Old Update #17 - Kakadu 29/05 - 03/06/08

We weren't gonna bother with Kakadu initially. But - why not?

The main park we wanted to visit up this way was Litchfield Nat Park - South-West of Darwin. And a few of it's attractions were not open yet (delay after each wet season). So - spending a few days in Kakadu on the way to Darwin would 'up' our chances of them being open.

Kakadu is on the South-East of Darwin.

We drove in on the Southern Arm to the point at Jabiru (and Ubirr where you overlook the mysterious "Arnhem Land"), and drove out on the North Arm (Arnhem Hwy) through 'Humpty Doo' and into Darwin.

Here's James next to an average ROAD TRAIN. Nearly 60 mtrs long and weighing a couple of Gazilion Tonne - they make a formidable sight on the roads. The Petrol Tankers have them with another 1/2. Almost 4 trailers. Basically a B-Double with an extra 2 full-size trailers. I suppose a 'B-Quad'???

Gunlom Falls

The best spot we visited here was 'Gunlom Falls' -an awesome few nights camping here.

Off the main highway - 36-ish km's each way of fairly rough and corrugated dirt roads.

Dust all through the van - yuck - must sort that problem out before the Gibb River Rd.

Gunlom is a tall waterfall with these INCREDIBLE (almost rectangular) swimming holes at the top. And from one point you can look DOWN the waterfall.

It's a steep 3/4hr walk to the top of the falls. We did it two days in a row because we enjoyed it so much on our 1st visit.

This is at the bottom of the falls. We swam anyway. Like most other people - just ask around for local knowledge. Aboriginal guides are great.

'Gunlom Falls' -not much water at this time of year.

Getting ready to cook on the fire. We are always so proud of our fires. Sorry about our dress-mode.

Our camp at Gunlom. Washing time again. Just a 'bucket job'.

Thanks Kids for all your' hard work again.
These are only SOME of the pools at the top of the falls.

Not overcrowded either ay?????

Standing ALMOST on the edge - looking down at the lake.

Same-same but different

Same-same but different.

How's this for a 'Wet-edge' pool?

And this?

I don't know a guy ON EARTH who doesn't like jumping from a waterfall ! !

Or - holding his GIRL underneath one !

Ooops.

Aaawwww.

Sometimes.. I'm SO photogenic !

I have NO IDEA why I'm so serious?? - Maybe I'm worried about my GUTS hanging over the back-pack belt???

Aaaahhh - nothing like BURNING your food on a fire.

This is just after 70km's. Goodness knows what a 1,000km of dirt will do later on.

Same question.

I think they have a little TERMITE problem here. They're not the ones that eat houses - apparently.

Aboriginal Art .mmmmmmmmmm. We had a real tough time explaining this (anatomically) to the kids.

Ubirr outlook. (I LOVE this place. Basically because of it's pronunciation = "You-BEER" Aaahhhh...beer. I love beer.

Great spot for a sunset here - overlooking wetlands and the Arnhem Escarpment.

How do I explain this?

We later found out that the local 'Traditional Owners' don't want people to have a drink in this spot. Some sacred bizzo again.

GREAT SUNSET

Still nice

OK - so NOW the signs are getting serious.

These wet-lands are teeming with life !

Including birds.

We were glad to have had our few days in Kakadu - despite nearly being CARRIED AWAY by mozzies at the campground at UBIRR.

Off to Darwin now......