Kakadu do do!! (part 1)

After leaving Mataranka we drove the 100 Klms to Katherine where we replenished the fridge and fuel tanks in preparation for our Kakadu experience. Some travellers we spoke to said if you were considering going to Kakadu, then Kakadon't. So we were a little unsure what we would find... 

Our first destination after visiting the information centre at Mary River and buying our Park Pass was the bush camp at Gunlom. We were told that the waterholes there are the only safe place to swim in Kakadu. Well, they were reasonably sure there weren't any crocodiles!!

We settled into our dusty unpowered site, had dinner then marshmallows around a roaring campfire and prepared for the gruelling walk, next morning, up to the Gunlom Lookout and rockpools.

Our favourite tree. The Salmon Gum.

After a quad sapping walk up some difficult terrain we were rewarded with a little slice of paradise. Rockpools connected by small waterfalls kept us there for 2 hours enjoying the cool water and beautiful views.

Then it was back down the steep rocky path, getting hot and sweaty again....

..but rewarded once again with a swim in the plunge pool at the bottom of the falls. 

Then back down the 39 klms of dusty dirt road to head to Cooinda.

Stopping along the way to check out one of the many 'cathedral' termite mounds that dot the landscape.

Our site at the Cooinda resort.

Just another beautiful sunset. Ho hum!!!!

Next day we went to see Cahills Crossing at high tide as the lady back at the Tropic of Capricorn carpark had suggested. The crossing here is the entry into Arnhem Land and you need permission from the Aboriginal owners to enter. Definitely no swimming here as we saw about 10 big crocs in a 200 metre stretch of the river.

As the water recedes after the high tide peak some cars and trucks brave the current to cross.

If they are not successful, guess who is waiting!! While we are watching all this we struck up a conversation with a very knowledgable French naturalist on his 6th trip to Australia. He was very well equipped with binoculars and telescope which he kindly let our kids use to spy up close on the crocodiles.

Then on to Ubirr to see some Aboriginal rock art and take in the view from the lookout at sunset. This lookout was used in Crocodile Dundee and gives 360 degree views over Northern Kakadu.

Listening to the Park Ranger give her spiel as we wait for the sun to go down.

The kids with some children they befriended who were also staying at Cooinda. We made friends with their parents, from Mornington, as well. Again, it is the people we meet, as well as the places and things we have seen and done, that is making this trip so enjoyable. Wow, what a day. Back to the van now for some sleep before our dawn cruise on the Yellow Water billabong.