Trippin' round Oz

We had heard the old adage about Kaka-do or Kaka-don't but decided we wanted to find out for ourselves. We were so glad that we did come as it turned out to be an amazing place.

On the entry into Kakadu we drove past thousands of cathedral termite mounds and most of them were over 3-4 metres in height. They are just everywhere up here and we are all quite amazed how many there are. We stopped in Cooinda as we had been told by many travellers that it was a great spot to stay as it has a couple of pools for the kids, which you definitely need in crocodile infested waters and grassy green sites. A little on the expensive side by it was well worth it.

We arrive mid afternoon in the peek of the heat. Warm setting up but once completed we relaxed and did some much needed catch up time with our blogs, journals and travel picture diary.

Our starting point in the National Park was the Nourlangie Art Site. We walked a 1.5km circuit which took us around some amazing examples of aboriginal rock art. The walk was very interesting and the view from the lookout was also truly spectacular. Gunwarddehwardde was the first lookout which was so named because of the sister that sits on the top of the mountain overlooking the valley in aboriginal dreaming. Ran into Luke the singer from Daly Waters Pub and had a quick chat. It's amazing how many people you see on the road at the same stops. Nawurlandja was the second lookout we climbed. It was only 300metres to the top but a hard slog the whole way up on a 40 degree incline. Tough going but again pretty spectacular. On the way down Jordan trip and land on her knees pretty hard. The poor darling. She was hurt but also embarrassed as there was two sets of couples walking up the hill and they had seen her take a tumble. It would have hurt as the it was all rock and very course. Headed back to camp for some lunch and a swim.

That evening we took a tour on the Yellow Water Billabong at sunset. This cruise was really interesting and Lionel our guide was very good at what he did. He took us further than any of the other 2 boats also out on the water with us and talked about the way his tribe used the billabong fauna and flora to survive. While on the water we saw one extremely large 4metre saltwater crocodile and many other large salties. There was bird life all over the place but the Jabiru, the whistling ducks, the white sea eagle and the little yellow water birds were just amazing. It was an amazing tour around a very spectacular group of waterways. The sunset finished the night of spectacularly. What more can you want from Kakadu.

Got back and had quiet drinks with our neighbours Peter and Gayle who were also on the cruise and were travelling around the area as we were. Peter was a driver for McColls which only gave Nigel and him heaps to talk about.

Our next day we drove to Cahill's Crossing first. This is a weir and river crossing into Arnheim Land. It is a popular spot for crocodiles and barramundi fishermen. We arrived around 11am and watched 3 men standing in ankle deep water with 3 very large crocs less than 100metres from them floating, stalking or laying on the bank. No way would I be doing that. Particularly as they can also come from behind. Crazy fishermen.

11am Cahill's Crossing

Both of these crocs were between 50 to 100 metres from this guy.

We then continued around the corner to Ubirr (OO-bir). It is another aboriginal art site and lookout. But it was a awesome place also. The rock art again was pretty special and some of the spot they had painted on were so high that to speculate how they painted up their became a bit of game for me. The lookout was also fantastic. Most of you that have watched Crocodile Dundee may remember when he climbs a rock and swings the bullroarer over his head. Well this the point in which we were standing. Overlooking the flood plains and into Arnheim Land was really special. Its hard to put it in words but you do feel the importance of this place when you up standing on this rocky outcrop.

On top of Ubirr

We revisited Cahill's Crossing as the tidal river had switch from a gentle flow down stream to a raging tidal push upstream. The crocodiles had come to life also. Fishing off the weir for a barramundi or two. How spectacular this was to watch. The kids were too exhausted after the walk this morning so they didn't come down and they missed some amazing action.

1pm Cahill's Crossing

Waiting patiently for a barramundi

Large croc chasing away the small croc

On the way back to camp I visited the Bowali Visitors Centre. It really was interesting looking around the displays and watching the video on the wet season. Nigel and I both agree that we would love to come back during the wet season and see this area from the air. Off to Darwin. Will be spending a few days catching up on some well deserved rest. The travelling has been a little full on lately.

I lost my second tooth. I just hope the tooth fairy can find us this time.

Arrived in Katherine early as the trip up the road was a short one. We set up and did the washing and fun stuff like that then met up with a couple from Tasmania for drinks. Their children and ours had spent the day with each other as meeting kids is always a treat for the kids. The grey nomads really don't cut it with our kids. LOL.

Busily helping Dad wash the caravan.

Brahman cows at the back of us.

Our car was dropped off to Jelwyn Ford to repair the split diff seal. While the car was gone we spent the morning working on our journals, work book and maths. Plenty was finished and we where happy with the kids efforts. Got a phone call from Ford only an hour or so into dropping it off......ooh oooh....what now? The seal was not leaking we find out and that it was only a leaking plug. $60 job much better than the expected $300. We then were given the news that the diff carrier bush was split and need replacing. AAAAHHHH bloody car.

Went to the hot springs in Katherine. Again I would like to indicate any water below body temperature can not be called hot. So lets rename them to Katherine luke warm on the cool side springs. Still very enjoyable in the water and the waterfall cascading into the pool was very pretty. Unfortunately I had to pluck a child from underneath the falls who had come down on her stomach and got caught under the water. No parents attending to poor child, I'm just glad I was there to pull her out. Kid not happy though....ran to mum and told her a strange lady grabbed her arm. Next time I'll leave her!!! Went back to caravan park and swam in park pool. Quite warm compared to the others we have been in.

God I'm falling apart....woke up with a sore hand this morning. Blasted degenerative joint issues. Got an appointent at the doctors in the afternoon so we took a drive out to Edith Falls before the appointment. Did the walk up to the upper pool which was a uphill climb most of the way. We got to the waterfall and deep pool to enjoy an enjoyable dip. Getting in was a little difficult. The rocks were extremely slippery and while trying to get Kaleb in safely I took a spill. It was a beauty. I lost my footing, came down on my fat butt and my right elbow. It was a quick entry with not a lot of style. Many people came to my aid but I was okay...just a bit of hurt pride. My elbow was very sore and came up in an instant lump. So glad I didn't break anything. Still had a lovely swim and the walk down to the car was much easier.

Lower Edith Falls

Well earned rest on our walk up to Edith Falls upper pools.

Edith Falls

Finally back!

Our final day in Katherine was spent on the Katherine Gorge. We did the 3 Gorge tour which was very enjoyable. We had to take a walk between each gorge to get to the next boat and then had a swim on the way back between Gorge 1 and 2. On the walk between 1 and 2 we were able to also view rock art which was of turtles and people. The walls of the gorge are just amazing. The walls towered above us on either side and in the wet season the water flows 8 metres above the level we were travelling at. The volume of water would be just a spectacular site. One that Nigel and I think we would love to come and see in the wet season. It was a great day and the kids really enjoyed their boat cruise.