Kakadu National Park

3rd - 11th July

Day 1: We had lunch at Coroboree Park Tavern where we met up with the Gallagher and Smith families before heading into Kakadu together. Our first stop along the way was at Bark Hut Inn which has some Aboriginal artefacts to view and for sale. We camped at Aurora Kakadu Resort, which offers little space for powered caravan sites, but we squished in with our friends. We walked the Gungarre trail, 3.6km hike through monsoon forest, woodlands and along the Anggardabal billabong before the kids headed for the swimming pool.... Needless to say swimming was only permitted in swimming pools throughout most of Kakadu!

Day 2: In the morning we packed up camp and drove to the bird hide at Mamukala wetlands, where we spotted many egrets, magpie geese and eagles. We then stopped in at the Bowali Visitor Centre which held Aboriginal artefacts and local information. We then drove out to Merl Campground where we stayed for two nights. Although the camp sites were set out really well the mosquitoes could have carried us away. We went to the Border Store for ice-creams before heading to Ubirr. At Ubirr we completed the 1km circular track which took us past several fascinating Aboriginal rock art sites.



A 250m climb took us to the top of a rocky lookout that offered superb views over the Nadab floodplain. The view from the lookout was spectacular. It was unfortunate that our sunset was covered in cloud, which kept the heat of the day in, eventuating into a hot sticky night (still 32 degrees at midnight).

Day 3: We drove towards the East Alligator River and drove across Cahills Crossing where we discovered an overturned car, apparently a crossing which is extremely notorious in the wet season. We completed the 1.5km Manngarre Rainforest Walk, through monsoon forest beside the East Alligator River where we spotted two saltwater crocodiles sunbaking. We drove into Jabiru Public Swimming Pool to gain some relief from the heat, before heading back to Ubirr for another walk and afternoon view across the floodplains.



At night Rod returned to do some croc –spotting along the East Alligator River and saw many crocodiles.... just proves there are way more crocs under the muddy-coloured water that we can’t see, so it’s always best to stay right away from the edge – a rule the kids obeyed without arguing over!

Day 4: After setting up camp at Muriella Park campground, we drove to Nourlangie Rock. We viewed an ancient Aboriginal shelter and several outstanding art sites throughout our 1.5km circular walk.



We hiked 600m to the Nawurlandja Lookout which gave outstanding views of the Kakadu escarpment, Nourlangie and Anbangbang Billabong area.

Day 5: We had day trip into Jim Jim Falls, which required some 4wding for the last 10km of track which was mostly soft sand. To get to the deep plunge pool a 1km walk was required through monsoon forest, rock hopping and then climbing over huge boulders. The croc trap in the water doesn't entice you to swim under the falls.



The kids paddled in the water of the plunge pool, close to the bank, which was surrounded by a 150m high cliff and beautiful cascading waterfall.

Day 6: We woke early this morning to drive back into Jabiru for our 1 hour scenic flight... it was amazing!!! It gave us a better perspective of the landscape and allowed us to view the beauty of Kakadu from the air.





We returned to camp for morning tea and then went to Warradjan Aboriginal Culture Centre which held some interesting information about the traditional ways of the local Aboriginal people. We drove further down the road to Gagudju Lodge Cooinda where we had a picnic lunch and a swim in the pool. Before heading back to camp we went to the Yellow Water Wetlands which was just stunning, lots of bird life and we even spotted a croc.



Day 7: Yummy blueberry pancakes for breakfast! An hour drive to Mary River Roadhouse, where we booked into the caravan, plugged into power, filled up our water tanks, washed clothes and swam in the pool.

Day 8: We went for a day trip along a corrugated road to Gunlom Falls. We walked the steep 1km walk up the side of the waterfall to the pools above the falls, which are free of crocodiles, and enjoyed a well deserved swim. After lunch we went swimming in the pool above the small waterfall and exploring the narrow gorge.
At night we had a camp over dinner with the Smith and Gallagher families - our farewell dinner with the Smith family, Paul, Mary, Nicola and Jason (from Lake Cangeligo), who are travelling in the opposite direction towards W.A.

Kakadu surpassed our expectations. A place evident in a rich Aboriginal past, where there are many different ecosystems - wetlands, woodlands, monsoon rainforests, mountain ranges, overhanging cliffs, rivers and creeks. We were fortunate to spot a few jabirus, but no water buffalos as they have been culled in this area.

We would have loved to venture into Arnhemland but due to some "sorry business" this week no premits were being given unless attending Oenpelli where the Aboriginals sell artwork. To venture into west Arnhmeland permits and arrangements need to be made atleast 6 months ahead of schedule - perhaps another trip!?!?