It was interesting to learn that Zebra rock is a rare form of rock only found in a small area of the Eastern Kimberlies. Dating back to 600 million years old it gets its name from the natural zebra like patterns displayed on its surface.
After searching for not too long we all found a couple of pieces but Tori had the find of the day with a nice looking small piece that she plans on possibly turning into a necklace.
That night we joined other campers around the large open fire and swapped stories of our travels over a couple of cups of coffee whilst gazing at the stars above. Bliss!
Katherine
Early the next day we packed up and headed towards Katherine. Stopping along the way to admire the Victoria River from various lookouts and bridges.
Arriving in Katherine we spent the next 2 days soaking in the Hot Springs and exploring the surrounds before making our way up North towards Darwin.
Edith Falls
Our first stop on this leg of the journey was Edith Falls. After following the 1.6km trail up to the top pools, we spent most of the day jumping from the various ledges, swimming under the falls and in the many swimming holes. Ella, (my fearless 8yr old) just loved showing off infront of the backpackers and other tourists by jumping off the highest ledges! That child has no fear!!!
Douglas Hot Springs
Next stop.... Douglas Hot Springs and a catch up with Gary's brother Martyn.
After organizing to meet with Martyn at a roadhouse we realized we had an hour to spare. With that in mind we headed to a old WW2 airstrip to find some geocaches!
After a few finds we headed back out onto the road. But no more than 200m up the road I looked in my side mirror and saw smoke pouring from under the caravan!! Arghhhh!!!! We had blown a tyre!
Gary soon managed to change the tyre in no time and we headed off to meet Martyn.
But that wasn't going to be the end of our car troubles for the day! On arriving at the roadhouse we soon realised the car Martyn had borrowed wasn't starting!
After an hour or so of trying to start the car it was time to admit defeat. Luckily some work friends of Martyns generously offered to tow the car back to their workcamp and Martyn jumped in our car. Finally we were on our way!
After chatting, we all decided that we wouldn't mind having a hot spring running through our backyards! Continuous FREE HOT water! Now wouldn't that be nice?!?!
That night we headed out for dinner and a few drinks with Martyn before dropping him back at his work camp.
We then drove to a roadside camp up the road.. Complete with its own friendly rooster. Not only does this rooster like to pop past your caravan for a pat and free feed... He also likes to wake you up at 5am each morning!!
Lucky we had a soft spot for him.. Else he may just of been the next nights dinner!
Robin Falls
Heading off we set up camp at Robin Falls for the next few days. We just loved this spot! With our own private natural swimming pool complete with turtles, yabbies, fish and frogs! So pretty!!
Darwin
From here we headed to Darwin where we had plans to meet with my brother Judd who was flying up from Adelaide to spend 10 days holidaying with us!
Along the way, and one thing we have grown quite accustomed to in both WA and the NT, is the amount of fires we drive past on the roadside. These fires are constantly purposely lit and everywhere! Not only that, they are mainly left unmanned and are lit as a way of preventing large bushfires. Originally we found it strange and at times slightly worrying! Now though it's become quite normal to drive alongside many fires and to be honest, it seems to be a great system. Unlike the southern areas of Australia, they don't have large bushfires problems. (Although the terrain is different in the Northern states, so quite possibly this system would not work as well in the South.)
We found it also quite interesting to learn that the Eagles up here have not only learnt that by gliding over fires they can catch the small animals fleeing the fires to feed on. They also will go out their way to pick up a burning stick, fly it over to a new area and light a new fire in turn catching more animals fleeing the flames. Clever birds!!
After arriving in Darwin we spent the next few days exploring the free waterparks, The Old Gaol and WW2 tunnels. We spent a night exploring the Mindil Beach markets and secretly started preparing for the surprise my brother was bringing up with him...
Little did my girls know that Judd was bringing up Shakira and Imogen... Tori and Ella's cousins and bestfriends. After not seeing each other for over 1 year they were all really missing each other! I couldn't wait to see the look on their face when they saw each other!
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