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Kakadu
The aboriginals are the traditional owners. The park covers 20,000 square kilometres and is on the UNESCO world heritage list in recognition for both it's outstanding natural values and as a living cultural landscape
Aboriginal people have inhabited Kakadu for more than 50,000 years, tracing back to the ice age.
Departed Darwin 0910hrs, Just myself and kids. Odometer 90650kms a humid 26 degrees celsius. On route to Kakadu we stopped at Windows to the wetlands, an educational lookout centre that educates on the areas flora and fauna.
Great introduction to Kakadu.
Our next stop was The Bark Hut Roadhouse where we toiletted and bought some drinks. Here we feed the Pet Water Buffalo, Jack and Jill plus a couple of emus who shared their paddock. We departed here at 1115hrs.
On entry to Kakadu we bought the $100 park pass and drove to Jabiru. At Jabiru we took on fuel at 1.409cents per litre, and visited the Jabiru Lake for lunch. Staying well away from the water. Whilst eating lunch Billy's orthodontic mouth piece broke and we spent some time working on it to take the entire hydronic arm off.
Eventually making it to Cooinda Resort Lodge at 1500hrs.
We set up camp, I still need more practice reversing the caravan, after a few goes and a little help from a nice camping neighbour I managed. Boys great at helping.
After set up, the lagoon style pool was enjoyed by all, the weather remaining hot and humid. Thank goodness for the powered site and air conditioning. The mozzies bad and insects everywhere in the amenities block.
Day 1
The East Alligator region. We departed at 0910 hrs, odometer 90650. We visited Ubirr and walked the easy 1km walking trail past fascinating rock art, we listened for a short while to a ranger and aboriginal tour guide talk about the diet of aboriginals. We walked the 250 metre steep climb to the lookout and view the amazing Nadab floodplain, a great 360 degree view.
We checked out the Border Store and a shills Crossing picnic area. We then crossed the East Alligator river into Arnhem Land and then did a U-turn and crossed back ( permits required for Arnhem Land)
We then drove to Jabiru and checked out the crocodile shaped hotel alligator better and visited the town centre, buying ice creams at the supermarket.
On the way back
to camp we visited the Bowali Visitors Centre brought souvenirs and took in the education areas.
Home for lunch, swim and rest, next adventure.
Yellow Waters Cruise before Sunset.
A discovery tour on "the World famous Yellow Water Billabong" No one knows why it's called Yellow Waters, possibly the reflection or the buffalo who stirred up the yellow clay at the bottom.
On the Ba-rrungyibmeng (Sunset) cruise we saw many aquatic birds such as whistling ducks, falcons, kingfisher, jabiru, jesus birds and many more. A 4 metre crocodile called 'Max' followed us down stream for a km and we saw 2 others.
Beautiful water pink and white Lilly on the bank
An informative cruise with an explanation of the Bininj people's mythology of the flora and fauna. Not to mention the beautiful sunset.
Back at camp we ate a quick tuna pasta, showered and went to bed before we were eaten by insects.
Day 2
The following day we packed up the van and departed at 0815hrs, heading for the Mary River Region. Time not on our side with a long drive we could only take in 1 water fall (Jim Jim and Twin
falls not open to the public). A humid 24 degrees, odometer reading 90851kms.
We drove quiet a distance before turning off to Gunlom Falls. Then taking a very rough corrugated road approximately 40km into the falls.
A moderately clear plunge pool at the base of the 200 metre fall, with a steady stream of water falling. A quick dip in what looked to be crocodile infested water, we walked to the top of the fall. A 2 km steep climb to the top where we swam in the spectacular natural infinity pools over looking the southern area of Kakadu.
Back on the ground we sat to eat lunch and were invited by a tour group to share their lunc as only 2 out of the 6 booked people were on the tour and there was too much food. The kids got to eat crocodile salad, the lunch very elaborate.
Back in the car and out on the rough road we were glad to get back on the sealed road.
A long drive back to Darwin stopping only once at Adelaide River for fuel and the toilet at 1650hrs. Fuel at Adelaide River 139.9cents per litre, odometer 91202kms.
We
set up again at Free Spirit. arriving to open the van to a food container that had fallen out of the pantry. Red Cordial and Green Curry every where. Tom taking the reins and cleaning up 98% of it.
Back to nice clean bathrooms and Darwin.
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