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Pungalina Station in the Northern Territory’s Calvert River Valley is 500,000 acres of virgin bush, surrounded by breathtaking sandstone escarpments, gorges, crystal clear rivers, with 1500 million years old limestone caves and located just 30 km short of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Pungalina is run by on site manager Owen Davies, partnered with Melbournians Tony and Sandy Kirkhope of Kirkhope Aviation P/L. Tony as the pilot has over thirty years flying experience and operates prestige all inclusive air tours from Melbourne to his outback paradise.
Pungalina Safari Camp
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Pungalina Safari Camp is only 3 kms from the station homestead and airstrip, set amongst lush, freshly mown lawn on the banks of a natural underground spring bubbling to the surface at a constant temperature of thirty degrees. It is a very comfortable bush camp without frills, for people in small groups who want an exclusive Northern Territory experience.
It can be demanding and challenging but you are not forced to partake in any particular activity. Touring by air is a great way to cross the country and get back in a short time. From the air you would think the terrain at Pungalina Station was flat but it is far from it. The vegetation looks sparse but in fact the ground is carpeted with grasses, some smelling like lemon. Native trees in flower are vibrant with colour in tangerine, lime, dusty pink and yellow. Birds come in all sizes from large Jabirus to tiny bee-eaters and many more. What a wonderful welcome!
The amenities include unlimited hot water in the shower block, two toilets, six double tents with twin share bedding, a dining tent and kitchen- all just metres from a natural thermal spring. A major attraction is that Pungalina Safari Camp only caters for 12 guests maximum at any one time, so you really have the sense of exclusivity on this remote property.
The camp is fully serviced with a full time cook. If wishing to ‘dine in’ a dining tent is available but often the meals are served outside in the lush grassy surrounds of the camp. There is a liquor licence so drinks (of a limited variety) can be purchased. Nothing can be better but to sit in the thermal spring with a beer before lunch contemplating the Barramundi that was caught that morning.
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All food, equipment, fishing gear, boats, canoes and vehicles are provided so no one needs to bring anything but their luggage.
Access to Pungalina Station
Access is by 4WD or light aircraft. The driveway is 64 kms off the Borroloola to Burketown Gulf road and its condition must be checked before arrival. A 1300 m dirt/gravel airstrip is also available for the aviation visitor.
Kirkhope Aviation operates charter flights (9 hours flying time) from Melbourne to Pungalina and specialises in tours of 7 – 9 days. The tours can be tailored to suit group bookings of 6 – 9 passengers.
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Commercial flights to Doomagee or Burketown (via Cairns) or Mount Isa can be arranged and charter flights are possible to Pungalina Station from these locations and also from Darwin. We would be happy to arrange them for you. There is so much variety at this property, it is easy to relax and unwind and spend 5 days at peace.
Activities
Each day, guided tours are provided and these often return to the Safari Camp for a swim and lunch. For the active client, full day tours and/or rugged overnight bush walks can be arranged as requested. Everything is provided on these adventures.
Activities on the station include; Barramundi fishing, canoeing, bush walking, bird watching and the recently discovered limestone caves. The natural thermal springs right at the camp are proving a great success where clients enjoy a beer after a hot day's activities. Fishing occurs on the Calvert River or other tributaries. Canoeing can be gentle and scenic on the Calvert Gorge or the bird filled Jabiru Billabong, or for the more adventurous, full day canoeing ventures including small rapids, rock clambering and bush walking can be tackled.
The limestone caves are a must during a stay at Pungalina Safari Camp with 4 main ones to explore. The limestone caves are approximately 1500 million years old with Oliver’s caves being the latest discovered. This cave has a magnificent clear warm thermal pool at the bottom for swimming. The area is diverse and rugged and has plenty to interest everyone and caters for all ages.
Open Season:
The safari camp resort operates from May to October each year (start date may vary depending on the wet season).
Location
Pungalina Station, Northern Territory, Australia
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