Darwin and Kakadu N.P - Days 113 - 115

The part of our Aus trip that we were looking forward to most was seeing Maccie and Gail. We had booked flights from Cairns to Darwin while we were in Brisbane. Gail was kind enough to come 300km in 35 degree heat, while pregnant with no air-con in her car, to pick us up. Gail assured us that it was a treat to come to Darwin (a city) to do some shopping for some much needed maternity wear and a few things for the baba.

Maccie drove to Darwin too, after school. We all spent the night in a hostel, Gail and I retired early while Peter and Mac proceeded to finish a case of 30 beers until 4.30 in the morning while trying to catch up on the 4 years that have passed since we last saw them.

Next day, Gail did some more shopping and then headed off back to K'town (Katherine) while Mac, Peter and I went off to the bush to camp. Our destination was Kakadu National Park, the biggest N.P in Australia.



The Australian Outback is everything you have heard and more, bloody hot, dry, dusty and millions upon millions of the most annoying flies.




Our first mission of the day was to get to the campsite and secure our spot in the limited space available. With Mac doing about 110kph on the dirt roads, we got in and quickly put up a tent. Our next stop was Baramundi Gorge for a swim.

In the Northern Territory of Australia or the "Territory" as the Aussies call it, there are only 2 seasons: Wet and Dry. The wet season (summer) sees torrential downpours which can cause major flooding with water levels in the rivers rising from 2 meters to over 18 meters. The rivers during this time are infested with crocodiles. In the dry season (winter) the rivers recede leaving water in the deeper gorges. Aussies call this a water hole, where they swim. Authorities don't open up these waterholes to the public until they have captured the croc's left behind from the wet season an relocate them, which can take a good few weeks.

When we got to Baramundi Gorge, there were loads of signs advising you of Croc safety! Mac being Mac, jumped straight into the water and swam away. Peter and I had a long, long think about this and after seeking constant assurance from Mac, decided to go in. Peter being the chivalrous guy that he is, insisted I go first! Needles to say we jumped in and got straight out!




















Next was the Nourlangie art site where ancient Aboriginals used to seek shelter from the heat. It was here where we saw Aboriginal art which is some 20,000 years old. Staggering to think how ancient these indigenous people are.
We headed back towards camp and decided to stop at a place called Yellow Water to watch the sun set. After all the incredible coastal sunsets we have seen, it's easy to forget how magnificent a bush sunset is. We just sate there quietly drinking a beer and taking in the absolute peace.












Once back at camp, Maccie showed off his new found camping skills. We were treated to a whole chicken cooked in a potjie pot of sorts, with potatoes, onions and carrots. Was a much needed feed after an action packed day. A few beers around the fire and bed for us.











We woke up at 5.00am next morning and went back to Yellow Waters where were booked onto a morning boat trip. An incredible sunrise greeted us with mist on the water and surrounding flood plains. We saw loads of birds and were even fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a dingo and her cubs in the distance. We were also surrounded by croc's, however we felt safe in our tour boat, no swimming for us!



















Back to camp for breakfast which was shared with our millions of fly friends. These buggers are relentless! We went to 2 more waterholes for a much needed swim and headed towards K'Town. where Maccie and Gail are teaching in the communities.