Kakadu National Park

19/09/2011 - 21/09/2011

When we say early starts, this was unbelievably early, waking up at 4am. Eeeek.

I first of all had difficulty getting out the gate with the security on there - clearly someone had forgotten that I was going on the tour this morning.

Having woken up nice and early, there was no sign of the bus.  Surprise surprise.

I had a weird sense of being in Africa again, although slightly bemused because this is Australia and NOT Africa and I felt that whatever problem the Aussies should be able to cope.

They did rock up, about an hour late.  I wasn't convinced about whether they had or hadn't forgotten me, but at least they were here.

After a spot of breakfast, we were on route to the beautiful Litchfield National Park to visit the stunning waterfalls there. On arrival we met with the traditional landowners to understand a bit about the Aboriginal culture, with a talk on bush tucker, basket weaving and spear throwing. We also had the opportunity to try the didgeridoo.
There was quite a bit of a hike up to the waterfall but the view was well worth it when we finally got there.  Absolutely stunning...but so so hot!!
The rock faces were so red and almost a mirror of the Grand Canyon.

Afterwards we headed towards Mary River Wetlands for a boat trip to see the birdlife and other animals such as crocs.

As night began to draw we headed to our campsite, when we realised that not only would we not be sleeping under canvass but literally under just a mozzie net.  Not exactly the safest precaution against the Aussie wildlife.
Slightly scary, although very pictoresque against all the stars that night.  Hello outback.


20/09/2011

After a short drive, we reached Kakadu National Park, World Heritage listed for its beautiful natural features and for beingthe centre of the world's oldest living culture. The park has some stunning aboriginal rock art which we got to view en route, but the highlight was definitely the views over the Nardab floodplain. Less fun was perhaps getting there, as it was a bit of an extreme hike, and my ability to clamber over rocks in the extreme heat was certainly declining steadily.

Afterwards we headed for the Barramundi Gorge for yet another hike, before a chance to swim in the plunge pools.  This would have been great if we weren't so terrified of the potential crocs there.

We all survived thankfully and no broken bones.

21/09/2011

Today was about more hiking as we made our way to Jim Jim Falls, which is meant to be the highlight of Kakadu.  Again the hiking is worth it for the stunning views.
The falls look onto the gorge, which even in this part of the year are pretty intense.

The only downside was that we were now on the way BACK to Darwin (stopping to see some termite mounds in the middle of the outback).

At least we wouldn't be in Darwin for too much longer.