Out Back.

THURSDAY, 1st September 2011

Made our way into Kakadu National Park today, and our first campsite has proven to be a good pick.  Gunlom waterfall let us cool off in the plunge pool, and take in the spectacular views from the top of the waterfall.  It was a steep climb, and Jace and I had to take turns so that we didn't have to drag the kids up there, but well worth it.

FRIDAY, 2nd September 2011

I took an early morning wander out to a nearby billabong, but the only thing of interest was the mob of wild horses I stumbled across.

We dragged the kids on a 1km bushwalk around to Jim Jim Falls, it only (ha only!) took us an hour and a half each way. But Ella was content whenever other tourists overtook us as it gave her the chance to stop for a chat, but more importantly stop! The falls were just a drizzle at this time of the wet season, but we were thankful for the swim at the plunge pool beneath, because the 40 degree heat was a killer.

SATURDAY, 3rd September 2011

We took the boat trip further up to Twin Falls, and it was a (just) slightly shorter trek for us all, but we were warned off swimming so we made the round trip as short and sweet as possible, and cranked the air-con as high as we could once back at the car. I think you'll be able to pick the point when I bribed Ella with lollies in order to get her to keep moving!

 

Our next overnight stay was at Sandy Billabong, and it gave Jace the chance to put more of his bush mechanic skills to the test when the axel cap went missing.

Ash was not a happy camper the next morning, so we moved right along.  

MONDAY, 5th September 2011

And finally one of our highlights of Kakadu - Ubirr.  Great rock art, awesome views and all in a short radius so completely do-able with the kids.

 

I do reckon its about time we downsize the tent though, the kids don't get enough of each other through the day, they've now started sleeping in the same bed at night.

 

WEDNESDAY, 7th September 2011

We stopped in an Litchfield on our way out of Kakadu and into Darwin, although we didn't stop in at too many places because we are a bit over waterfalls and gorges at the moment, and keen to hit a bit of civilisation.

We went for a swim in the waterfall below, but it was a bit of a decision as to how to get down there because the sign said either 134 steps, or 1.1km - neither of them a promising prospect with a 20month old in tow in 40 degree heat.  We ended up taking the steps, and Ash insisted on climbing down and up the whole set all on his own - great! although it took some patience on our behalf.

SATURDAY, 10th September 2011
 
Hello Darwin. We've made it back to a city!

We checked out the city centre and have taken the kids to the beach and the wave pool.

It's still quite hot, so Ash has been figuring out which are the coolest parts of the tent to sleep in for his daytime naps.

 

We checked out the Nightcliff markets and Mindil Beach markets, and wished we could stay another week just so we could visit them again.  We'll just have to add Darwin to the list of places we will happily come holiday at again someday.

The kids have been enjoying the caravan park we are camped at.   We have our own little community of travelling families who we have met along the way through NT, so the kids have had lots of fun playing and swimming, and will be sad when we come back from the Gold Coast to find most of them will have moved on to the next place.

 TUESDAY, 20th September 2011

 So we survived the plane trips to and from the Gold Coast (just!).  And had a lovely time catching up with
family and friends while we were there.  The wedding was absolutely georgeous, Chris and Katie looked amazing.

Actually we had such a good time it was hard to find the motivation to hit the road again once we were  back in Darwin.  The beck and call of the Gibb River road with all its dust, heat and corrugations just doesn't sound so inviting after a relaxing weekend with grandparents (aka babysitters), friends, air conditioning and ensuites!  Oh and four walls too....Ella had told us that we would need to stay outside the hotel while Ash had his daytime sleep, but we had to tell her that the bedroom would have four walls and we could stay out in the living room without waking him up....There is certainly going to be some re-adjustment when we settle back down after this holiday!

THURSDAY, 22nd September 2011

But we are under way and did an overnight stop just out of Katherine, where we experienced out worst night of insects (Don't read this Katie!) ants crawling over us all night, and through the whole tent, food containers, trailer... everything.  Jace and I were so over it we were cleaned up, packed up and on our way (without brekky mind you) before 8am.

Made it on through to Gregory National Park where we went and had a look at the limestone gorge and calcite flows.  And started to glimpse our first part of Boab country.

FRIDAY, 23rd September 2011

We stopped over at Timber Creek for the night and then headed over to the Keep River National Park which is the last bit of NT before you hit Western Australia.  I took a bushwalk whilst Jace tinkered with the car and the kids watched the in-car DVD player.  Keep River is called the mini Bungle Bungles and I can see why, so I made the most of it since we won't be visiting the Bungles this time around.

Then it was back to the bulldust and on the road to WA.  See ya soon Kununurra