Blog ~ Wild Bush Luxury

Archive 2012

Archive 2011

November 30, 2011

Brassy Trevally

Fast, agressive and full of power, Brassy Trevally are first cousins with the Giant Trevally. Defined by yellow tips to their dorsal and tail fins plus scattered black speckles along their backs. Brassy Trevally are considered excellent table fish.

Found in tropical waters along with the rest of the trevally family, these predatory fish chase down baitfish in shallow water and usually hunt in schools. As juveniles, they may feed on crustaceans and squid, changing to a diet of fish as they mature. They have no hesitation in taking flies so it's a thrilling ride when you hook a big one, as they are extremely feisty and powerful!

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November 28, 2011

Mackerel Tuna

Mackerel tuna are stubborn fighters when hooked, and can be recognised by a distinct and striking pattern of broken zig-zaggy lines on the upper sides of their bodies, and two or five dark spots above the pelvic fin.

They are in the Scombridae family which includes all mackerel, tuna and bonito.

Macks hunt in large schools to round up baitfish and then smash into them as a gang.

Macks can be regarded as both abundant and elusive at the same time. Abundant in that a feeding school could easily cover an area of 100 square metres or more, and elusive in that getting close enough to them to cast your line near them without spooking them can be very difficult as these fish spook easily.

Recently there have been reports of loads of mackerel tuna in the Exmouth Gulf. These schools have been so large that anglers have been able to successfully get in fly fishing range without spooking them off, which is how these pictured macks were caught!

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November 28, 2011

An update on Arkaba Stations conservation efforts

The unique flora and fauna of Australia has evolved in isolation over millions of years. Since European settlement there has been some 130 animals introduced. The most significant of these feral animals include: European rabbit, European fox, feral cat, feral goat, feral pig and cane toad.

Feral animals impact on native species through competition for food, water and shelter, destroying habitat, spreading diseases and predation.

In Australia, feral animals typically have few natural predators or fatal diseases and most generally have high reproductive rates. As a result, their populations have threatened the survival of many of our native species. Our team at Arkaba Station are dedicated in their fight against feral animals and have been working hard to eradicate these pests to create a private wilderness sanctuary amongst 40,000 acres of our 60,000 acre property.

Arkaba Station is a 60,000 acre working sheep station and whilst it is important to us that we retain our pastoral heritage we have reduced the number of sheep on the property and reduced the grazing area to 20,000 acres of sectioned land. The remaining 40,000 acres is for the development of our own private wilderness sanctuary. Through our own efforts and those in conjunction with ‘Operation Bounceback’ we have eradiated 630+ feral goats on the property in the last 18 months.

In addition our team have also removed an estimated 260+ feral foxes (due to inaccuracy of baiting feedback) and 42+ feral cats.

Thanks to a wonderful few seasons and through our feral animal control program, we have seen 10 new bird species added to our species check list:

• Nankeen Night Heron

• Horsefield’s Bronze Cuckoo

• Spotted Nightjar

• White Eared Honeyeater

• Silvereye

• Zebra Finch

• Welcome Swallow

Whilst some of these bird species may have been found in the Flinders area, we had not previously sighted them on our property since we opened in November 2009. The reptile population has also exploded, and we have good numbers of Goanna, Bearded Dragons and Red Barred Dragons across the property.

There are also two healthy Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby colonies located on the southern Elder Range. Their habitat crosses both Arkaba Station and the Flinders Ranges National Park.

Feral animal control is an ongoing effort we have our next control program starting at the end of this month.

The rewards of our hard work are undeniable, and guests staying at Arkaba Station not only enjoy the stunning outback landscape and topography of the station but also an amazing array of native bird and wildlife for which it calls home.

A feral cat taking bait with the trap in the background to get them accustomed to the trap's presence.

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November 24, 2011

Bluebone Groper - Sal Salis

One of the most prized catches for any fly fisherman is the Blue Bone, correctly known as the blackspot tuskfish or commonly known as bluebone. These fish live in the beautiful northern waters of Western Australia.

They are found along coral reefs and reefy flats hunting for food which include different varieties of crustaceans and sea urchins including crabs, shells and sea critters.

This bluebone was caught on the flats in only 1.5 metres of water with a crab on the end of a fly.

This technique is lots of fun as is challenges the angler as they have to land the cast precisely on top of the fish. Once you are hooked, hold on tight because these fish will go for every hole they can find to try and snap your line and break loose.

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November 23, 2011

Lonely Planet - Top Spots to Glamp in 2012

We were delighted to read that Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef was listed #1 in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2012 guide of Top Spots to Glamp!

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November 17, 2011

SPECTACULAR SAL SALIS

Words & Photos by Nicholas Janzen www.nicholasjanzen.com

You’re reading this blog for one of two reasons – you’ve either visited Sal Salis (or one of the Wild Bush Luxury wilderness retreats around Australia) or you’re on the lookout for an exceptional holiday experience and have it listed in the ‘options’ category.

For those of you who’ve visited, congratulations on a great choice of holiday. You, like me, now understand what an amazing and unique travel experience Wild Bush Luxury offers. Needless to say you have some memories that, without doubt, will last a lifetime.

As a freelance journalist, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to most parts of the world for business (and, sometimes, pleasure). I’ve stayed at a range of places – from the poshest of palaces to the dirtiest of dungeons – and I believe I’ve a decent idea of what constitutes an amazing travel adventure. I can honestly say (and no, I’m not paid to write this!) no place truly compares to spectacular Sal Salis, nestled on the shores of Ningaloo Reef.

An exclusive safari-style camp hidden in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park, Sal Salis is paradise for nature-loving adventurists. The appeal of the region is unquestionable - the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is one of Earth’s last ocean paradises. Here you can take a dive with hundreds of tropical fish, colourful coral and the world's biggest fish, the whale shark. Ningaloo is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and unlike many other famous reef systems, you can get to it just by stepping off the beach – and the reef is just five metres from shore at Sal Salis!

Nothing can compare to Ningaloo’s great attraction – the thrill of swimming beside a whale shark. These big, friendly giants visit the reef each year between April and June. Each day during my stay busloads of tourists return to camp glowing after paddling alongside the “awesome” behemoth of the ocean. I, however, wasn’t there to swim with fish... I was there to fish!

Ningaloo Reef is one of the most fertile fishing grounds in the world. In my three days’ angling at Ningaloo, I was blown away by the sheer numbers of fish we landed – and the variety of species we caught. Ningaloo, in my opinion at least, is probably the best open-ocean fishery in the world. Whatever you dream of catching, from marlin and tuna to giant trevally and everything in between, there’s a great chance to do it at Ningaloo. If you’re headed there, prepare for world-class fishing... and with very few neighbouring boats! And when you’ve had enough of fishing from Sal Salis’ well-equipped vessel, try your hand at some fly fishing for bonefish – if you’re a keen angler, targeting these line-tearing speedsters is something you need to try before you die.

For me though, the best part of my experience wasn’t the fishing – it was the entire experience. Sal Salis offers an eco experience like few other destinations around the world. The supremely comfortable accommodation sans the TV, minibar and telephone, exposes you to the sights and sounds outside your luxury tent – kangaroos graze amongst the dunes; birds bellow beautiful songs; humpbacks breach just beyond the reef. As part of its commitment to nature, Sal Salis abides by strict principles of minimal impact and sustainability to operate in the fragile surrounds of the Cape Range National Park - all power is solar generated, each en suite bathroom has a state-of-the-art composting loo, and water usage is very carefully managed.

The main camp, where beaut brekkies, lush lunches and delicious dinners are served, is raised above the sand and coastal scrub with views out to the reef and breakers beyond. It’s the perfect place for a reflective sundowner after a day to remember – whether you were swimming with whale sharks, snorkelling with the sealife or fighting a fish of a lifetime.

Whatever adventure your heart desires, do yourself a favour this lifetime – head to Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and go wild. Get your hands dirty, your feet wet and immerse yourself in one of the world’s last-remaining untouched natural wonders. Nothing compares.

- Nicholas Janzen

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November 09, 2011

Blue Mountains Weekend Escape for two!

Two recent guests had a great weekend fishing, bushwalking and kayaking with our guide Mark.

The Blue Mountains Private Safaris swag camp is located on the banks of the Woolondilly River, where you can catch the odd Perch and Carp, which a great fighting fish and fun to catch on fly.

William and Christina tried their hand at fly fishing for the first time and successfully caught a Carp each! (Mark is a very experienced fly fisherman and can teach anyone how to cast a line!)

Pictured below are a very happy couple with their first carp.

Early in the morning, Mark took William and Christina out on the kayaks to do some wildlife and bird spotting. They were lucky enough to spot the very elusive platypus which is always an amazing experience.

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November 07, 2011

Barra on the bite on the floodplains

If this 76.5cm barra is anything to go by then we are set for another great fishing season on the floodplains during the run off next year.

Each year in the 'wet season', usually January to March, the floodplains are replenished with the monsoonal rains and the flora, fauna and fish of the Top End spring to life.

A highlight for any fisherman at Bamurru Plains is fishing on the Swim Creek floodplain by airboat. Our airboats are fitted with casting decks to maximise the experience of fishing the floodplain in spots that are accessible to camp guests only.

The airboat ride alone is an exhilarating experience as you skim across the floodplains you view the prolific bird and wildlife of the region from magpie geese, egrets and jabirus to buffalo and crocodiles.

Our 2 night/2 day floodplain fishing package starts at $1,860 per person twin-share and is inclusive of accommodation, all meals & beverages and two days guided airboat fishing. To book please contact our reservation team on 1300 790 561 or info@bamurruplains.com

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November 03, 2011

Wet Season approaches Bamurru Plains

November to April is classified as the Wet Season in the Top End. Each year, monsoonal winds create high humidity in the air, and bring lots of rainfall which gives the wet season its name.

This is the season where you will be able to witness spectacular electrical storms, which are a dazzling phenomenon.

Final storm front photos before the closure for the season of Bamurru Plains.

These photos were taken coming out of Darter Pond at about 6.30pm. This storm developed in Kakadu and made its way towards camp but passed by continuing along the Arnhem Highway causing a bit of destruction on the way.

Staff watched the amazing electrical storm in the distance around the Bark Hut area.

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November 02, 2011

delicious/Luxury Lodges of Australia competition

To celebrate their 10th birthday delicious. magazine in conjunction with Luxury Lodges of Australia are giving readers the chance to win a trip for two to the award winning Bamurru Plains.

Bamurru Plains has nine, safari suites overlooking the lush Mary River floodplains near Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. A profusion of bird and wildlife are on the doorstep of this unique bush camp that exudes ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ and brings a touch of style to a remote and beautiful wilderness. Watch our video

Enter in 25 words or less where your favourite holiday spot in Australia is and why. Write your answer on the back of an envelope with your name, address and your Luxury Lodge destination of your choice, then send your entry to delicious./Luxury Lodges of Australia competition. Locked Bag 5030, Alexandria, NSW 2015. Competition will be judged on creativity and wit. Competition closes November 29, 2011.

For full terms and conditions click here

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