The Warming Land: August Shines Bright
August has brought our busiest month of the year to Finniss River Lodge, with guests arriving from all corners of the globe. As the dry season hits its true peak, July’s crisp mornings give way to something warmer.
Daytime temperatures are rising, sitting 20 and 32 degrees, with the clear afternoon light made for a swim in the pool or watching the sunset over the floodplain. The land continues drying out, and flora & fauna more concentrated and active as a result.
Croc Central
As the weather warms up, the crocodiles are becoming increasingly active. With water temperatures climbing towards 29°C, the salties are making the most of it — basking along the banks, cruising through the channels and becoming a regular feature on the river.
The 60-minute airboat experience has been producing some fantastic sightings, with guests getting up close views of large crocodiles both above and below the water. With the river running clear, there’s an incredible opportunity to watch them glide effortlessly through the water.
Back at the lodge, our live feed wildlife camera has been just as entertaining. Guests have been gathering around the screen to watch freshwater and saltwater crocodiles relaxing together along the same stretch of bank, a rare overlap between the two species that always gets a reaction.
Guests checking in on the live croc cam, freshwater and saltwater crocodiles basking side by side.
The Jabiru Nest and 88 Birds
The birdlife has been putting on a real show this month. Throughout a 4-night stay Ian & Joan logged 88 species, 10 of which were new sightings for them – largely thanks to a private tour with Pete, an additional experience which guests request upon booking.
The standout, though, is a Jabiru nest on the station with chicks in. Black-necked storks are private, solitary birds, so getting a nest with chicks this close to the lodge is rare, and not something every season brings.
The Weaner Muster
Station life has been in full swing too, with the weaner muster bringing mobs of cattle moving across the drying floodplains, dust hanging in the late afternoon light. Guests out on the ATV buggies have had a genuine front-row seat to it!
Mustering is part of the station’s day-to-day operation rather than something built into the guest program, so joining it is never guaranteed, but when the timing works out, it’s one of those things’ guests remember long after they leave.
Something Good to Eat
Chefs have been outdoing themselves this month. Canapés served around the fire at sunset, roasted pumpkin and pesto, whipped feta and pickle, capsicum and olive, have become one of the small, unexpected highlights of an evening drink in hand watching the sun go down.
AUGUST AT FINNISS RIVER LODGE
- Our busiest month of the year, with guests from all over the world
- Warm and dry, 20 to 32°C, clear skies most days
- Croc Central: water warming toward 29°C, crocodile activity is peaking
- Wildlife Camera catching freshwater and saltwater crocodiles basking together
- 88 bird species logged in one stay including 10 new species for the avid birders
- Private, personalised touring available with Pete
- Mustering, visible from time to time, never guaranteed
- Sunset canapés from our chefs, a highlight of every evening
August at Finniss River Lodge. Peak season, peak experience. All-inclusive stays in the heart of the Top End. August is our most requested month, so early enquiry is strongly advised.