The Alligator Rivers is the name of an area in the Arnhem Land region of the Northern Territory of Australia, containing three rivers the East, West and South Alligator River. It is regarded as one of the richest biological regions in Australia, with part of the region in the Kakadu National Park. It is an Important Bird Area (IBA), lying to the east of the Adelaide and Mary River Floodplains IBA. It also contains mineral deposits, especially uranium, and the Ranger Uranium Mine is located there. The area is also rich in Australian Aboriginal art, with 1500 sites. The Kakadu National Park is one of the few World Heritage sites on the list because of both its natural and human heritage values. They were explored by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King in 1820 who named them in the mistaken belief that the crocodiles in the estuaries were alligators.© Wikipedia
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As we headed home from Ubirr in the north east section of Kakadu National Park we stopped to look at a boat ramp into the East Alligator river. The water was very muddy and you can see why the crocodiles are so hard to spot. We took photos of people standing on rocks in the river and fishing - a bit too dangerous for me with all the crocodile warning signs around.
This boat ramp is near a place call Cahills crossing which enables 4WD vehicles to drive across the East Alligator River into Arnhem land. Remember you will need a special permit to enter Arnhem land and there are restrictions on access. Border Store is close by and sells food, fishing gear and souvenirs - they also take bookings for commercial tours.
At Cahills Crossing is a picnic area with tables, a viewing platform over the river and a long-drop toilet. Apparently the tides at Cahills Crossing are about six hours behind Darwin tides and these may prevent you crossing the river. You are asked to drive with extreme care.