FOR two decades, The Ferryman has been giving people an introduction to Karumba’s water delights.

This year, even more tours are available, for The Ferryman has a new boat on the water, bringing their little fleet to three. So now they can cater for groups up to 50, 12 and six for everything from daily tours to fishing charters to specialty tours that are tailor made to people’s requirements.

Glenn and Allison Newton say their specialty is their flexibility. They also reckon that being in happy, friendly company as you watch nature at its finest is a great way to get into a totally laidback mood. By the time you return from your cruise, you’re likely to feel as though you’ve been on holidays for months. It’s enough to rival the easygoing attitude exhibited by long-term visitors who winter over in the warm Gulf while their southern home towns shiver.

The Norman River, lined with mangroves and alive with wildlife, is a great place to cruise. The Ferryman offers a range of cruises. Take the morning birdwatching and wildlife cruise with the leading experts on birds in the Gulf (book by the night before). Or for a look at the incomparable sunset across the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria, the 5.00pm Gulf Sunset Cruise is offered most nights and takes about two hours. You cruise up the river, past the wharves, the whole time receiving a comprehensive history of the boats and area stopping for photos and to feed the eagles, brahminy kites, ospreys and any other birds. Then it’s out into the Gulf to view the sunset with a glass of wine and some nibblies. The barge is big and stable, so no one ever feels sick or crammed in.

Or you can opt for the two-hour river wildlife and croc spotting tour, which leaves a little later and takes in sunset from the river before spotlighting for crocodiles under the stars..

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