The Turning Season: September on the Finniss
September has its way of sneaking up on you out here. The mornings still start off somewhat cool, but by lunchtime the heat is back, pushing toward the mid-thirties and the afternoons have that hazy, heavy feel that tells every Territorian the build up isn’t far away.
The first big clouds have started engulfing the horizon, dark and moody against the gold of the grass. They haven’t delivered much rain yet, but they’ve given us some dramatic skies.
Build up clouds rolling in over the termite mounds after Breakfast in the Bush.
Remembering Leo
On the 3rd of September, we said goodbye to Leo Venturin — a father, Nonno, the patriarch of the Venturin family and the man whose vision started it all.
Leo was 90 years old.
It is difficult to tell the story of Finniss River without telling the story of Leo. They are, in many ways, the same story.
Born in Italy in 1936, Leo arrived in Australia at just 25 years old with a trade behind him, a strong work ethic and as the story goes, plenty of ambition. He followed the work North, making his way through Alice Springs and Katherine before settling in Darwin.
He started as a boilermaker, worked his way to head foreman and eventually built his own construction company. He was a builder in every sense — of businesses, of cattle country, of a family and ultimately, of a life that would become deeply rooted in the Northern Territory.
Then in 1987 – Leo bought Finniss River Station.
Leo had a way of making things happen. He saw possibility where others saw distance, hard work where others saw obstacles and opportunity in a place that was, and still is, remote.
Years later, the idea of Finniss River Lodge grew from that same country – with a little push from his family.
The lodge our guests know today sits within the station Leo made his own. The cattle still carry his brand. His family still works this land. And every guest who arrives through the gates become in some way, part of a story that began with a young Italian man who arrived in Australia with very little except his determination to build a life.
We will miss his stories, his presence, his stubbornness, his cheeky humour and all the things that made him who he was.Finniss River Station & Lodge will always be a part of his legacy.
Leo Venturin, 1936 to 2026.
Twenty Plus Helicopters, One Big Day
We were fortunate enough to be one of the main stops on an epic helicopter pub crawl this month. Twenty helicopters, 65 passengers and three venues, all in one day for the Nat-build trade crew.
Watching each helicopter swoop in one after another and settle across the Lodge lawns was something for the history books – the team at Airborne Solutions reckon it was the biggest hover the NT has ever seen. The tables were set, the deck filled up fast and it was an absolute ripper of a day.
Big thanks to VIP Northern Territory for pulling off a once in a lifetime trip and to each helicopter company involved thank you for assisting in creating an unforgettable experience.
The helicopter pub crawl touching down in front of the lodge.
Kakadu Bird Week, Finniss Style
It may be Kakadu Bird Week, but we’ve been proudly jumping on the birdwatching trend ourselves. The floodplains around the lodge are a natural haven and different species of bird’s flock to the area throughout the year.
Two sightings that stood out this month – An Australian Bustard was caught mid display, neck puffed out and feathers fanned, strutting through the dry grass amongst the termite mounds.
Several Rainbow Pitta sightings – The Lodge is lucky enough to be situated amongst a healthy Pitta population that allow guests to get up close to observe these majestic, often missed small birds that inhabit our nearby rainforest ecosystems.
Whether you’re a seasoned twitcher or just enjoying the view through your lens from the ATV buggy, the sheer scale of birdlife out here – must be seen to be believed.
Last Burns and Low Tides
September marks the end of burn off season on the station. After months of careful burning, the country is wearing it well, with fresh green pick coming through the black and the wildlife moving in to make the most of it. The barra are on the move and the salties are as big and visible as ever.
Some of the best afternoons this month have been spent out on the coastal flats, where the tides come and go and the guides and guests enjoy treasure hunts along the coastline – each visit there is something new to collect. Watching the sun go down over the horizon, with the cliffs glowing pink and a cold drink in hand is hard to beat.
An interesting find! Collected whilst on tour and disposed of with the safety of nearby species are the forefront of mind.
From the Kitchen
The chefs have been making the most of the warmer weather, with lighter, fresher plates coming out of the kitchen. Think ceviche, coconut, coriander, pickled onion and chilli by the pool, followed by something sweet out on the deck to round out a light lunch.
Something fresh by the pool.
Dessert on the deck.
SEPTEMBER AT FINNISS RIVER LODGE
- Build up clouds on the horizon, temperatures pushing toward 35°C
- A stop on the helicopter pub crawl, 20 helicopters, 65 passengers and 3 venues
- Australian Bustards and Rainbow Pittas spotted around the station
- Barra on the move and salties as visible as ever
- Scavenger hunts along the Coastline watching the sunset
- Lighter, fresher plates from our chefs
A couple curious calves in the yards checking out the camera.
September at Finniss River Lodge. The dry season’s final chapter, with the build up rolling in. Limited places remain for the rest of the season, so enquire now.