Mataranka

We stayed in the National Park outside of town, there were swimming pontoons and the usual signs about croc controls but it felt dodgy. Because there was no one else around we couldn't do our usual trick of letting other people go in first. It was very hot and in the end we did have a quick dip, but none of us felt comfortable about it and so didn't go in the river again. The springs were lovely though and although a bit warmer than the river, it felt safer!

Litchfield National Park

Tim and I loved Litchfield last time we were in Darwin and were keen to show the kids. We also knew there would be lots of beautiful swimming spots. The kids had a ball exploring Buley Rock Holes and I think that was everyones favourite. We also explored the rock formations of The Lost City and the many termite mounds.

Crazy crocs everywhere

While we were in Darwin we did a croc cruise on the Adelaide River. Before we got started the kids got to hold a large olive python, called Olive of course.  It probably wasn't the most eco-friendly, feeding wild animals, but the kids were very excited being obsessed with the crocs in the Top End. We saw quite a few considering the heat and the birds on the river were just as impressive as the crocs, especially the white breasted sea eagles.

Darwin

By the time we got to Darwin the rain still hadn't started and the humidity was crazy... so we hit the water parks and the wave pool down at the waterfront (thanks to the Bender's for their list of must do things in Darwin, wish you could have joined us). There was plenty of clouds building up but only one fantastic storm while we were there, which did bring a huge amount of rain with it. The tent got a good wash down, inside and out. We found lots of time to eat with some fantastic food at the Parap Markets. We didn't think 10am was too early for laksa or honey chicken, yum! The purchase of a huge tray of mangos on our way out of town sealed the deal on our love for Darwin!

Cahills Crossing

Cahills Crossing is a notorious crossing on the East Alligator River where Kakadu National Park meets Arnhem Land. It is tidal and the water was quite low but we still saw three big crocs near the crossing as well as two fisherman and a few backpackers on the crossing! One of the crocs we saw the kids dubbed "Gorby Head" because of the big thing on his head... we thought maybe a tracking device or something? Apparently it is scar tissue or some kind of growth, gross!

Kakadu

The last time we were in Kakadu it was the end of the wet and there was water everywhere. This time it was the end of the dry and it was hot, at times very hazy with bush fire smoke but thankfully still a few places left to swim. It was so extreme, walking down tracks burnt out with smouldering trunks to view wetlands that were alive with magpie geese and lotus flowers. The kids loved the rock art and Ubirr Rock was spectacular.

Katherine

We spent a few gorgeous days exploring the gorge. Unfortunately water levels were low so we could only go as far as the first gorge, but beautiful and great to use the kayak again. Lots of swimming in the river as well as the pool, which made the kids very happy.

Timber Creek

A quick one night stop on the way to Katherine. It was hot, so much water and none of it swimmable!

Kununurra and Wyndham

We had a quick look around Kununurra while in transit to Sydney and visited the crazy Ivanhoe Crossing, which is currently closed to traffic. Apparently its common for the locals to stand knee deep on the crossing, fishing for Barra, regardless of the crocs. We then went up to Wyndham, hoping to catch up with Jeff and Julie but missed them by a day. The Five Rivers Lookout was an incredible sight, and that was before the wet had even started. It is the meeting place of the Forest, Ord, Pentecost, Durack and King Rivers... awesome! A little hard to see in the pics, it was a hot, hazy day. Another stone chip on our windscreen brings the cracks up to four, so grateful we didn't replace it in Broome after the first crack!

Lake Argyle

On our return to Kununurra we went out to the picturesque Lake Argyle for four days. It was the perfect place to relax and get back into the travelling groove. We did a boat trip onto the Lake, swimming in rediculously deep water and taking in the best of The Kimberley.

Johno

Thankfully we made it back in time to say Goodbye. 

End of the Gibb

We didn’t stop anywhere else along the Gibb River Road as we wanted to return to Sydney to see Tim’s Dad, Johnno, who was very unwell.

Manning Gorge and Mount Barnett Roadhouse

We walked into Mount Barnett Roadhouse and ran into Jeff and Julie, a couple we met in Alice last year and caught up with in Tassie. It was a great surprise and great to see them again. The kids had a ball running amuck with their kids, Harrison and Charlotte. The Manning Gorge camp (seven kilometres behind the Mount Barnett Roadhouse) was gorgeous, there were plenty of kids to play with and an amazing swimming spot including a boat on a pulley which provided hours of entertainment for the kids.

Imintji Store and Community

Not the most expensive fuel we have seen but close to it. Thankfully we didn’t need to fill up. We did buy a gorgeous painting from a local artist though, so glad we stopped.