Was that shadow in the water a croc? Alligator River (Cahills Crossing) and the Park boundary check Cahills Crossing is a famous car river crossing into Arnhem Land, it is also a great place to watch crocodiles safely from the viewing platform. Just be sure to check the tides before crossing and obtain a permit from the Northern Land Council, as the crossing takes you into Indigenous land that requires permission to enter. Cahills Crossing is one of Australias most dangerous bodies of water in Australia. Park nearby and view from the area above the crossing. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Cahills Crossing is located in the Northern Territory on the East Alligator River approximately a 3.5 hour drive east of Darwin in Kakadu National Park. One halts as a crocodile lies directly in its way. 50 crocodiles or more have been counted in the 400 m stretch of river between Cahills Crossing and the East Alligator River upstream boat ramp. The tides at Cahills Crossing are about six hours behind Darwin tides. With enough fish available around the crossing, a staggering number of crocodiles can co-exist, albeit observing the pecking order (crocodile hierarchical rules). No. Normally the crocodile density is about 5-9 crocodiles per kilometre. Careful it's the famous 'Drop start and Finish date and such as Darwin to Broome Possible storm Sat 14 Jan 25 33 Shower or two. Australian Travel Agent based in Northern Territory Australia. Visited Cahills Crossing both before and after taking the Cultural Boat tour: highly recommend this as you get to see it at two different tidal conditions. Cahills Crossing in the north of Australiais notorious for misadventure and vehicles getting washed of the road. ranges to Kakadu National Park. Cahills Crossing (Kakadu National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Apparently many drivers have ended up failing to cross; instead their vehicles have been washed away in the croc-filled waters. Kakadu It covers about 4,500 sq. We saw 5 crocs at a very, very low tide, one being about 3m and others smaller. Snap! If youre visiting Cahills Crossing or attempting to cross it, make sure you seek advice from local authorities on tide and general safety information. There have been numerous croc attacks over the years at Cahills Crossing mostly due to negligence, risk taking and people becoming complacent. an elevated viewing platform beside the East Alligator River. Large tides push muddy water and plenty of mullet upstream and over the causeway, providing the best setting for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. Seasons - Gunumeleng Pre-Monsoon Storm Season - Gunumeleng, Road access They advise not to attempt it if the water depth is above 0.5m high, although some drivers attempt it when its deeper. These platforms directly overlook Cahills Crossing and provide visitors with a safe vantage point to view crocodiles in Kakadu. All content copyright David Whitley. Seasons - Gudjewg - Monsoon Season, Kakadu The Nourlangie region of Kakadu has provided the local Indigenous people with shelter from monsoonal rains for thousands of years. Example of a 4wd camper hire Too brave or audacious? Obey all safety signs and comply with . Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. We're here to help. Permits from the Northern Land Councilare required to enter Arnhem Land and pass through to the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. To see them in full force, you must get closer to the Crossing. By about 2pm the road is completely immersed in water, and even the fishing ensemble have retreated a couple of metres. 2) - need to cross at low tide (at the crossing). The best time to face this famous outback river crossing is around low tide. How do I find the Cahills Crossing tide times? links. Reports Currency Cahills Crossing is a famous car river crossing into Arnhem Land, it is also a great place to watch crocodiles safely from the viewing platform. Though an increasing number of logs are moving closer to the crossing, the fisherfolk seem unperturbed. rich marine life. Koolpin Gorge, or Jarrangbarnmi, is one of Kakadus most remote and unspoiled attractions, and is totally worth the permit and journey out there. Conversion General 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The best time of the day to visit is at high tides, where you can see the most action among the crocodiles. The best time of the day to visit is at high tides, where you can see the most action among the crocodiles. Below are the monthly tidal predictions in graph format. Dry season high tide crossing. Cahills Crossing tide times can be found at the Willy Weather site. Drive with extreme care. People fishing, people trying to cross (when the road/crossing is open and Gunbalanya is open and accessible), Guluyambi cruises coming down, all the birds around the place, other recreational users doing their thing, its stunning! We hope the above info helps - please send us a quickemail is you think there is some critical information we've missed and may help others. camping, basic Camp in designated camping Get there for high tide. www.kakadunationalparkaustralia.com Please note some of these links are supplied only as a link Dont worry, we hate spam too and keep your details safe. I know I need a LOW tide and the tides are approx 6 hrs behind Darwin times. If you decide the crossing isn't worth the risk and want to do it with an experienced operator you can jump on a4 day eco-tour of Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula from Jabiru or if fishing's more your things you can bypass the crossing all together and fly toCobourg Coastal Camp from Darwin. Ages You can also watch the 4WD's crossing. Some tides may prevent you crossing the river the roads are dusty and corrugated with some dangerous bends. Source: Lauren French A man pictured fishing near two crocodiles at the crossing in 2018. What are the biggest cities in Australia? We set off on a 1km circular track, taking us past ancient paintings of turtles, fish, goanna and other important traditional symbols. Kakadu is a wild place here are our tips to help you be Crocwise and stay safe, particularly near waterways! I hear you say. Well there's one easy answer, it's calledWilly Weather, this site is extremely helpful and tells you the approximate tide times at the crossing - which you can check months ahead. It will usually close in November or early December, reopening in April or early May. They act as a reminder of what happens when you attempt to cross with the water too high. Cahill's Crossing is one of Australia's most dangerous bodies of water in Australia. This was a surprise highlight of the trip. camping, basic Crocodile density increases dramatically during this time, all relative to the fish or prey biomass. Lots of shade and cool trees to rest under. There are two separate sections to view from from the same car park. Crossing and gives visitors a great vantage point to safely watch up to 40 crocodiles feeding during the Spring high-tides. The log does a U-turn. Arnhem Highway / Oenpelli Road Kakadu National Park, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory 0822 Australia. Some tides may prevent 21 Australian national parks to visit in 2021. Nah, its just a log, says my companion, Peter, craning forward. to remember is there is a public phone at Borderstore Visiting Cahills Crossing is not for the faint of heart. from May to mid-June, is relatively cool with low humidity. Eerie sensation watching a croc out in the river from the boat ramp, wondering if there was one just metres from you in the murky water. Crocs can be spotted in the water and on the bank as well as various fish and bird life. Finally, though, the reptile moves half a metre, allowing the car to pass. (by road) northeast of Darwin on the Cobourg Peninsula. Suggested duration 1-2 hours (East Alligator) - At Borderstore there is also It is not unless you have a 4WD and are going to be driving across. Supply alternative dates if you can. Most people who call our office want to know the best time to cross Cahills Crossing and my answer is always; check the tides. They often crawl up to pounce on schools of mullet and barramundi swept over the crossing. Seasons - Wurrgeng - Cold Weather Season - Wurrgeng, from Cahills Crossing, Kakadu Arnhem Highway/Oenpelli Rd, Kakadu, NT 0822 Drive the notorious Cahills Crossing in Kakadu The incredible Kakadu National Park is world famous for many things: ancient Indigenous rock art, cascading waterfalls, endless vistas, surreal rock formations and crocs - lots of giant, scaly crocs. for information our company has no affliation some of these The infamous Cahills Crossing is only a few metres wide, but it's one of Australia's most dangerous bodies of water. tide charts before setting out. Crocs are not like dogs, clearly! reasons with little notice. Kakadu National Park - Seasons Transit Fee $12.10). Cahills Crossing is not a bridge, and its not a tunnel. (East Alligator), Cahill following links . That goes near Ubirr, the rock art-filled outcrop that looks over the East Alligator River, on the way. Experienced Cobourg Peninsula tour company Venture North has a helpful blog on when to attempt Cahills Crossing. Although you'll see some people cross the river at .8m (under the right conditions), we'd recommend erring on the side of caution and sticking to .5m or under as long as you are in a high clearance 4wd. When the East Alligator River is experiencing high tides, it can get over six meters high. Kakadu and clear skies prevail. Cahills Crossing tide times can be found at the Willy Weather site. www.kakadunationalparkaustralia.com is an 'Affiliate' Dont worry, we hate spam too and keep your details safe. Once you have a permit then you'll need to make sure you have the right vehicle - a high clearance 4wd with a snorkel is your best choice. areas only. Cahills Crossing croc attacks do occur and there have sadly been 2 recorded deaths here so if you are not sure about whether to cross then it's best not risking it. #1. Have a general enquiry or need to get in touch? a great seating area out the front of the shop and Here, you can explore these ancient shelters, as well as marvel at amazing rock paintings from thousands of years ago, detailing life in Kakadu from a bygone era. Blog: Oh the most important thing Important: Best time for barra fishing and watch crocodiles Standing on a sandy riverbank, gazing out at the muddy stretch of the East Alligator River called Cahills Crossing, I spot a floating shape. A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single click. There is no golden rule for safe crossing times at Cahills, it may be safe to cross 6 hours either side of the low tide during some parts of the dry season and in the wet the crossing might even be totally closed. The Cahills Crossing viewing area on the western bank of the East Alligator River is a safe place to watch estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles in the wild. Goon-uk Bar-loo. Highlights include crocodile-spotting amid the paperbark trees on the Yellow Water cruise near Cooinda and birdwatching at the Mamukala Wetlands. . If you are driving, please remember: Kakadu National Park Wildlife and Ubirr Rock Art Tour from Darwin City, Kakadu Wilderness Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise - Day Trip from Darwin. Five other tourists are there with cameras, even though high tide isnt for another 45 minutes or so. As you approach Cahills Crossing, chances are youll see two or three abandoned cars downstream. Along with varying tides, the water flow is strong enough to overturn vehicles . . The must is the toilet across the road Its a four-metre saltwater crocodile, and were so close we could almost reach out and pat it. Country CBD meaning: What does CBD stand for in Australia? You can take this walk by yourself or join the guided walk Get our latest news, updates and exclusive tour offers right in your inbox. Is there a ferry to Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays? Locally sourced neoprene stubby holders designed and printed in Australia exclusive to ExplorOz. on Fridays, meeting under the information shelter, at the The Park includes the entire Peninsula, the surrounding waters This search site offering links to Kakadu, Litchfield, Uluru, The best time of the day to visit is at high tides, where you can see the most action among the crocodiles. Look at those fools, a woman beside us gasps, pointing to the crossing below. After a little while, a van emerges from the Arnhem Land side and slowly trundles across the submerged road.