Kakadu to Darwin

After Gunlom we headed further north into Kakadu to stay 2 nights near Yellow Water wetlands. Here we did a ranger led walk on the boardwalk and saw a salt water crocodile cruise past. Wild pigs are still a big problem and fishing is allowed in the national park! We also visited another great cultural centre and the visitors’ information centre. We bought a boomerang and had fun trying it out.

Yellow Water wetland

Saltie cruising past the boardwalk at Yellow Water

Later that morning he was resting about 5 metres from the boardwalk

Next we headed up to Nourlangie Rock for another ranger guided tour and then set up camp further north at Merl Campground near Ubir Rock.

 

Art at Nourlangie Rock

 We were lucky to catch an aboriginal weaving demonstration/activity where we all tried to split pandanus leaves and weave a bracelet. We also learned about leaf preparation including the dyeing of leaves.

Raw pandanus leaves (right), cooked and dyed leaves (centre), kids weaving bracelets (left)

 That afternoon we enjoyed more ranger talks at Ubirr Rock looking at more art sites and the sunset over the wetlands. That night the mozzies were the worst we had ever experienced in our lives - they even buzzed around your head and tried to bite while you were showering.

One of many views from Ubirr

Monnie at Ubirr

Another view from Ubirr

Sunset at Ubirr

 We packed up early the next morning for a 2 hour cultural cruise up the South Alligator River with some aboriginal guides. We saw lots of crocodiles, learnt about some plants and their uses, and visited Arnhem land (briefly).

More crocs, South Alligator River

View from Arnhem Land

Monnie learning about spears in Arnhem Land

Spear throwing demo

Two faced Rock in Arnhem Land (ET on left side and Robo Cop on right)

Ned, Bronte and Elsie with red ochre face paints on the South Alligator

 That afternoon we headed towards Darwin, stopping at the Mamukala Wetlands (in Kakadu), followed by the Window on the Wetlands education centre near Humpty Doo – this was really good/interactive and one of the few attraction all holiday that held the kids attention for more than 20 minutes.

Mamukala Wetlands (from the bird hide)

We hit Darwin that afternoon to stay with Garry and Helen. Apart from the pleasure of staying with good friends, it was great to stay at a real house again where you can step out of the shower without getting your feet muddy.

In Darwin, we mainly relaxed around the house where all the kids from both families played well together. We did a few trips to town to look around and have dinner at the wharf. Garry and Jim did some fishing in Darwin harbour from a boat - unfortunately nothing decent was caught.

White-bellied Sea Eagle hung around the fishing boat in Darwin Harbour