We checked into West Kimberley Lodge caravan park in Derby ($35 power & water) about lunchtime, after driving the latter miles of our journey with yellow wattle trees in full bloom lining both sides of the road. Nothing in the van tempted us for lunch so we drove to a coffee shop in town for coffee and cake or in Pete's case homemade meat pie and coffee!!! We had intended to park somewhere and have a walk around the town centre but the businesses and shops were strung along several roads with large distances in between, so we just drove around for a look.
We drove out to the Derby Wharf, a good place to fish or view the sunset over King Sound. Tides here are Australia's highest with tidal variations being as much as 11 metres, meaning vast areas of mud flats at low tide.
Our main reason for staying at Derby was to do the Horizontal Waterfall Flight and the next day we were picked up at 8.15am and driven to the airport to board our seaplane. The pilot offered the co-pilots seat to anyone and Pete jumped at the chance and spent the flight looking very authentic with headphones and microphone.!!!
At first we flew over the mud flats with the stunning mud colours changing from milky latte to coffee to brown. We flew over some of the islands in the Buccaneer Archipelago and over the falls themselves before landing on the turquoise waters and taxiing to the pontoon.
We boarded a jet boat and took off for the falls where we rode through the narrow gap between the first gorges. The second gap was too small to ride through safely as the water was flowing out very fast., so back at the pontoon we fed the fish and swam in a huge shark cage. The pontoon has a few sharks and a very big groper that hang around the boats and we could see them in the clear water, swimming by the pontoon.
We went out in the jetboat for a cruise around the untouched surrounding bays and creeks and as this is crocodile country, we looked for crocs without success.
Barra burgers seem to be the lunch of choice in the far north and we enjoyed them again for lunch.
We did one last jet boat ride out to the falls where the gap between the second gorges had widened enough for us to ride through so we rode through both gorges several times.
We flew home over the scenic Buccaneer Archipelago and King Sound. It was an excellent day out and one of the highlights of our trip so far.
The Kimberley would have to be one of the most colourful places we have been. The white, yellow, red, black and grey of the gorges, red earth, turquoise, emerald and green/grey waters of the ocean and waterways, dark green scrub and creamy spinifex make for a beautiful ever changing vista.
Next stop. A little R 'n R in Broome.
Cheers
Rhondae (Sam) & Pete
Friday, 29 June 2012
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Turkey Creek to Fitzroy Crossing - 25,26 June 2012 - 451km
Still travelling the Great Northerm Highway. We arrived at Fitzroy River Lodge caravan park about 1.00pm after stopping at a rest area called Ngumban Cliff Lookout for lunch. The rest area was at the top of a hill with a wonderful view, but also with a cold blusterly wind which rocked the caravan, so instead of enjoying the view, we ate in the van.
Our caravan park is part of a resort and is on the Fitzroy River. Its great camping with shady trees, grass and an excellent amenities block. No mobile coverage, but we could get wireless and 4 ABC channels on the tv. I caught up with internet jobs and spent the afternoon not doing much of anything. Happy hour was early as by 5.00pm it started to get quite cold.
The next day we drove out to Geike Gorge and walked the River Walk, an easy walk along the bank of the Fitzroy River, before joining the DEC boat tour into the gorge. This tour is run by the National Park and although only an hour, was excellent. We saw lots of fresh water crocs (no salties in this area), and the gorge itself was beautiful. We both agree we are gorged out. Time to move to beaches!!!
After the boat trip we walked the Reef Walk, along the base of the gorge wall. It was classed as moderate, but as we mostly had to walk in sand, found it pretty tiring. We did see some red tailed, black cockatoos though and took some great photos.
Feeling like we deserved some lunch we left the gorge and drove to the oldest pub in The Kimberley, The Crossing Inn. We enjoyed lunch and on the way out walked through the pub bar which was full of drunk locals, so we didnt linger.
Off to Derby tomorrow and will hit the WA coast at last. Hope the weather stays good.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
Our caravan park is part of a resort and is on the Fitzroy River. Its great camping with shady trees, grass and an excellent amenities block. No mobile coverage, but we could get wireless and 4 ABC channels on the tv. I caught up with internet jobs and spent the afternoon not doing much of anything. Happy hour was early as by 5.00pm it started to get quite cold.
The next day we drove out to Geike Gorge and walked the River Walk, an easy walk along the bank of the Fitzroy River, before joining the DEC boat tour into the gorge. This tour is run by the National Park and although only an hour, was excellent. We saw lots of fresh water crocs (no salties in this area), and the gorge itself was beautiful. We both agree we are gorged out. Time to move to beaches!!!
After the boat trip we walked the Reef Walk, along the base of the gorge wall. It was classed as moderate, but as we mostly had to walk in sand, found it pretty tiring. We did see some red tailed, black cockatoos though and took some great photos.
Feeling like we deserved some lunch we left the gorge and drove to the oldest pub in The Kimberley, The Crossing Inn. We enjoyed lunch and on the way out walked through the pub bar which was full of drunk locals, so we didnt linger.
Off to Derby tomorrow and will hit the WA coast at last. Hope the weather stays good.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
Monday, 25 June 2012
Kununurra ti Turkey Creek (Warmum) - 23,24 June 2012 - 198km
An easy 198km drive to Turkey Creek and we spotted a flock of Brolgas and some wild horses on the way.
The caravan park was a small one attached to Turkey Creek Roadhouse and only held about 20 vans, with a small toilet and shower block. The local Aboriginal people own the roadhouse and surrounding lands and mostly work at the 3 mines in the vicinity. We were surprised to be able to get mobile and wireless coverage there, even though it was in the middle of nowhere.
We had already booked a 4 wheel drive tour into Pernululu National Park and the Bungle Bungles and were picked up at the roudhouse at 5.30am on a very cold morning, by our guide for the day, Bruce. It was a 2 hour drive to reach Pernululu, driving across creeks and riverbeds and over dusty, corrugated roads.
The Bungle Bungle Range is renowned for its striking sandstone domes, striped with orange and grey bands. It is estimated to be 360 million years old.
Our first stop was the Visitors Centre and then we drove 20km to Echnida Chasm. We walked along a river bed to the spectactular long, narrow chasm which has striking colour variations, depending upon the angle of the sun gleaming into the chasm. The palms waving from the 200m high ridges above make the area great for photos.
Our lunch stop was at East Kimberley Tours base camp, where you can stay overnight if you wish. Lunch ws pretty ordinary and was a salad that looked like it was made of leftovers and tinned vegetables -not even a bread roll!!! Tea /coffee and Arnotts biscuits was the dessert.
A 27km drive out to Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge followed. Here we walked a trail that followed Piccaninny Creek through striped sandstone beehive like rock formations. There was evidence of waterfalls that cascaded down steep rock faces during the west season and eventually the narrow trail opened into a huge amphitheatre.
Our journey home followed a slightly different route (although we still drove with lots of dust, riverbeds and a corrugated road), to a small hill where we stopped for afternoon tea and to view the sunset. We drove the last 1 1/2 hours in the dark which was a bit of a worry as there were lots of cattle on the road. Bruce entertained us on the way home with bush poetry and stories about the local characters and crocodiles.
The massive Mabel Station has locked its gates and left lots of its cattle to graze by the side of the road for about 40km. Apparently the locals are not impressed as the cattle are continually being hit and killed by traffic, making travelling in that area much more dangerous.
We arrived back at camp at 7.00pm - a long day, but very enjoyable.
Tomorrow we head west to Fitzroy Crossing. We haven't booked anything, so hope we ge a site with power.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
The caravan park was a small one attached to Turkey Creek Roadhouse and only held about 20 vans, with a small toilet and shower block. The local Aboriginal people own the roadhouse and surrounding lands and mostly work at the 3 mines in the vicinity. We were surprised to be able to get mobile and wireless coverage there, even though it was in the middle of nowhere.
We had already booked a 4 wheel drive tour into Pernululu National Park and the Bungle Bungles and were picked up at the roudhouse at 5.30am on a very cold morning, by our guide for the day, Bruce. It was a 2 hour drive to reach Pernululu, driving across creeks and riverbeds and over dusty, corrugated roads.
The Bungle Bungle Range is renowned for its striking sandstone domes, striped with orange and grey bands. It is estimated to be 360 million years old.
Our first stop was the Visitors Centre and then we drove 20km to Echnida Chasm. We walked along a river bed to the spectactular long, narrow chasm which has striking colour variations, depending upon the angle of the sun gleaming into the chasm. The palms waving from the 200m high ridges above make the area great for photos.
Our lunch stop was at East Kimberley Tours base camp, where you can stay overnight if you wish. Lunch ws pretty ordinary and was a salad that looked like it was made of leftovers and tinned vegetables -not even a bread roll!!! Tea /coffee and Arnotts biscuits was the dessert.
A 27km drive out to Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge followed. Here we walked a trail that followed Piccaninny Creek through striped sandstone beehive like rock formations. There was evidence of waterfalls that cascaded down steep rock faces during the west season and eventually the narrow trail opened into a huge amphitheatre.
Our journey home followed a slightly different route (although we still drove with lots of dust, riverbeds and a corrugated road), to a small hill where we stopped for afternoon tea and to view the sunset. We drove the last 1 1/2 hours in the dark which was a bit of a worry as there were lots of cattle on the road. Bruce entertained us on the way home with bush poetry and stories about the local characters and crocodiles.
The massive Mabel Station has locked its gates and left lots of its cattle to graze by the side of the road for about 40km. Apparently the locals are not impressed as the cattle are continually being hit and killed by traffic, making travelling in that area much more dangerous.
We arrived back at camp at 7.00pm - a long day, but very enjoyable.
Tomorrow we head west to Fitzroy Crossing. We haven't booked anything, so hope we ge a site with power.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
Friday, 22 June 2012
Katherine to Kununurra - 18 to 22 June 2012 -503km
Had an early start and took our time to drive the 503km to Kununurra. The further we drove the nicer the countryside became and we drove through areas of majestic silver/grey boab trees with no leaves. We stopped for fuel at Victoria River Roadhouse which was a lovely area and had we realised this sooner would probably have stayed there a night or two. Apparently it is a good Barra fishing spot. On reaching the border between Northern Territory and Western Australia we had to hand over our vegies and a jar of honey at the quarantine station.
Our caravan park in Kununurra was called Town Caravan Park ($33 power & water) and as its name indicated was right in town!!! Plenty of shady trees but a bit noisy as our van backed onto a main road. It has a "Live Cane Toad Box", so if anyone finds a live cane toad they place it in the box and they are euthanesed twice a week!!! I always looked in when I passed, but didnt see any.WA are trying to prevent them spreading.
Our first day we visited the Tourist Information Centre to get information on the area and headed out to Mirima National Park where we walked up hill, through stunning rock formations to a look out. Our next place to visit was Kellys Knob which was quite close to town and gave a great view of Kununurra town.
We then drove out of town over the Division Dam of the Ord River to Zebra Rock Gallery, a workshop where they produce all sorts of ornaments made of a unique striped rock. We walked down to the river to watch the kids feeing the milk fish (a type of catfish) and then treated ourselves to coffee and cake.
On the 3rd day we drove the 200km round trip out to Wyndham in the far north of the East Kimberley. On the way we called into The Grotto, a 175m deep pool, which lies at the bottom of 140 rugged steps which have no railings. Not good if you are scared of heights as some places were quite narrow. Nevertheless we made it down and saw 2 monitor lizards on the rocks near the pool.
On reaching Wyndham we drove up to 5 Rivers Lookout where 5 rivers meet and the tides are some of the largest in the world. The lookout is 350m above sea level and the panoramic views are spectacular. Had a look around Wyndham Port before going to the Wyndham Hotel which had been recommended for lunch. Unfortunately we arrived the same time as a tour bus and waited over an hour for our Barra Burgers, as half the hotel staff had not turned up for their shift. It was a pretty good burger though!!
Next day we drove 70km out of town to Lake Argyle, Australias 2nd largest reservoir which holds 21 times the water of Sydney Harbour. It is a very picturesque spot and a great place for a picnic and also for fishing. We saw a very large freshwater "snapping handbag", sunning itself by the river.
Our last day in Kununurra was spent catching up on the mundane things like washing, shopping and after phoning every caravan park I could find, I managed to land a booking in Broome. I'll now have to start making bookings for our trip down the west coast as its school holidays in a week and they will be very busy.
Tomorrow we drive to Turkey Creek for our visit to The Bungle Bungles.
More blog from there.
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
Our caravan park in Kununurra was called Town Caravan Park ($33 power & water) and as its name indicated was right in town!!! Plenty of shady trees but a bit noisy as our van backed onto a main road. It has a "Live Cane Toad Box", so if anyone finds a live cane toad they place it in the box and they are euthanesed twice a week!!! I always looked in when I passed, but didnt see any.WA are trying to prevent them spreading.
Our first day we visited the Tourist Information Centre to get information on the area and headed out to Mirima National Park where we walked up hill, through stunning rock formations to a look out. Our next place to visit was Kellys Knob which was quite close to town and gave a great view of Kununurra town.
We then drove out of town over the Division Dam of the Ord River to Zebra Rock Gallery, a workshop where they produce all sorts of ornaments made of a unique striped rock. We walked down to the river to watch the kids feeing the milk fish (a type of catfish) and then treated ourselves to coffee and cake.
On the 3rd day we drove the 200km round trip out to Wyndham in the far north of the East Kimberley. On the way we called into The Grotto, a 175m deep pool, which lies at the bottom of 140 rugged steps which have no railings. Not good if you are scared of heights as some places were quite narrow. Nevertheless we made it down and saw 2 monitor lizards on the rocks near the pool.
On reaching Wyndham we drove up to 5 Rivers Lookout where 5 rivers meet and the tides are some of the largest in the world. The lookout is 350m above sea level and the panoramic views are spectacular. Had a look around Wyndham Port before going to the Wyndham Hotel which had been recommended for lunch. Unfortunately we arrived the same time as a tour bus and waited over an hour for our Barra Burgers, as half the hotel staff had not turned up for their shift. It was a pretty good burger though!!
Next day we drove 70km out of town to Lake Argyle, Australias 2nd largest reservoir which holds 21 times the water of Sydney Harbour. It is a very picturesque spot and a great place for a picnic and also for fishing. We saw a very large freshwater "snapping handbag", sunning itself by the river.
Our last day in Kununurra was spent catching up on the mundane things like washing, shopping and after phoning every caravan park I could find, I managed to land a booking in Broome. I'll now have to start making bookings for our trip down the west coast as its school holidays in a week and they will be very busy.
Tomorrow we drive to Turkey Creek for our visit to The Bungle Bungles.
More blog from there.
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Litchfield National Park to Katherine - 15,16,June 2012 -249km
Drove south from Litchfield N.P. on a very hot day and out of the blue a herd of about 20 cattle raced across the road in front of us with no warning. Pete managed to brake just in time to avoid them and we were grateful there was no road train behind us.
Katherine is situated on the Katherine River and is considered a big town in this part of Aussie, and the Stuart Highway runs through the town. We checked into Knotts Crossing Caravan Park ($39, power, water, ensuite) and after settting up drove into town to book our boat trip to Katherine Gorge for the next day.
The next morning we drove 30km out of town to Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge).
Nitmiluk is the Aboriginal name for the gorge and means cicada country. Our boat trip took us to 3 of the deep sandstone gorges which have been carved out by the Katherine River. We changed boats 3 times to get to the 3 gorges, with our guide (Chris) explaining the history of the gorge and its indiginous owners. There were no waterfalls to see as the gorges are almost at their lowest point, but the towering cliff walls were an awesome sight. Before leaving on the last boat we were given the opportunity to swim in the rock pools. On the way back we saw several fresh water crocs, sunning themselves on the banks.
Spent the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing the van for our journey tomorrow. It will be goodbye Northern Territory and hello to Western Australia.
More from W.A.
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Katherine is situated on the Katherine River and is considered a big town in this part of Aussie, and the Stuart Highway runs through the town. We checked into Knotts Crossing Caravan Park ($39, power, water, ensuite) and after settting up drove into town to book our boat trip to Katherine Gorge for the next day.
The next morning we drove 30km out of town to Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge).
Nitmiluk is the Aboriginal name for the gorge and means cicada country. Our boat trip took us to 3 of the deep sandstone gorges which have been carved out by the Katherine River. We changed boats 3 times to get to the 3 gorges, with our guide (Chris) explaining the history of the gorge and its indiginous owners. There were no waterfalls to see as the gorges are almost at their lowest point, but the towering cliff walls were an awesome sight. Before leaving on the last boat we were given the opportunity to swim in the rock pools. On the way back we saw several fresh water crocs, sunning themselves on the banks.
Spent the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing the van for our journey tomorrow. It will be goodbye Northern Territory and hello to Western Australia.
More from W.A.
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Darwin to Litchfield National Park - 14,15 June 2012 - 134km
It was only a short drive to Litchfield N.P. and we checked into Litchfield Tourist Park ($28 power & water) before lunch. The caravan park is just outside the boundary of the national park and our camp site had a concrete slab and a roof over it to keep us cool.
That afternoon we drove out into the park and stopped to view the Magnetic Termite Mounds. They are called magnetic because they are built north to south. We thought they looked a bit like large toombstones!!!!
We then continued on to Florence Falls where we walked down the 135 steps to the bottom pool and had a swim before walking back to our car via the Shady Creek walk.
Just a short drive then to Buley Rockhole, which is a cascading seried of pools and is also great for a swim. So we made the most of that.
That was enough for our 1st day, so back to camp for happy hour with the mossies and bugs and a long night with no TV. Just as well we both like to read.
We had decided only to spend 2 nights there so we left camp early the next day to see the remainder of the sights and drove out to Walker Creek first. Here we did a lovely bush walk along the creek which had 8 small camp sites along the way. If you wanted to camp at them you would have to carry all your gear in. The track was quite steep in places and it was a very hot day, so at camp no.7 we cooled off in a big rock pool.
Our next stop was Wangi Falls where we walked the loop walk which was a steep climb and took us around the back of the falls. It was a hard climb going up and coming down was very hard on the old legs. Again we cooled off in the pool at the bottom of the falls. There were warnings that freshwater crocs live in the area, but we didn't see any. We are told they won't harm you unless provoked. By this time we were ready for lunch and ate our picnic lunch on the grassed area in front of the falls.
Tolmer Falls were our last stop for the day and we reached them after a short walk to the viewing platform. By this time we were all walked out!!! All the falls areas were impressive.
There was no shortage of water at our caravan park and they had sprinklers watering the grass and gardens all day. There was no lighting around the camp and although the toilet block and the cafe/bar area were well lit, it was pitch black everywhere else, which mad the view of the clear, star filled sky, exceptional. We had no coverage for mobiles or intenet and no TV. Although the camp was very nice with green grass and shrubs, this was the worst place we have stayed at for mossies and bugs.
There is no doubt Litchfield National Park is a very beautiful area and we are really glad we came to see it, but again the burning off of the bush spoilt the scenery and left the air very smokey for days. One spot of fire we passed had large flames by the side of the road. Apart from 2 dingos which ran in front of us and 2 small roos by the side of the road, there was no other wildlife to be seen.
Tomorrow we will be travelling south to Katherine. More blog from there.
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
That afternoon we drove out into the park and stopped to view the Magnetic Termite Mounds. They are called magnetic because they are built north to south. We thought they looked a bit like large toombstones!!!!
We then continued on to Florence Falls where we walked down the 135 steps to the bottom pool and had a swim before walking back to our car via the Shady Creek walk.
Just a short drive then to Buley Rockhole, which is a cascading seried of pools and is also great for a swim. So we made the most of that.
That was enough for our 1st day, so back to camp for happy hour with the mossies and bugs and a long night with no TV. Just as well we both like to read.
We had decided only to spend 2 nights there so we left camp early the next day to see the remainder of the sights and drove out to Walker Creek first. Here we did a lovely bush walk along the creek which had 8 small camp sites along the way. If you wanted to camp at them you would have to carry all your gear in. The track was quite steep in places and it was a very hot day, so at camp no.7 we cooled off in a big rock pool.
Our next stop was Wangi Falls where we walked the loop walk which was a steep climb and took us around the back of the falls. It was a hard climb going up and coming down was very hard on the old legs. Again we cooled off in the pool at the bottom of the falls. There were warnings that freshwater crocs live in the area, but we didn't see any. We are told they won't harm you unless provoked. By this time we were ready for lunch and ate our picnic lunch on the grassed area in front of the falls.
Tolmer Falls were our last stop for the day and we reached them after a short walk to the viewing platform. By this time we were all walked out!!! All the falls areas were impressive.
There was no shortage of water at our caravan park and they had sprinklers watering the grass and gardens all day. There was no lighting around the camp and although the toilet block and the cafe/bar area were well lit, it was pitch black everywhere else, which mad the view of the clear, star filled sky, exceptional. We had no coverage for mobiles or intenet and no TV. Although the camp was very nice with green grass and shrubs, this was the worst place we have stayed at for mossies and bugs.
There is no doubt Litchfield National Park is a very beautiful area and we are really glad we came to see it, but again the burning off of the bush spoilt the scenery and left the air very smokey for days. One spot of fire we passed had large flames by the side of the road. Apart from 2 dingos which ran in front of us and 2 small roos by the side of the road, there was no other wildlife to be seen.
Tomorrow we will be travelling south to Katherine. More blog from there.
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Kakadu to Darwin - 8-13 June 2012 - 250km
Seeing as we only had 250km to travel we left Jabiru about 9.30am for the trip to Darwin. It was a hot day and we were travelling on a good road. We did have a near miss when a small red roo jumped across the road in front of us, but we saw it in plenty of time to miss him.
We checked into Shady Glen Caravan Park ($39 power & water). It is aptly named as there are plenty of shady trees. Just as well as its pretty hot here. We needed to stock up on a few items, so shopped at a nearby supermarket and were back in time for happy hour!!!
The next morning we awoke to find our fridge was not working and transferred everything over to the Engel. Pete phoned a few places to try to get a fridge mechanic, with no success as its a long weekend here, so he had a go at fixing it himself. Not an easy job, but he got it running again.
It was Pete's 65th birthday so we caught the local bus into town (no charge for Seniors!!!) and went to happy hour at one of the many pubs in the main street. We had been recommended a restaurant called Crustaceans which is situated right on the end of Stokes Hill Wharf, and decided to walk there for dinner. We stopped to ask directions from a young girl who was on her way home and she offered to drive us there. (The kids seem to take pity on us when we take these long walks!!!). The wharf has a great view over the water and we sat outside and ate Barramundi. On the walk back we had dessert (a big double ice cream cone each!!!).
After a nightcap in town we headed for the bus station to catch the last bus home. We had a 40 minute wait before it left and were a bit uncomfortable as there were quite a few drunks around. Next minute several transit police arrived and surrounded one drunken Aboriginal and asked the people waiting if he had threatened anyone with the knife he was carrying. No one said yes, and then our bus arrived so we boarded and off we went.
A few stops down the road and four more drunks got on and we only drove a short way when the driver stopped the bus, turned off the engine and asked them did they know they were on the no.8 bus, not the no.4. After about 20 minutes discussion on the matter they decided to get off and we continued on our way without further disturbance.
On our 3rd day I had a problem with the computer and couldnt fix it, so phoned a few places to try to get it fixed. One guy was very helpful and tried to fix ti with me over the phone - no luck. Being a long weekend I will take it into him on Tuesday when the shop opens again. After lunch we drove into town andd walked around the city centre looking at the sights. We then drove out to the sunset markets at Mindl Beach and ate dinner from the stalls there.
Monday morning we drove out to East Point Recreation Reserve and spent a few hours on the beach which has a great view of the city skyline. That afternoon we called in to visit our friend Bill, who we met at Stockton, but lives in Darwin.
On Tuesday we spent the morning catching up on a few necessities and booked the car in to have a transmission fuel cooling kit installed the next day.
With the car in the garage on Wedneday, we decided we needed some exercise and went for a walk along the Stuart Highway. Very hot but we needed to do something. Afterwards we cooled off in the caravan park pool. Our caravan park is very close to Darwin Airport and never seems to close. We have heard planes landing at 2.30 am - quite noisy.
Tomorrow we start our travelling again and are heading to Litchfield National Park. Keep your fingers crossed that our caravan fridge doesn't pack it in!!!!
Not sure if I will have wireless at Litchfield. So next blog may have to wait until I do.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
We checked into Shady Glen Caravan Park ($39 power & water). It is aptly named as there are plenty of shady trees. Just as well as its pretty hot here. We needed to stock up on a few items, so shopped at a nearby supermarket and were back in time for happy hour!!!
The next morning we awoke to find our fridge was not working and transferred everything over to the Engel. Pete phoned a few places to try to get a fridge mechanic, with no success as its a long weekend here, so he had a go at fixing it himself. Not an easy job, but he got it running again.
It was Pete's 65th birthday so we caught the local bus into town (no charge for Seniors!!!) and went to happy hour at one of the many pubs in the main street. We had been recommended a restaurant called Crustaceans which is situated right on the end of Stokes Hill Wharf, and decided to walk there for dinner. We stopped to ask directions from a young girl who was on her way home and she offered to drive us there. (The kids seem to take pity on us when we take these long walks!!!). The wharf has a great view over the water and we sat outside and ate Barramundi. On the walk back we had dessert (a big double ice cream cone each!!!).
After a nightcap in town we headed for the bus station to catch the last bus home. We had a 40 minute wait before it left and were a bit uncomfortable as there were quite a few drunks around. Next minute several transit police arrived and surrounded one drunken Aboriginal and asked the people waiting if he had threatened anyone with the knife he was carrying. No one said yes, and then our bus arrived so we boarded and off we went.
A few stops down the road and four more drunks got on and we only drove a short way when the driver stopped the bus, turned off the engine and asked them did they know they were on the no.8 bus, not the no.4. After about 20 minutes discussion on the matter they decided to get off and we continued on our way without further disturbance.
On our 3rd day I had a problem with the computer and couldnt fix it, so phoned a few places to try to get it fixed. One guy was very helpful and tried to fix ti with me over the phone - no luck. Being a long weekend I will take it into him on Tuesday when the shop opens again. After lunch we drove into town andd walked around the city centre looking at the sights. We then drove out to the sunset markets at Mindl Beach and ate dinner from the stalls there.
Monday morning we drove out to East Point Recreation Reserve and spent a few hours on the beach which has a great view of the city skyline. That afternoon we called in to visit our friend Bill, who we met at Stockton, but lives in Darwin.
On Tuesday we spent the morning catching up on a few necessities and booked the car in to have a transmission fuel cooling kit installed the next day.
With the car in the garage on Wedneday, we decided we needed some exercise and went for a walk along the Stuart Highway. Very hot but we needed to do something. Afterwards we cooled off in the caravan park pool. Our caravan park is very close to Darwin Airport and never seems to close. We have heard planes landing at 2.30 am - quite noisy.
Tomorrow we start our travelling again and are heading to Litchfield National Park. Keep your fingers crossed that our caravan fridge doesn't pack it in!!!!
Not sure if I will have wireless at Litchfield. So next blog may have to wait until I do.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Mataranka Springs to Kakadu - 4 June 2012 - 411km
We departed Mataranka Springs at 8.15am as we had quite a big day of travelling before us. We stopped at Katherine to stock up on food. There was a Woolworths on the Stuart Highwat (Katherine main street), so it was easy.
After leaving Katherine we drove about 91k and turned onto the Kakadu Highway, stopping at Mary River Roadhouse for lunch. The 208km journey on the Kakadu Highway was on a good road, but with very little to see as the scenery didn't change at all. The only thing of interest was the burn off fires which is an aboriginal tradition, tens of thousand years old and is summed up by this quotation. (It took my fancy!!!!)
"This earth, I never damage. I look after. Fire is nothing, just clean up. When you burn, new grass coming up. That means good animal soon, might be goanna, posum, wallaby. Burn him off. new grass coming up. new life all over."
BILL NEIDJIE Bunitj Clan
We arrived at 3.30pm and checked in to Lakeview Park Caravan Park at Jabiru, ($40 power AND OUR OWN ENSUITE). The caravan park is all grass and shady trees which is a pleasant change from red dust or gravel.
On our first day we drove to Bowali Visitors Centre to check out what to see and do and then drove on to Mamukala Wetlands, where we walked the 3k loop. The bush at the side of the path was still smoldering as the local people had been burning off. No chance to see much wildlife in that area as it would have run off to escape the burning. However, there were lots of hawkes hunting for those animals who had been flushed out by the fire.
We came across a young American birdwatcher who had just witnessed a dingo eating a dead pig. We walked the remainder of the path with him. As it turned out he was from one of our favourite places in the States, Flagstaff. Before leaving we visited the observation deck which overlooked the wetlands where we did see lots of bird life.
It was a pleasant change to have TV reception again and so we watched the Queens 60th Anniversary Concert - good stuff!!!!
We were booked on a Yellow Water Wetland cruise at Cooinda at 9.00am the next morning and had to drive for 45 minutes to get there on time. Originally we were going to book the 6.45am cruise, but were advised to go a bit later and were glad we did, as we saw lots of crocs which surface to sun themselves on the banks when the sun is hot and were not around for the earlier cruise. It was a lovely, warm day and we saw lots of birdlife in a beautiful wetland setting which will only be there for another month, when a lot of the water disappears and the pigs and buffalo move in.
After the cruise, our next stop was the Nourlangie Region where archaeologists have uncovered 20,000 years of Aboriginal occupation. We walked up to Nourlangie Rock Lookout, passing several aboriginal rock painting sites along the way. When we reached the top the view was spectacular.
On the way back to Jabiru we stopped by a bridge over a small wetland and saw Jabiru Storks and a huge black wild pig in the shallow water. We ate a late picnic lunch at Jabiru Lake, before returning to our camp.
No need to rush out early on our last day at Kakadu, so we took our time before driving out to Ubirr. The Ubirr area is about 39km north of the Arnhem Highway and has the magnificent Nardab Lookout and lots of Aboriginal rock art, dating back 8,000 - 15,000 years. Some of the art is not very visible as it has faded over the years. Others have survived better because they have been protected from the elements by large overhanging rocks.
We climbed up to the lookout and found ourselves surrounded by a 360 degree view of wonderful flood plains and distant ranges and we could see right across to Arnhem Land.
During the drive back to Jabiru we drove through a few areas where water crossed the road, but no problems as it was only shallow.
We have enjoyed our time at Kakadu, but were a bit disappointed to be here during the large scale burn off which produced lots of smoke in several areas we visited, and we didnt see as many animals as we thought we would. However, having OUR VERY OWN ENSUITE was a luxury!!!!
Tomorrow we drive to Darwin, so next blog will be from there.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
After leaving Katherine we drove about 91k and turned onto the Kakadu Highway, stopping at Mary River Roadhouse for lunch. The 208km journey on the Kakadu Highway was on a good road, but with very little to see as the scenery didn't change at all. The only thing of interest was the burn off fires which is an aboriginal tradition, tens of thousand years old and is summed up by this quotation. (It took my fancy!!!!)
"This earth, I never damage. I look after. Fire is nothing, just clean up. When you burn, new grass coming up. That means good animal soon, might be goanna, posum, wallaby. Burn him off. new grass coming up. new life all over."
BILL NEIDJIE Bunitj Clan
We arrived at 3.30pm and checked in to Lakeview Park Caravan Park at Jabiru, ($40 power AND OUR OWN ENSUITE). The caravan park is all grass and shady trees which is a pleasant change from red dust or gravel.
On our first day we drove to Bowali Visitors Centre to check out what to see and do and then drove on to Mamukala Wetlands, where we walked the 3k loop. The bush at the side of the path was still smoldering as the local people had been burning off. No chance to see much wildlife in that area as it would have run off to escape the burning. However, there were lots of hawkes hunting for those animals who had been flushed out by the fire.
We came across a young American birdwatcher who had just witnessed a dingo eating a dead pig. We walked the remainder of the path with him. As it turned out he was from one of our favourite places in the States, Flagstaff. Before leaving we visited the observation deck which overlooked the wetlands where we did see lots of bird life.
It was a pleasant change to have TV reception again and so we watched the Queens 60th Anniversary Concert - good stuff!!!!
We were booked on a Yellow Water Wetland cruise at Cooinda at 9.00am the next morning and had to drive for 45 minutes to get there on time. Originally we were going to book the 6.45am cruise, but were advised to go a bit later and were glad we did, as we saw lots of crocs which surface to sun themselves on the banks when the sun is hot and were not around for the earlier cruise. It was a lovely, warm day and we saw lots of birdlife in a beautiful wetland setting which will only be there for another month, when a lot of the water disappears and the pigs and buffalo move in.
After the cruise, our next stop was the Nourlangie Region where archaeologists have uncovered 20,000 years of Aboriginal occupation. We walked up to Nourlangie Rock Lookout, passing several aboriginal rock painting sites along the way. When we reached the top the view was spectacular.
On the way back to Jabiru we stopped by a bridge over a small wetland and saw Jabiru Storks and a huge black wild pig in the shallow water. We ate a late picnic lunch at Jabiru Lake, before returning to our camp.
No need to rush out early on our last day at Kakadu, so we took our time before driving out to Ubirr. The Ubirr area is about 39km north of the Arnhem Highway and has the magnificent Nardab Lookout and lots of Aboriginal rock art, dating back 8,000 - 15,000 years. Some of the art is not very visible as it has faded over the years. Others have survived better because they have been protected from the elements by large overhanging rocks.
We climbed up to the lookout and found ourselves surrounded by a 360 degree view of wonderful flood plains and distant ranges and we could see right across to Arnhem Land.
During the drive back to Jabiru we drove through a few areas where water crossed the road, but no problems as it was only shallow.
We have enjoyed our time at Kakadu, but were a bit disappointed to be here during the large scale burn off which produced lots of smoke in several areas we visited, and we didnt see as many animals as we thought we would. However, having OUR VERY OWN ENSUITE was a luxury!!!!
Tomorrow we drive to Darwin, so next blog will be from there.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Daly Waters to Mataranka Springs - 3 June 2012 - 170km
Not far to drive today, so we didn't leave too early.
The terrain is changing. The roads aren't as straight and there are larger trees, and we seemed to be driving steadily uphill. There are lots of anthills at the side of the road that look like man made sculputures.
The caravan park at Mataranka Homestead ($29 power & water) is very shady and very dusty!!! The fine red dust gets into everythin and makes your throat feel dry.
We went for a walk to the Waterhouse River. It has freshwater crocs which we are told are not dangerous. (I dont think we will test that though!!!!). Apparently every year after the wet season the rangers check for the big saltwater crocs and if they catch any they take them out of the area. We saw some aboriginal kids looking for turtles at the river and watched them for a while.
The thermal pool had very clear water, was warm, not hot and we enjoyed our swim there. We spent the remainder of the afternoon reading outside our van with visits from a little red kangaroo and several peacocks.
At about 9pm the power was cut off unexpectantly. Not knowing how long this would last, and because we were worried about our 2 fridges being off all night, we took the torch and walked to the main reception building, which was closed, and no staff were around. One of the locals drinking in the dark bar told us it happened all the time and should come back on in an hour or two. Which it did.
Next stop - Kakadu. More blog from there.
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
The terrain is changing. The roads aren't as straight and there are larger trees, and we seemed to be driving steadily uphill. There are lots of anthills at the side of the road that look like man made sculputures.
The caravan park at Mataranka Homestead ($29 power & water) is very shady and very dusty!!! The fine red dust gets into everythin and makes your throat feel dry.
We went for a walk to the Waterhouse River. It has freshwater crocs which we are told are not dangerous. (I dont think we will test that though!!!!). Apparently every year after the wet season the rangers check for the big saltwater crocs and if they catch any they take them out of the area. We saw some aboriginal kids looking for turtles at the river and watched them for a while.
The thermal pool had very clear water, was warm, not hot and we enjoyed our swim there. We spent the remainder of the afternoon reading outside our van with visits from a little red kangaroo and several peacocks.
At about 9pm the power was cut off unexpectantly. Not knowing how long this would last, and because we were worried about our 2 fridges being off all night, we took the torch and walked to the main reception building, which was closed, and no staff were around. One of the locals drinking in the dark bar told us it happened all the time and should come back on in an hour or two. Which it did.
Next stop - Kakadu. More blog from there.
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Renner Springs to Daly Waters - 2 June 2012 - 244km
An uneventful trip, stopping at Elliott for re-fueling. Arrived at Daly Waters before lunch and were shown to our site by a man on a push bike. We had a great site by a shady tree ($24 power).
They say the pub is the oldest pub in Australia. It has a great atmosphere filled with weird and whacky memorabillia. The bar staff were Irish backpackers and Pete was the only one who could understand them!!! We booked in for their special Beef & Barra BBQ that night and spent the afternoon relaxing under our shady tree watching the vans roll in.
The dinner was very well organised with 3 sittings available. The meal was excellent and the entertainment surprisingly good. The entertainer's name was "Chilli" and was a real bushy, comedian, bush poet and singer. We haven't had such a good laugh for ages. It was a unique nights entertainment and we really enjoyed it. We even bought his C D. Pete got it autographed because Chilli said he would get $1 more if he sold it on ebay. The pub has won the award for the best outback pub for the 6th time. It was an excellent night and everyone travelling in this area should give it a try. We walked back to our camp under a most unusual sky full of small white fluggy clouds, a bright moon and lots of stars.
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
They say the pub is the oldest pub in Australia. It has a great atmosphere filled with weird and whacky memorabillia. The bar staff were Irish backpackers and Pete was the only one who could understand them!!! We booked in for their special Beef & Barra BBQ that night and spent the afternoon relaxing under our shady tree watching the vans roll in.
The dinner was very well organised with 3 sittings available. The meal was excellent and the entertainment surprisingly good. The entertainer's name was "Chilli" and was a real bushy, comedian, bush poet and singer. We haven't had such a good laugh for ages. It was a unique nights entertainment and we really enjoyed it. We even bought his C D. Pete got it autographed because Chilli said he would get $1 more if he sold it on ebay. The pub has won the award for the best outback pub for the 6th time. It was an excellent night and everyone travelling in this area should give it a try. We walked back to our camp under a most unusual sky full of small white fluggy clouds, a bright moon and lots of stars.
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Monday, 4 June 2012
Devils Marbles to Renner Springs - 1 June 2012 - 276km
We had very little packing up to do and were away early to drive the 276km to Renner Springs. We arrived before lunch and checked into Renner Springs Desert Caravan Park ($30 power & water). Once again we didnt have to unhook the car so setting up didnt take long. Took a short walk to the lagoon where there were lot of large hawks circling above. We were told at check in that the springs water there is the best in Austrtalia (a little poetic licence you think)?? Had a lazy afternoon watching the birdlife (pelicans and peacocks among others).
Cooking dinner turned into a bit of a circus as we no sooner started to cook, than the power cut off. Two yardies employed there were trying to fix it. Maybe it would have turned out better if the older guy hadn't had a few too many beers. As it happened the power went off and on for the next hour, with the pair of "fixers" trying different fixes, but really not having a clue. Finally another guy turned up and spotted the problem straight away and all 6 vans breathed a sigh of relief. He showed Pete where the reset button was and Pete had to reset it 3 times before it finally settled down.
We have had no mobile or broadband coverage since Alice and it looks like we wont have it again until Darwin. (I'm not sure about Kakadu).
It seems we have left the really cold weather behind. The weather in Renner Springs was hot during the day and pleasantly warm at night.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Cooking dinner turned into a bit of a circus as we no sooner started to cook, than the power cut off. Two yardies employed there were trying to fix it. Maybe it would have turned out better if the older guy hadn't had a few too many beers. As it happened the power went off and on for the next hour, with the pair of "fixers" trying different fixes, but really not having a clue. Finally another guy turned up and spotted the problem straight away and all 6 vans breathed a sigh of relief. He showed Pete where the reset button was and Pete had to reset it 3 times before it finally settled down.
We have had no mobile or broadband coverage since Alice and it looks like we wont have it again until Darwin. (I'm not sure about Kakadu).
It seems we have left the really cold weather behind. The weather in Renner Springs was hot during the day and pleasantly warm at night.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Alice Springs to Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) - 31 May 2012 - 393km
On the road by 8.30am, headed for our first top up town, Aileron. The roadhouse there was great with a nice bar and restaurant area and a small caravan park. It also had a very big wedge tail eagle in an enclosure. Apparently the eagle had been hit by a truck and now has pins in both wings and a metal plate in its chest. It was 39 years old and the owner of the roadhouse told us he had know it for 21 years.
We are driving the the typical long straight stretches of road and came across a corral full of camels (at least 50 or 60). It is a holding pen for when they catch the wild ones. Just passed a large flock of bright green budgies which were by the side of the road.
After stopping for a bite to eat at a roadside rest stop, we arrived at Devils Marbles for our first off road camping experience at about 2.30pm. Just as well because the camp filled up very quickly after that.
Devils Marbles is an area of large granite boulders, scattered across a wide shallow valley. The massive boulders stand out spectacularly against the rolling hills and level plains of the region. The camping site is right amongst the marbles and is tendered by the national park. It costs $3.50 per person, and the money is put in an envelope and left in a box on site for collection. There are no facilities, except one pit toilet.
As it was just an overnight stay we didnt unhook the car and after setting up camp we took a walk into the marbles area. We climbed up several rock formations and were rewarded with spectular views. We spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing with a few drinks and checking out the dingo who wandered into the camp and made himself comfortable in the middle of the vans. Had a chat to one of our neighbours, a German who has lived in Australia for 40 years and travels around a lot. We had no electricity, and prepared an easy dinner on our gas stove, by the light of our tilly lamp. We read for a while, using our head lamps and had a very early night (no telly!!!). The sky at night is exceptionally clear and is full of bright, twinkling stars.
We got up early to find the same dingo in the camp again. A women had let her old dog out without a lead and the dingo started to stalk it. It was about to attack when it ws chased away. Dogs are supposed to be on a leash at all times. Some people will never learn!!! I am surprised at the amount of people travelling in vans who bring their dog with them.
We enjoyed our off road experience and would certainly do it again for a night here and there if necessary.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
We are driving the the typical long straight stretches of road and came across a corral full of camels (at least 50 or 60). It is a holding pen for when they catch the wild ones. Just passed a large flock of bright green budgies which were by the side of the road.
After stopping for a bite to eat at a roadside rest stop, we arrived at Devils Marbles for our first off road camping experience at about 2.30pm. Just as well because the camp filled up very quickly after that.
Devils Marbles is an area of large granite boulders, scattered across a wide shallow valley. The massive boulders stand out spectacularly against the rolling hills and level plains of the region. The camping site is right amongst the marbles and is tendered by the national park. It costs $3.50 per person, and the money is put in an envelope and left in a box on site for collection. There are no facilities, except one pit toilet.
As it was just an overnight stay we didnt unhook the car and after setting up camp we took a walk into the marbles area. We climbed up several rock formations and were rewarded with spectular views. We spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing with a few drinks and checking out the dingo who wandered into the camp and made himself comfortable in the middle of the vans. Had a chat to one of our neighbours, a German who has lived in Australia for 40 years and travels around a lot. We had no electricity, and prepared an easy dinner on our gas stove, by the light of our tilly lamp. We read for a while, using our head lamps and had a very early night (no telly!!!). The sky at night is exceptionally clear and is full of bright, twinkling stars.
We got up early to find the same dingo in the camp again. A women had let her old dog out without a lead and the dingo started to stalk it. It was about to attack when it ws chased away. Dogs are supposed to be on a leash at all times. Some people will never learn!!! I am surprised at the amount of people travelling in vans who bring their dog with them.
We enjoyed our off road experience and would certainly do it again for a night here and there if necessary.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
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