Litchfield National Park

With a change to our plans we travelled straight to Litchfield NP rather than Darwin and stayed in a very very quiet caravan park. Litchfield was a spectacular national park with amazing rock pools, waterfalls, pristine rivers and colourful rain forests. Very big golden orb spiders too as Matt found out – you would start to think we are on a spider tour!

First stop where we caught up with busloads of tourists was the Magnetic Termite Mounds. Clever little termites how they build these mighty tall mounds in a north south direction to act as a temperature control mechanism allowing only the least possible surface area to be exposed to the sun.

We could see why Wangi Falls was the parks most popular attraction with 2 cascading falls into a cool freshwater pool below (although shut for swimming – crocs again – bugger!). There is also a great walk to above the tree line canopy which meanders through a tropical rainforest.

Tolmer Falls was another amazing waterfall. The kids legs were starting to tire with the trails (only short though) to each fall. Hayley thought she we be able to piggy back Matt, but not for long! The pool at the bottom looked great for swimming but is not accessible due to protected colonies of ghost and orange horseshoe bats. No, we can’t see the bats Matt.

Next stop was Florence Falls where we got our first swim to cool down from the high temperatures. It is set amongst a monsoon rainforest. The kids said “why are those naughty boys diving off the cliff into the water when the sigh says not to?” Good question and it was dangerous too. The pool below was refreshing and we swam amongst black bream (a good size too).

Finally, our highlight where we spent most of our time was Buley Rockhole. There were small waterfalls and rock pools everywhere. Michelle was even impressed, so it must be good for swimming. Some of the rock pools were so deep we had a competition to bring up the biggest rock. We did not want to leave this place.

Soooo relaxing!

And for those people who have been here before, unfortunately the rest of the park was closed due to the time of the year. Another missed opportunity of 4WDing - this time to the Lost City.

The Kakadu Experience

As we entered Kakadu National Park, we noticed the termite mounds on a much larger scale and the first warning that we are in crocodile country. With high humidity and temperatures still above 35 degrees we started to explore this amazing and diversified terrain, noticing the snakes slithering across the hot tarmac in front of the car.

After a short look at the Bowali Visitor Centre to get an understanding of the history and culture, we followed the windy and rocky terrain through the Nourlangie Rock Art region. The kids loved the caves and the detailed pictures drawn up to 1000 years ago. Matt found a rock to carry on his trek and checked for spiders. Hayley and Amy stopped to pose for photos and Michelle just took it all in appreciating the natural scenery. At the top of the walk we were rewarded with more great views of the park.

At 4.30pm it was time for a sunset tour of the Yellow Waters billabong and surrounding creeks. We were losing kilos with the high humidity as we meandered through the waters taking in some of the amazing birdlife (white belied sea eagle, jabiru and whistling ducks to name a few) and not to forget about 12 close encounters with salt water crocodiles. The kids at the front of the boat were acting as the croc spotters. An awesome tour thoroughly recommended.



I think he is just waiting for someone to fall in

As the sun set, we saw our final croc near the boat launch and our tired kids hunger pains had set in (they are eating us out of the caravan). Great boat ride said the kids. We also realised we should have stayed at the nicer Cooinda Lodge resort instead of Jabiru.

On the way back to Jabiru, driving in the dark was an experience with just missing a darting Buffalo cross the road in front of us. If we were travelling any faster I would hate to think what could have happened!

Finally to top off the day, I went back to watch the mighty Blues beat their arch rivals in Collingwood. What a finish with a 10 goal victory. Sorry to all you Collingwood fans – not really.

Katherine

Our final day in Katherine was a lazy one with the morning spent at the caravan park. Three loads of washing and school work for the kids. Not much fun but it has to be done. And we lost Matt in the shopping centre for a few minutes, whick felt like forever (well done Matt for asking someone for help).

After the chores we went to Knotts Crossing which was the site of the first settlement in Katherine. It is now very much a popular fishing spot along the Katherine River.

Katherine Hot Springs was disappointing after Bitter Springs and Mataranka. Very murky water and not that inviting to swim in (also compared to the pool back at the park).

Before heading back for a swim, we visited Springvale Homestead which is the oldest and best preserved building in Northern Territory. The station was established in 1878 and managed by Alfred Giles, the ex Overland Telegraph linesman. Giles brought sheep and cattle up from Adelaide to stock the station and he built the homestead in 1879.

Stay tuned for Kakadu!

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and Edith Falls

It was another spectacular day for admiring Australia’s natural landscapes. We set off for a 2hr cruise along the Katherine River to take in gorges 1 and 2. Not as hot at 9am so we were able to enjoy the cruise without the blistering heat, including a small hike between the 2 gorges. The kids loved it and Matt finished with the comment “Good cruise Dad”.

What also made the cruise special was the kid’s first sighting of a crocodile (fresh water). Unfortunately we never got to swim or use the kayak as it was still the end of the wet season and the river is yet to be confirmed safe from the salt water crocs. The kayak is just getting a tour from the roof racks at the moment.

After the tour we headed for Edith Falls where Darren swam with the fresh water crocs 22 years ago. The area had changed a lot with designated camp areas, but this time it was closed for camping and swimming. The same croc issue as Katherine Gorge. Oh well, still great for a walk and a photo!    

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.

West MacDonnell Ranges

Spectacular scenery today!

Our visit to the West MacDonnell National Park started at Simpsons Gap. We left after 7am and escaped the heat. It was actually overcast making it a much better day for site seeing. The Gap had quite a lot of water (cool though) and made for some great photos with the contrasting colours. We travelled with our new friends from Bathurst and we were grateful for them taking our first family shot, although I think it was too early for Matt to smile.

We gave Standley Chasm a miss this time having seen it before and now having to pay $25 to enter. Previous advice said the others were more spectacular (& free). Next up was Ellery Creek Big Hole. This was a fantastic swimming hole, but we did not bring the bathers (legs got wet only). It would have been nice to stay here for a night & bring the kayak. The little spiders walking on water were quite funny too.

Serpentine Gorge was next with a 1.3km walk. It was warming up but we were again rewarded after a very rocky walk with a spectacular gorge at the end. It was time again for a walk in the refreshing water before moving on.

Ormiston Gorge was a popular swimming hole and at least Matt got to have a swim. We all got very wet and really enjoyed this spot. I can see why Andrew from work spent 2 nights here. The Park Ranger lived on site with his family and we knew that his son was schooled at home through the school of the air.

Last stop before returning to Alice was Glen Helen. Nice spot with a bar. The kids (including us big ones) could get an ice cream. It was time to say bye to Troy, Sharon, Maddi, Tom & Meg as they went on to Palm Valley for the night. We enjoyed their company and hopefully we will catch up with them again. Amy has now renamed her favourite bear after young Meg. Matt really misses Tom.

A town like Alice! (Alice Springs)

The heat continues, with not a day under 37 degrees!

We explored the Old Telegraph Station where the kids learnt about morse code and how communication took place between Darwin & Adelaide back in 1872 (and onwards). It was a major breakthrough with the line reducing the isolation of the Aussies from the rest of the world. The kids were asking some great questions about the old times, with Matthew asking if I had one of those Dad (horse & cart)? I am not that old Matt, but I do remember the milkman.

Time for school with the ‘School of the Air’.

Approximately 120 students across the outback receive education via this centre. It has changed so much in 10 years since we last visited when the communication between students and teachers was done via radio. Only 6 years ago it changed to the internet. We were all very fascinated and were able to watch some classroom learnings. Let’s try and replicate the school work back in the caravan (says Michelle). 

Now on to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. This really inspired Matthew who came out wanting to be a pilot, Amy a nurse and Hayley well not sure??? Need to work on that one.

With the afternoon heat at its peak it was back to the pool. We have met some friends from Bathurst and this has been great for the kids. We plan to travel the Macdonnell Ranges with them.