We took off for Kakadu stopping to look at Bark Hut Inn as it had been recommended to us as a possible spot to camp. We would definitely have stayed had we not already decided to stay at Cooinda.
Entering Kakadu National Park, we drove straight to Jabiru to have lunch and a look around.
They say only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, but with 40 degrees forecast for the whole week ahead, we had no choice but to do our exploring in the searing heat of the day.
We began at Nourlangie as we hoped to see some Aboriginal Rock Art. And we saw a lot more than we bargained for. It was incredible.
We left Nourlangie feeling very satisfied with the ancient rock art we had seen. Some were as old as 20,000 years, others relatively new – 5,000 to 1,000 years old. However, there was a lot more to see at Ubirr.
Because of the heat (and the fact that I was battling a sore throat), we agreed to look at some of the rock art only and to forget walking up to the lookout. But we ended up doing it all as it was far too fabulous to stop!
As we reached the top, two willy willies came across the Plains. It just added to the amazing view of the wetlands.
Next stop was Cahill’s Crossing where we hoped we might see some crocodiles. We were told they gathered there at high tide to catch Barramundi as they swam through. Sure enough they were there waiting. I counted at least fourteen crocs!
We watched while trucks and 4 wheel drives made the crossing but were worried, as the tide got higher, when a couple of sedans crossed.
Kyran and Vanessa had bought us a gift voucher for a Yellow Water Cruise. So the following morning we were taken by bus to the boat for 6.45am start.
There’s nothing nicer than an early morning cruise, sitting in the shade of the boat with a cool breeze keeping the heat at bay. But that was only the beginning. We cruised the Yellow Water billabongs, enjoying the views of the wetlands and learning about the rich variety of resident wildlife. The skipper identified the many birds, plants and trees and explained their importance in the fascinating ecosystem of the wetlands. She was always happy to answer questions and double back to see something one of the kids onboard had seen. They had younger eyes than us and spotted wild pigs and also a crocodile’s skull.
We pulled up beside at least fifty crocodiles and watched them stalk their prey. In fact we saw one near us catch and eat a Barramundi. We watched another try to pick a fight with a nearby crocodile but the ‘victim’ raised its head out of the water and let out a very loud growl. The skipper explained this was the croc saying it didn’t want to fight, and sure enough it took off with a splash.
It was a couple of hours well spent. Thanks so much Kyran and Vanessa. We thoroughly enjoyed cruising Yellow Waters and seeing the amazing wildlife.
That evening we went back down to the boat ramp to watch the sun setting over the wetlands. It was beautiful.
Kakadu has been on my bucketlist for a very long time and it didn’t disappoint. We did plan another stopover on the way out but both Gunlom and Mary River Roadhouse were already closed for the wet season , so we kept driving. On the way we saw lots of wild donkeys, brumbies, wallabies and buffalo.
We did pull off the road for a cuppa at Bukbukluk, a beautiful, peaceful spot.
Flannerys' Footprints 