On hearing this exciting news we decided to not tell the girls about their arrival.
Wow, the look on the girls faces when they saw their Gran and Pops car pull up outside our caravan brought tears to my eyes!
After many hugs and non stop excited chatter, we all headed off to spend the day swimming in the beautiful waters of Berry Springs.
Springs
That night we all ate ice-cream (thanks to Pops treating us all. ;)) Then played card games and had a great time laughing and sharing stories about our travels till late!
The next day unfortunately it was time for us to leave Darwin and say goodbye to Mum and Dad. (Only for a week or so though!!) After already delaying our departure from Darwin for quite a few days, and having decided to delay it again so we could atleast see my mum and dad for a day, we really did need to move on. Although it was weird saying goodbye after only a day, it wasn't too hard as we had plans already to catch up with them after our Kakadu trip and do some proper traveling across to QLD with them!
Kakadu
Day 1: East Alligator Region
Arriving in Kakadu I was pretty excited! After a quick stop to have a look at the Mamukala wetlands lookout we headed straight to the information centre in Bowali.
After receiving our information book on Kakadu, I immediately started to plan how we were to make sure we saw everything there was to see and do in Kakadu! I wanted the full experience! Hehehehe
The girls although they were excited, they didn't quite share my excitement when it came to all the hikes I had planned... Lol
We watched the free screening of the Kakadu movie that was screened in Bowali's mini cinema and I got even more excited!! Eeekkkk!!! By the end of the movie I was already making plans to come back to Kakadu and experience this amazing place in the wet season!! (One day ;))
Leaving the information centre we set up camp in Merl Campground before heading out to check out Cahill's Crossing.
Late afternoon we headed out to Bardedjilidji. A 2.5km walk along the river that looped through impressively shaped layered sandstone.
That night the Mosquitos were out in force, so we had to retreat to our caravan quite early. Even once inside you could early hear them buzzing loudly outside!!
Day 2: East Alligator Region - Jabiru
Waking early we headed off to have a look at some Aboriginal rock art sites at Ubirr.
I was quite impressed with the many drawings covering the walls and rocks along the path with information boards explaining the stories behind each mural.
From here we headed back to our campground where some local Traditional Owners were giving a hands on demonstration on how to weave baskets from the leaves of a Pandanas Tree.
Along with this they also showed us the different roots they use to create the dyes used to colour the Pandanas leaves. Along with the crushing and boiling process that is also involved in creating these beautiful handcrafted baskets, it was quite informative and fun!
I was very impressed with their workmanship and loved listening as these Traditional Owners shared some of their culture with us.
A Traditional Owner with the dyed Pandanas leaves
Heading off we hurried to our destination, Jabiru. Setting up camp at the Kakadu Lodge, we soon headed off to the nearby Crocodile Hotel to listen to a Ranger give a talk on Crocodiles.
This again was very interesting and informative! Having been to a few different places now, and having learnt a lot about crocs, we didn't think we would learn a lot at this one. Wow, we were so wrong!
From learning about Kakadu Crocodile management programs, to the Kakadu Behaviour Modification programs they use to deal with problem crocodiles, this talk had me captivated right till the end!
Heading back to camp, we were thankful to see that the Mosquitos here weren't quite as bad as at our last camp. Tonight we were able to sit outside and watch as thousands of bats flew overhead as the sunset.
Day 3:Jabiru
Today we joined in with the NAIDOC Day (National Australia and Islander Observance Committee) Celebrations.
We learnt about Aboriginal Painting and Weaving. We shared in a meal of smoked Buffalo caught and cooked in Arnhem Land by local Traditional Owners.
Whilst the men competed in Digeridoo Competitions, the girls and I entered aboriginal painting and colouring competitons.
Ella ended up taking out 2nd place in her age division and myself taking a 1st place.
We had our prizes presented to us by Nova Peris. The Senator for the NT and a former Olympic Gold medalist.
Later on that night, after enjoying a swim in the pool, we sat back beside the pool to watch a informative slideshow presented by a Ranger.
He told us all about the different regions that make up Kakadu and the animals that are found within Kakaku and their behaviours.
Day 4: Nourlangie Region
Today we started the day by heading out to Nourlangie where we joined a Ranger on a 1.5km guided walk. This walk took us to some interesting Aboriginal Art Sites and a ancient Aboriginal Shelter.
Our Ranger as usual, was full of information and stories. He had some great stories to tell us about the meanings behind the paintings and the history of the shelter.
Next we head to Anbangbang Billabong. This place was just stunningly beautiful! A place that really needs to be seen to be believed. I could have sat for hours just watching all the bird activity. With so many different birds sharing this stunning habitat, there was plenty of activity to watch. We sat and soaked it all in whilst enjoying our lunch.
After lunch we headed out on a 6km return hike to Gubara Pools. Unfortunately there was not a lot of water in the pools but it was pretty walking through the Monsoon Forest.
After setting up camp at Muirella Park near the Djarradjin Billabong we headed to Nawurlandja Lookout.
After a short 600m climb to the top we were rewarded with a stunning sunset over Anbangbang Billabong and the surrounding country.
As the sun got lower in the sky, we watched as the surrounding cliffs turned a stunning dark red. With Arnhem Land visible in the far of distance, and with the calling of the different birds being the only noise around, we sat back and watched the last glimpses of the sun disappearing and said goodbye to what was yet another amazing day in Kakadu.
Day 5:
Today I woke early and headed out to walk around the Bubba Billabong Trail and admire the Aboriginal Rock Art at the end of the Nanguluwur trail before Gary and the girls woke.
The billabong was beautiful. Simular to Anbangbang it was lovely. Although I must admit Anbangbang was still my favourite and most breathtaking by far.
The rock art at the end of Nanguluwur trail was well worth the hike in also.
Returning to camp a little later Gary and the girls were packed up and ready to head out to our next campsite, Mardugal.
After setting up camp here we headed out to admire the waters at Yellow Waters.
After a leisurely walk, we headed to the Gagudju Lodge in Cooinda. The girls enjoyed a swim in the pool whilst Gary and I relaxed pool side.
Day 6: Jim Jim and Twin Falls
Today we headed out to Jim Jim falls and Twin Falls. After driving 55km down a corrugated dirt road we finally made it to the start of the Jim Jim Falls trail.
1km of climbing over rocks later we finally arrived at Jim Jim falls. Although the falls were unfortunately not falling, the surrounding gorge and sheer cliffs, not to mention the white sandy "beaches" that made up the shores of this inland swimming hole were pretty amazing to view.
These floats tell the Rangers if a croc is in the area. When a croc enters the area it can't resist having a nibble... How big the teeth marks are tells the Rangers how big the croc is!
After Jim Jim Falls we drove down a 9km 4x4 track, along the way we crossed a deep water crossing. At just below .8m it was the deepest crossing we had made during this trip. (Maybe slightly scary also since Saltwater crocs are also know to inhabit these waters!!!)
The water crossing depth marker
Unfortunately there is was no swimming allowed at this one due to crocs and cultural reasons. This was hard for us as the water just looked so inviting!!! But as we didn't want to be a crocs lunch we resisted the urge for a swim ;)
That night we again spent the night at the Mardugal campground.
Day 7: Maguk
Today we packed up and headed out to Maguk. After a 1km hike through beautiful monsoon forest we arrived at the falls.
Wow... We were greeted with a huge pool with lovely warm waters to swim in.
After swimming across to the falls we decided to climb up to the top pools. Wow wow and wow... Even more amazing! With multiple deep plunge pools with many ledges for jumping off of and breathtaking views of the surrounds this was heaven!
After spending a couple of hours swimming and jumping from the falls we headed off to Mary River Roadhouse where we decided to set up camp for the night.
After talking to the friendly host he gave us directions to a great little waterfall that is not listed on the tourist maps.
Gosh we loved this place! We ended up climbing up the first set of falls and were rewarded by a beautiful pool and another set of falls. Again we decided to climb these to see what was around the corner. And yet again there was a another stunning waterfall! This process went on for awhile. We climbed for quite some time and everytime were rewarded by another plunge pool or swimming hole! We loved it!!!
Back at camp that night we decided to head out to watch the sunset over Kakadu at Bukbukluk lookout.
As the sunset we listened to the birds singing and the donkeys... Well... We listened to the donkeys! Lol. Gosh they can be noisy and the sound they make always makes me laugh!
Day 8: Gunlom Falls
Today we headed out to Gunlom Falls. After a steep 1km walk we arrived at the top of the falls.
The view of the surrounding countryside was stunning and the various plunge pools were great to cool off in.
We especially loved the natural infinity pool with its million dollar views.
We also had some fun swimming up through a narrow corridor. With high stone walls on either side which ended at a small waterfall over the side of the rock walls.
From here we headed back to camp to pack up. After 8 full days of exploring and learning about what makes Kakadu such a special and important part of Australia it was time for us to move on.
Before we headed to Kakadu we had spoken to many people. Some say "KakaDO" others say "KakaDONT"
My thoughts on this?
After spending nearly 16 months travelling Australia and visiting many different National Parks and breathtaking locations I have seen a lot. But from the moment we arrived in Kakadu I completely fell in love with this everything about this place. It truely is a special part of Australia. So rich in Australian history and culture. Stunning Billabongs and Waterfalls. Sheer cliff faces and flooded plains. Crocodiles and Water Buffalo's, Donkeys and Wild Brumbies. A place you can wholeheartedly immerse yourself with Mother Nature and all her creations.
So yes, I certainly say KakaDO!!!!
Xx
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