Kununurra

Today we spent touring around Kununurra after getting up so early! Once the sun rises at 5.30am (now that we are 2hrs behind Melbourne time) it does get you up early and it’s dark by 5pm. First stop was Celebrity Tree Park where plaques were placed around the park in front of trees the celebrity had planted. They included John Farnham, Ernie Dingo, John Williamson, Peter Brock, Kate Cebrano & Rob Hirst (Midnight Oils drummer). There were also plenty of Politian’s names, but they are boring, so not mentioned here.

Next up was Ivanhoe Crossing – too much water to cross. The kids saw some shoes at the crossing entrance and were a little worried about where the person was who owns them. “Has a crocodile got him?” asked Matt.

A little climb up to Kelly’s Knob gave you an excellent view of the township of Kununurra, the Ord Valley and the Lake.

It was then on to Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley) where just Darren & the kids climbed to the top. Michelle was too engrossed in her book “Fifty Shades of Grey” and could not put it down. We were rewarded with some great views of sandstone ranges, cliffs and the valley. Apparently they are similar to the Bungle Bungle.

With a 70km drive we reached the Ord River Dam and Lake Argyle. It is Australia’s largest fresh water lake. The comment of the day came from Matt again after I just told him that a nearby plaque was put here when I was 3 years old opening the construction of the Dam Wall. Misunderstanding the word plaque, Matt said to Hayley & Amy that “This was the park that Dad played at when he was three”. Great interpretation Matt!

Ord River downstream of Dam Wall

Finally we got our car a little muddy with a 4WD track to Dead Horse Springs. I should have removed the tow bar as the water holes were a little deeper than they looked with some nice bottoming out. The kids loved it just the same and wanted to see the mud on the car. This was the only place that we visited all day where the kids could rememeber the name.

Dead Horse Springs

Timber Creek & arrival into WA - Kununurra

After leaving Darwin we wanted to get back to nature with bush camping at Big Horse Creek Campground (Gregory National Park – Timber Creek). It was a nice change with the bird life and other different things the kids could explore (instead of pools and playgrounds). There were huge rocks they could climb and many animal foot prints to follow (as long as they didn’t lead to a snake). We did have a disruptive sleep with a resident possum on our caravan roof. At 3am I chased it off with a broom, but it was very cheeky and quick to comeback.

The drive to Kununurra was very scenic through the National Parks, with some magnificent cliffs and then all of a sudden we started seeing these strange trees with very thick trunks. They are known as Boab trees. When we arrived at the WA border we had to say bye to 2 containers of honey at the quarantine inspection point. We had finished our fruit & vegies, but the honey was strange why it had to go. In WA they treat honey a lot longer - that was the explanation??

We have now arrived at Kununurra and are staying right on the lake. There are plenty of fresh water crocs in the lake and a resident one named ‘George’ who is only about 50m away from our van (up an embankment). There has been a siting of saltwater crocs in the past year (although rare) so maybe not ideal for kayaking!

Meet George - with part of his bottom jaw missing

Impressive sunsets on the lake

Darwin – Farewell!

We were very fortunate to be at the first Mindil Beach Sunset Market for the year. It is renowned for the magnificent tropical sunsets, mouth-watering culinary delights and an array of handmade crafts. There was also plenty of live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. Most of the population of Darwin was there so we arrived early to get a good spot to set up for the evening. The kids really enjoyed the Whip man and had an opportunity to crack their own whip.

Our final day in Darwin was spent at the Leanyer Water Park. This was a free water park which we just about had to ourselves speeding down the water slides and squirting each other with the water cannons. Very cool fun and fortunately the humidity has now dropped significantly over the past 2 days. Here comes the dry season!

Our final night we had a swim with our friends from Darwin. It was time to say a sad farewell to Matt, Eunice, Matilda, Gabby & Calvin. We were so lucky to have met them. They were great company and really made our stay in Darwin a memorable one. Thanks so much!

We now head for WA.

Spectacular Flight to the top of Western Australia

Matt and Darren were really spoilt this morning. Our friend (another Matt) who we met in Mataranka with his family, is a pilot for Pearl Aviation and took us out to Mungalala – Trustcott Airfield (tip of WA) to pick up passengers and return them to Darwin. These guys had been working out on the rigs drilling for gas & oil and had finished their 2 weekly shifts. We flew (1.25 hours each way) on a Metro 23 twin prop which caters for about 20 passengers. It was noisy but a lot of fun.



Matt checking the prop & it does spin! Phew says Darren.

Guess what I want to be when I grow up?

We saw some spectacular scenery (a little cloudy at times) and a highlight was pilot Matt making a special pass for us over King George Falls. Little Matt also enjoyed a couple of sleeps during the flights – must have thought the auto pilot was on so he could nap. I must also thank Matt’s wife Eunice, who took Hayley & Amy overnight allowing us to go out for dinner and give Michelle a needed sleep in when Matt and Darren were on the flight.

A top day - Thanks Matt & Eunice

King George Falls

This is a tuff job flying!

Darwin – Crocs rule!

You must have thought we would be all crocked out by now, but we have room for one more attraction. Today it was off to Crocosaurus Cove in the centre of Darwin where we had a much closer and a very different perspective on the Salt Water crocs. We even got to meet Burt who was the famous 80 year old croc who starred in Crocodile Dundee.

We all held a snake this time (an olive Python), the kids fed the turtles and there was even some holding and feeding of juvenile crocs (fishing if you want to call it - but just one problem, they would not stay on on the hook!). All crocked out now, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Darwin – Cruising the outer region

What a spectacular day cruising along the mighty Adelaide River with these huge prehistoric creatures jumping up at you. Many of these saltwater crocs showed off their battle scars with missing limbs and parts of their noses ripped off, all part of their territory wars. Some of the same crocs were still there from 22 years ago when I first cruised this river, now been fattened up by many old rotting lamb chops. If you look closely, you can see in the photos too that Matt was also showing off his battle scars with the caravan annex slab.

It was then onto the Windows on the Wetlands, which is an information centre perched on Beatrice Hill, overlooking the Adelaide River floodplains. The kids were able to experience fun interactive displays on the ecological processes that occur in the Top End wetlands.

To top off our day before the short tropical storm, we travelled to Fogg Dam which is a bird watchers paradise (the kind with feathers). So much bird life and it was great to see the Jabiru in its natural home as the top of the food chain. Having these present meant that you had a thriving eco system.

Darwin – Territory Wildlife Park

Today was a full day with hands on experiences at a 1000 acre property exploring NT wildlife in their different habitats. There was lots of walking and a train to catch on the half hour. We were joined in the afternoon with some friends who we met in Mataranka and live in Darwin. It was a great way to spend the day with some enjoyable company.

Matt was quick to say he wants to hold a snake and was lucky enough to hold a black headed python named ‘Russell’ (after Russell Crowe). Amy also had a hold, but we could not convince Hayley.

Michelle wanted a piece of the action and volunteered to feed a Whipray (a fresh water stingray). They rubbed up against her legs and had a rubbery feel about them (quite smooth). We were shown a barb from this type of ray, which was quite long and very sharp so you would not want to agitate it.

The flight deck was a highlight with an opportunity to see some huge birds of prey up close, including a wedge tailed eagle, a jabiru, a falcon, buzzards and some owls to name a few. Spectacular birds and so well trained!

A Jabiru in flight - top of the food chain, even crocs keep their distance

Who me?

We also saw many other animals, including a dingo, fish, turtles, snakes, bats etc all native to the NT. It was a big day with the kids sleeping on the way home.

And I forgot to mention we had our first taste of a Darwin tropical storm, with plenty of rain and thunder. It was quite refreshing walking in the rain! (not singing thanfully)

Darwin – Hot one day, the same the next

Well we finally arrived to our furthest point north in Australia. With 11 nights planned in Darwin (just to relax), it was first straight into repair mode. A previous repair to fix the leaking caravan air conditioner had come to ahead in Darwin, with water leaking everywhere (mattresses, Hayley’s school books etc). We were lucky to have a mobile repairman over within the hour, but as soon as he left it leaked again. Fortunately a plumber staying in a van nearby helped us and things are looking good again - keeping us cool without an indoor swimming pool.

With our second day at Darwin we had the Prado serviced and to check out an engine wining noise. The car air conditioner had a belt replaced and apparently the noise is with the diff, but not a concern. Repairs are not cheap up here too.

Day 3 finally saw some site seeing with our first adventure to Fannie Bay Gaol. The Gaol opened in 1883 and closed in 1979 as it had become overcrowded and unmaintained. I had first seen it in 1990, only 11 years after its closure and would hate to think how the prisoners lived here. The kids were fascinated with the cells, but concerned about the infirmary where as many as 70 executions took place.

Not happy in prison

Let us out!

It was then on to the Darwin Museum, which was interesting to see the aboriginal art, many stuffed animals, insects, skeletons etc. We were also very moved by the Cyclone Tracey display, with the photos, video, eyewitness accounts and a recorded sound of the cyclone (in a small dark room). It gave you goose bumps and sent chills up your spine. We also liked ‘Sweetheart’; a 5.1 metre saltwater croc captured in the 70’s.

To finish the day we went to Aquascene which the kids loved and did not want to leave. They had the chance to feed by hand milkfish, mullet, catfish, bream and barramundi. We were very cautious of the box jelly fish which can apparently kill a child in 3 minutes – fortunately none to be seen.