Wildly wonderful Herbert
PICTURESQUE untamed waterways are being explored and fished like never before thanks to a North Queensland company offering a once- in- a- lifetime adventure.
Hinchinbrook Adventures is the only operator with the approval to carry out heli- fishing tours of the Herbert River Gorge in Girringun National Park.
Breathtaking scenery and the wondrous flora and fauna of the region are on full display as the helicopter soars over the gorge.
Hinchinbrook Adventures owner and pilot Joshua Liddle said the tour included fly- bys of some of the country’s most impressive waterfalls including Wallaman Falls – the longest single drop waterfall in Australia – Blenco Falls and Herbert River Falls.
On the heli- fishing tour participants touch down at some of Australia’s most remote freshwater fishing locations where anglers target species such as sooty grunter, jungle perch, bream and everyone’s most desired catch – barramundi.
Mr Liddle said no matter how many times he saw it, he could never get tired of the look on someone’s face when they travelled through the gorge or latched onto a big barra.
“I enjoy showing the pristine wilderness off and taking people on this one- of- a- kind adventure,” Mr Liddle said.
“We do a lot of fishing and a lot of flying. The full day tour goes for about seven hours and is a high- end experience.
“Fishing in the gorge can be challenging as all fishing can be but this is more than just a fishing trip, it’s a great adventure.”
The Herbert River is home to more than just great fish, with large saltwater crocodiles calling the waterway home.
Under the care of experienced guides and from the safety of the helicopter people can see these remarkable creatures in the wild.
“The whole area is full of wildlife, there are big wild cattle and huge crocodiles,” Mr Liddle said.
“When you see the crocodiles in their element they are just so impressive and it’s easy to see why they have been around since the dinosaurs.”
Hinchinbrook Adventures has been operating the heli- fishing trips for three years after securing agreements with indigenous elders and National Parks Queensland.
The tour is expensive, with the full- day experience priced at $ 2650 per person, but between witnessing THE HERBERT RIVER IS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST REMOTE AND SPECTACULAR WATERWAYS.
DISCOVERED HOW STUNNING THE REGION IS AND THE SUPERB FRESHWATER FISHING AND NATURE VIEWING IT OFFERS IN AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE
SAM BIDEY
the environment, flying in a helicopter, spotting crocodiles in their natural habitat and potentially snagging a barra, participants can tick mul- tiple goals off their bucket lists.
The use of top- notch fishing equipment, a gourmet lunch and light refreshments are included in the cost. Hinchinbrook Adventures also offers a range of scenic flights for those wanting to witness the views without wetting a line.
“We do scenic tours of the Herbert River Gorge, the local Hinchinbrook Shire, Hinchinbrook Island and the Hinchinbrook Channel.
“We do shorter scenic flights as well like quick trips out to Wallaman Falls.”
The company has also recently begun operating a guided boat venture on the Hinchinbrook Channel where people can fish over one or several nights out on the water.
Mr Liddle said the adventure trips could be customised to suit people’s needs with anyone wanting to tailor their trip just needing to get in contact with the team at Hinchinbrook Adventures.
For more details on heli- fishing and the other awe- inspiring experiences on offer with Hinchinbrook Adventures visit hinchinbrookadventures. com. au.
Sam Bidey was a guest of Hinchinbrook Adventures.