From Alice to Mataranka

Off we go north again (up hill) on the Stuart Hwy watching out for the amazing eagles ready to pounce on their prey or feast on a poor cow or kangaroo that never made it to the other side of the road. Not much to stop for with the odd road house or small town like Barrow Creek (made famous for the wrong reason – backpacker murder) or Wycliffe Well (UFO & alien town).

We arrived at the Devils Marbles with the intention of a free camp, but Michelle & the kids voted we need power for the air conditioner and a pool. It is still over 37 degrees and no shade here. Even the dingo we saw was escaping the heat under a camp table. Off to Tenant Creek. Not a place to stay long if you can help it. Throughout the night you could hear the aboriginals yelling, arguing, getting drunk or whatever they get up to. It was a real eye opener and in this case an ear opener too with not much sleep to be had.

Next stop was the famous Daly Waters Pub for lunch. This place has real character and the biggest burgers one could want. We should have more pubs like this in Melbourne. I don’t think we will need dinner! We thought about staying the night at the caravan park, but with time on our hands & no pool, it was off to Mataranka.

We were only going to originally stay at Mataranka for 2 to 3 nights, but as the kids were having so much fun with other kids they had met, we decided to stay for all of Easter. The Easter Bunny found us too, but you would have to eat your chocolate early before it melts (or your Dad gets it)! Many people were down from Darwin or up from Alice Springs to enjoy the warm spring water. We made some great friends, had a few drinks and watched the entertainment; including cane toad racing and an air guitar competition for the kids. We even had a little pet wallaby hanging around with the peacocks. This Homestead Park had real character with the open bar - outback style. It is also home to ‘We of the Never Never’ and has the replica of the Elsey Homestead which was used in the movie.

We also discovered nearby Bitter Springs, another great swimming spot. More natural than Mataranka with a river you would float down on a noodle and jump out from a ladder at the other end. You just had to duck your head to avoid the huge Orb Spiders and their magnificent webs. It was a little eerie but fun just the same. Not for Michelle though – too deep. It’s now time for a short drive and move camp to Katherine after a great long weekend.