Days 115 to 125
KAKADU
Nature at Yellow Waters Kakadu
Our first day in Kakadu turned out to be very busy. What was meant to be a dawn trip for Sheena and a fishing trip for Peter changed after we spoke with some people who had done the dawn trip. Pete joined Sheena on the dawn trip. Lots of birds, fish AND some salty crocs were seen. The guide was very knowledgeable and helped us to appreciate the Yellow Water Wetland region. Great!! Then on the trip we spoke to people who had done the fishing trip the previous day – Sheena then booked on the fishing trip. The trip was on the same waterway as the morning cruise. More birds and crocs were seen! As well Peter caught a barra that was a keeper – dinner was organised! Sheena also caught a barra – too small so it was thrown back.
Peter with Barra Yellow Waters Kakadu
Sheena with Barra Yellow Waters Kakadu
All in all a great experience!!!!
Aboriginal art Kakadu
Spoils of a days fishing Barra!
In the middle of the day we did the walk at Nourlangie. It showcased aboriginal rock art as well as the geology of the region. We visited a large rock shelter that was used as a wet season home for generations of Aboriginal people. The lookouts on the walk added to the interest of the day. A must do experience.
And to finish off the day we had the barra cooked just right by the chef at the resort we were staying at! The day could not have been better.
What a great Kakadu experience!
DARWIN
Mossies were at Darwin as well!
Darwin after the cyclone – Christchurch Cathedral rebuild
We spent a day wandering around the city section of Darwin. Peter tried to find buildings he worked on after the cyclone – to no avail. The harbour precinct is very impressive – with a wave pool, swimming area, lots of eateries and unending buildings with accommodation. The combination of old and new that occurred after the cyclone is very impressive.
We went in 2 directions the next day. Peter did a fishing tour in the harbour and Sheena did a WWII wander.
Pete had a great time with some fish caught! A spectacular storm occurred late in the afternoon. Apparently a typical Darwin experience!!!
Storm over Darwin
Sheena spent a couple of hours at the Darwin Military museum. It showcased Darwin’s role and experiences in WWII.
Next we headed south to go to the ‘Window to the Wetlands’. It has many interactive displays that allow you to understand the wetland systems around Darwin. We then did a Jumping Crocs tour. Wow! Very informative and exciting. Crocs are quite scarey creatures.
Peter and python
Peter got up close and personal with a python!
Another day included a trip to the golf driving range. Boy were our swings rusty! The rest of the day was spent at the Darwin Museum and Art Gallery. No photos as not allowed. There were fascinating exhibits on Darwin’s culture and history including an awesome Cyclone Tracey exhibit. We discovered that the buildings that Peter worked on have been replaced (not because of Peter’s work). No wonder we couldn’t find them!
Day 122 Peter backed the car into a tree in the morning! Stuffed the back panel on the passenger’s side. I am glad it was not me that did that deed!
Caravan went in to search for the leak! 5 minutes later the guy reckoned he had found the problem. Water getting in through an outside light! We hope that solved it. At the same place the boss(a panel beater by trade) said he could neaten up the scratches and dints. He did a great job – and we were only out of pocket $100 for both fixes. We will get a proper job done back in Port using insurance.
Pete and I did a bus trip into Darwin proper and did a further walk around the city. Buses were an interesting experience – nothing like Sydney’s buses. 2 fares $2 for 3 hours or $5 for all day. Quite easy really.
Day 123. Still Darwin
Pete beat me at golf at Palmerston Golf Course – outer suburb of Darwin.
Matches are now Peter 12 Sheena 10.
Darwin sunset
THEN we went out for a sunset dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour with Toni and Tony whom we keep meeting up with during our trip.
Great venue, great food – a good way to finish our visit to Darwin.
Next stop ……………….
LITCHFIELD NP
Waterfalls Litchfield NP
Wangi Falls was first on the agenda. Magnificent – no swimming as falls had too much water falling!
Next stop – Tolmer Falls. Here we saw the falls from a viewing platform at the same level as the top of the falls. Again no swimming because of the colonies of rare Ghost and Orange Horseshoe bats that inhabit the caves at the base of the falls.
Cathedral Termite Mound Litchfield (estimated to be over 50 years old)
The next day was hopefully a day of swimming! It was!
First stop – Florence Falls. Great view from the viewing platform then down 135 steps to the base of the falls for a swim. Divine! Best of the trip so far.
Next stop – Buleys Waterhole. Great place to spend a while – it gets packed on weekends. There are a series of pools joined by cascading water over about 200m. One of the pools was seriously deep – ok for a little bit of rock jumping. The areas of cascading water between the pools were a great place to laze and remain wet, and hence cool.
The 2 National Parks could not have been more different to each other! Both are worth visiting with Kakadu costing you $ to experience what it has to offer and Litchfield giving you everything for free!!!!!!!!!
gunnsaroundaus 