Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
see everything you can either walk around the 4km perimeter road, or hop on and off the
shuttle trains that run every 15 to 30 minutes and stop at all the exhibits.
JUMPING CROCS
Few people seem to be able to resist the sight of a 3m-long saltwater crocodile
launching itself out of the water towards a hunk of meat. Like a well-trained circus
act, these wild crocs know where to get a free feed − and down on the Adelaide
River, the croc-jumping show is guaranteed.
Jumping out of the water to grab prey is actually natural behaviour for crocs,
usually to take surprised birds or animals from overhanging branches. They use
their powerful tails to propel themselves up from a stationary start just below the
surface, from where they can see their prey.
There are three operators at different locations along the Adelaide River. The
modus operandi is pretty similar − a crew member (or nervous tourist) holds one
end of a long stick that has a couple of metres of string attached to the other end.
Tied to the end of the string is a very domesticated-looking pork chop − not exactly
bush tucker, but the crocs love it. The whole thing is contrived, but it's still an
amazing sight. And if you are lucky you will get to see one of the old denizens
measuring over 5m. These old fellas aren't as spritely as their children but are a
truly awesome sight.
www.adelaiderivercruises.com.au
;
tours adult/child $35/25; 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm May-
Oct)
On a private stretch of river past the Fogg Dam turn-off. Also runs small-group
full-day wildlife cruises.
www.jumpingcrocodilecruises.com.au
; tours adult/child $40/28; 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm,
for times Nov-Feb see website)
Well-established operator on the highway just before
Adelaide River Crossing.
www.jumpingcrocodile.com.au
; tours adult/child $35/20; 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm)
Along
the Window on the Wetlands access road, this outfit runs one-hour tours. Ask
about trips ex-Darwin.
Berry Springs Nature Park
NATURE RESERVE
OFFLINE MAP
Close by is this beautiful series of spring-fed swimming holes shaded by paperbarks and
