; laundry service. In room:A/C, TV w/free movies, minibar, coffeemaker,
hair dryer, iron.
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda This modest but pleasant lodge set among tropi-
cal gardens is at the departure point for Yellow Water Billabong cruises. Simply
furnished tile-floor bungalows are big and comfortable, and there are also
“budget rooms”—just bunk beds (four have double beds) in an air-conditioned
corrugated iron demountable (portable cabin) with shared bathrooms. They
rent on a “per bed” basis, so you may share with a stranger.
The lodge is something of a town center, so there is a general store, gift shop,
currency exchange, post office, fuel, and other useful facilities. Cook up a 'roo
steak in the nightly do-it-yourself barbecue in the rustic and ultracasual Barra
Bar & Bistro, or go for the bush tucker a la carte meals at lunch or dinner in
Mimi's , which has a nice “bush-sophisticated” ambience. The Barra Bistro
does full buffet breakfast and an all-day snack menu, with live entertainment in
the dry season. Scenic flights take off from the lodge's airstrip, and the Warrad-
jan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a 15-minute walk away.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search