29th July- 10th August-- Kakadu to beginning of Broome (day 27-39)

Day 27 – 29^th July – Monday – Darwin to Kakadu

An early morning trip to the airport for Leanne as Ruth and Bill’s flight departed from Darwin Airport at 7.15am. An emotional good bye at the airport, as it has been so lovely catching up and spending time with Mum and Bill! Now to back to our family adventure, today we are heading to Kakadu and we are looking forward to the cultural experience it has to offer.

We have decided to make Cooinda Resort, near Yellow Waters our base for our time in Kakadu. This park has been recommended by several people. We will then do day trips around Kakadu from here. Kakadu offer many free Ranger guided activities which we were told are excellent. Once we were all set up we went for a quick swim in the amazing pool and then headed off to our first ranger activity. We went on a guided walk and sunset look out in the Nourlangie Region. This was a great way to start our time in Kakadu.

Abbey at the guided walk tour in the Nourlangie Region.

That evening we enjoyed playing cards; this has been something the children have enjoyed doing on our holiday, especially after poppy taught them some card tricks and poker!

Day 28 – 30^th July- Tuesday – Kakadu (Yellow Waters)

Today we decided to go exploring at Maguk Swimming hole. We were going to go to Gunlom, but our camping neighbours told us about Maguk, which was a lot closer and meant to be a great swimming spot. It was about a 50 minute drive and to Vin excitement at least 10km was off road driving. It was quite a decent walk and climb to the water hole, but it was worth it. There was a beautiful water fall and a great swimming hole. It wasn’t crowded either; with only 4 other groups of people there swimming. Vin and Abbey enjoyed swimming out the waterfall and snorkelling, while Leanne and Riley were happy paddling on boogie boards across the water hole. Riley was a bit anxious about crocodiles! Overall a great spot to swim, however we still contemplated going onto Gunlom, but it would have taken us over an hour to get there and it was getting late in the afternoon.

 Everybody ready to swim at Maguk Falls.

Beautiful scenery of walk at Maguk.

 

Back to Cooinda, where Abbey and Riley couldn’t wait to go into the pool! The pool at the resort was a high light for them. That night Riley and some boys he met had fun looking for lizards; however we had to spoil his fun as we wanted to go to a Ranger Activity. There was a Slideshow at Mardugal Campground on Kakadu’s Wildlife. The Slide show was interesting but we would have been more comfortable if we took chairs as we didn’t the slideshow was outside and therefore we had to sit on garbage bags on the ground. His presentation was an interesting insight into the many creatures and animals that live in Kakadu. Unfortunately the Rangers projector ran out of power before the end of the presentation!

Much to kids’ disappointment no time for cards tonight as it was about 9pm by the time returned from the slideshow.

Day 29 – 31^st July- Wednesday – Kakadu

An earlier start today as we were going to Nourlangie Region for the Ranger talk on the different art sites. We had to meet at the first art site by 9.20am and it was about a 45 minute drive from our camp. The ranger, Christine was very informative and told us many interesting facts about Aboriginal Culture. There was a lot of Aboriginal rock art around this area and we were lucky to have the ranger to tell us the stories behind the art work.

Once we left Nourlangie we went to Jabiru for lunch. There was not much in Jabiru, but 2 things created some excitement were the yummy bakery and having phone reception! On our way back to Cooinda we stopped at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This centre gave us information on Kakadu from a local perspective as the Baininj tribe share their culture and important aspects of their life. We enjoyed looking at the pictures, exhibits and reading the information that related to these. It was a very educational experience for all of us. There was also a gift shop and Riley selected a hand carved boomerang to buy as a souvenir. Outside the gift was an Aboriginal Artist painting didgeridoos. Vin started talking to the artist whose name was David. David then played the didgeridoo for us and asked Riley to play along with him on the tapping sticks! Riley thought this was pretty cool.

 

Riley playing with his new friend David!

 

It was time to head back to camp for a well deserved swim. At the pool that afternoon we met a couple from Wollongong. They had a 4 year old son who enjoyed playing with Abbey and Riley. That evening we headed down to Yellow Waters, which was along a short drive to see the sunset, WOW it was sensational!!!!! Back to camp and time for some evening cards to top off another great day at Kakadu.

The kids at the pool at Cooinda- Kakadu!

 

A nice family we met at Cooinda- Jason, Katrina and Jonghom!

 

Sunset at Yellow Waters! Beautiful!!!

Day 30 – 1^st August - Thursday - Kakadu

Another early start as we were going to Ubirr, which is about an hour’s drive north. Once again there was a series of talks with the ranger at different rock art sites. Today we met Ranger Annie who was very knowledgeable. The first Rock art talk was about the Rainbow Serpent, which explains about the Aboriginals beliefs on creation and kinship. When we were walking from one site to another Annie found a green ants nest, the Aborigines use these green ants for medicinal reasons. Annie collected some of these ants ant wiped part of the ant onto the kids tongue. Abbey and Riley said it tasted really sour. The Aborigines’ would make a mixture with these ants to help heal coughs and chest infections. After the talk we climbed to the Ubirr lookout, this was amazing! You could see the several different lands which make up Kakadu (stone country, woodlands, and wetlands).

 Amazing scenery at Ubirr- camp ranger in foreground!

 Riley in front of Indigenous Paintings at Ubirr!

 Large Salt Water Croc at Cahills Crossing near Ubirr.

Riley and Dad in car going across to Arnhem Land  (crocs in water)!

 

After this we went to Merl Camp Ground to see traditional Aboriginal painting. Abbey and Riley were really pleased when we arrived when they saw their friends from Shepparton, Abbey and Lochy, also doing this activity. There was a ranger there are 2 Indigenous artists too. It was really fascinating watching them paint! Abbey and Riley were given some cardboard to have turn at Aboriginal painting.  

Day 31 – 2^nd August - Friday – Kakadu to Lake Argyle

After an exciting time at Kakadu it was time to leave for our adventures in WA. It was to be a long day of driving but with the excitement of getting to WA, it was all going to be worth it. After leaving Kakadu, travelling at the legal limit of 125km Vin noticed the petrol gauge was heading down quicker than the k’s to go to Katherine. Uh Oh, but fortunately with some intelligent driving- drafting behind another caravan at 90, we made it to Katherine with 5k’s on the gauge. How Vin likes to push it to the limit!

 After an 8 hr drive we arrived at Lake Argyle (Western Australia we have arrived!). We’d had to change our clocks 1-1/2 hrs backward which at least gave us some more day time after a long drive, however this meant the sunset was happening at about 5pm-bizarre. Lake Argyle was beautiful, everything Kerry D had told me and more. She hadn’t warned us how freezing the infinity pool was going to be though. Pretty amazing all the same, what a view!!! Also a nice caravan park, where we sat and watched the sunset before watching the footy on tv at the caravan parks bar. A great win by North over the Cats.

Leaving Kakadu- A great experience, particularly the ranger talks!

 How exciting- Western Australia here we come- don't worry we threw out our honey!

 Beautiful Lake Argyle in the infinity pool- Very cold but- hence no Leanne photos!

Day 32 – 3^rd August - Saturday – Kununurra

Early morning for Pancakes at Lake Argyle barbeque for Vin, Abbey and Riley. After breakfast we packed up as it was a very windy morning. We were only heading to Kununurra which was a short drive so we did some sightseeing at Lake Argyle. Firstly we went to a 4wd lookout where we had our first plays with the tripod, followed by a trip down to the Dam Wall. Very spectacular!!! If it hadn’t been so windy we’d have loved to have done a cruise as it was spectacular.

 Our first tripod self timed photo experience - Lake Argyle!

Lake Argyle Dam- spectacular!!!

 

We arrived in Kununurra about lunch time for setting up camp. We were lucky to get a powered site at the Discovery Park which had a sign stating it had no sites available (just lucky I guess). After setting up Leanne dropped off Vin and Riley to watch the footy at the Kununurra Pub while they did some grocery shopping (wow- what a difference holidays make!). Well it certainly was worth it with a great win to the Tigers over the Hawks.

After the footy we went to a few local attractions- Kelly’s Knob and Mirima National Park. We had an eventful evening venturing to the local rodeo. Quite an entertaining evening with bull riding and horse riding on display- which was entertaining and a learning experience for the kids about country entertainment,  and hobbies for them (including an eye opener with a buck- deciding to do a nudey run through the ring!). A great day had by all- GO TIGERS- Finals bound at last!

Night at the Rodeo!!!

Day 33 – 4^th August - Sunday – Kununurra

A long day ahead of us today with many hours of driving to see some of the local attractions: Wyndham, El Questro and the Grotto.

First was a trip to Wyndham, stopping along the way at the Grotto. The Grotto looked very impressive, however due to the magnitude of our day we didn’t walk down to it. (There also didn’t look to be much water down there). At Wyndham, it seemed like a bit of a ghost town! We ventured up to the 5 Rivers Look Out which was quite spectacular! We met a couple of ladies at the lookout who use to be locals and we learnt quite a deal about the history of the town and why it’s such a quiet town now. About the biggest highlight of the place was the constructed Big Croc on the entry to town which was constructed by local TAFE students.

 Vin the Grot!!!

Photos from the Five Ways- Wyndham- amazing!!!

 

We left Wyndham, heading back for our small venture along the Gibb River Road to go to El Questro-Station/Gorge. The station was a very impressive area where lots of people camp and many tours operate from. There were a few water crossings to get there and then even a couple more hairy ones to get to the El Questro Gorge. An enjoyable but tricky walk to get into the gorge, however the actual swimming hole half way along was a little disappointing (very small), however still very picturesque. A nice day, however in hindsight people say Emma’s Gorge was nicer, although it had its challenges with a more challenging walk and the water was suppose to be very cold.

 During the walk of El Questro- beautiful scenery!

 Riley at the swim hole- a bit of a disappointment this swim hole after a spectacular walk.

 Some specci driving through water today!!! This was one of the smaller ones.

 A cow and a snake that decided to be on the road for our travels!

 

This night after having dinner rang Dean who is the Principal at the Catholic School in Halls Creek to try and organise a visit, unfortunately he was in Perth although he certainly said it would be ok to visit which was exciting for us.

Day 34 – 5^th August - Monday – Halls Creek

After heavy deliberation as to where we were going to go and what helicopter flight we were going to do we stopped off at Turkey Creek (Warnum) to do the flight. Our helicopter flight to the Bungle Bungle’s was spectacular, nerve wracking and very exciting for all. We did it through the company Heliworks and it was a 45 min flight- 24 min return flight and 20 minutes over the Bungles. Vin who was the most excited about the Bungles decided the flight over it was enough, as it was rumoured to be a tough drive in there, and another Gorge (which the kids were a bit over by this stage)! Hence we drove on to Halls Creek.

 All excited and ready to go for our helicopter ride!!!

 Photos over the Bungle Bungles- spectacular!!!

Upon arriving at Halls Creek Vin decide to drop in to Warlawurru Catholic School, to meet Christine, and ensure that it was going to be ok for us to visit a class the next day. We luckily caught her in the office. She seemed somewhat reluctant to have us in her class (she also hadn’t heard from Dean about our visit!), however eventually deciding that she would have us, encouraging us to be there by 7-40am the next morning.

We went to the dust bowl of a caravan park, which was nothing to be excited about. However the shop at the park was amazing- it had everything you could want (car seats, jewellery, bikes, groceries, and anything else you could want- even sour straps for the kids). We quickly ventured once set up to watch the Sunset at Moola Bulla Lookout (which Kerry D recommended). Quite a picturesque scenery- thanks Kerry.

Day 35 – 6^th August - Tuesday – Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing

Wow this day was something Vin had been looking forward to and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Early morning rise and all- we managed to get there on time for the start of the school day, 7-40am. We then sat with the school group while they had prayer time, which was well prepared for connection to the community. The children from the Senior and Middle school went off to their classes while we stayed with the Infant school p-2. 

 An amazing time by all at the school in Halls Creek!

Unbelievable shop at reception at Halls Creek. Absolute dust bowl but a shop to die for!!!

 

After being introduced Miss Christine told us to go and listen to a variety of children around the room read. For all of us we were quite impressed with their levels of literacy. All of us then were directed for little activities, this certainly was the best time, not just for Vin but for all our family we enjoyed the experience of working with these children. They certainly embraced us and in particular some of the young girls were taken to Abbey (Cassie even saying that she wanted to be a white fella like my sister Abbey)! After an hour in the class Miss Christine wanted to rid of us so the children would settle down, so after prolonged farewells we headed to go and see Caroline’s Pool which is the local water hole- very nice!

We returned to pick up the van and pack up before our 3 hr drive to Fitzroy Crossing. We arrived there early afternoon where we booked in at the Fitzroy Crossing Lodge- wow a nice change- grass, tennis courts and plenty of space. Soon after setting up the Ellis clan returned which was exciting for our kids seeing Lachie and Darcy. A relaxing afternoon had by all, playing tennis and having a swim in the freezing pool. A fantastic, rewarding day with relaxation to boot!

Day 36 – 7^th August - Wednesday – Fitzroy Crossing

Made an early start today, said good bye to the Ellis again as they were moving onto their next destination and we were going to Windjana Gorge National Park and Tunnel Creek. Windjana Gorge was about 130km away and 100kms of that was corrugated road! The drive was an experience itself and the children enjoyed the dips in the road. When we arrived at Windjana it was already very hot, but luckily part of the walk was in the shade. This gorge is famous for its fresh crocodiles and in particular how close you are able to walk next to them. Vin and Abbey were the more game (silly) ones who walked really close to the water’s edge and where the crocodiles were sunny themselves on the river bank. Riley become more game as the walk progressed and stood close enough to get a few great photos. However Leanne was happy to be the photographer and keep her distance, not wanting to tempt fate. We stayed at Windjana Gorge for a picnic lunch before heading back to explore Tunnel Creek.

 

Abbey and Dad just hanging out with some crocodile friends- amazing!!!

Mummy, Abbey and Riley in the splendours of Tunnel Creek!

 

Tunnel Creek was about 30km from Windjana and you had the walk through the cave to reach the other side. We needed take our torches as part of the walk was in total darkness! We also had to wade across water at different stages which was very cold. Part of the walk had the sun shining through holes in the tunnel roof, which made it such a picturesque walk. We all braved the dark to complete the walk, even though there was one stage when Leanne was ready to turn back! No Crocs found on our walk as they have been known to hide out in the tunnel! Some were disappointed about this, weren’t they Vin!!! But others felt very relieved.

Back into the car and time to take on the corrugated road again! On returning to the park the children were very keen for another hit of tennis. We have all enjoyed having a tennis court, as this is the first park we have stayed at that has had one!

A tiring, but great day!

Day 37 – 8^th August - Thursday – Fitzroy Crossing

Decided to have a quieter day and stay around Fitzroy Crossing. In the morning we played tennis again and then hung out at the pool. Today was going to be a warm one reaching 36 degrees. After lunch we headed into town for a look around and saw the famous Fitzroy Crossing Inn, not somewhere we would have taken Abbey and Riley, Vin and Leanne were not even brave enough to get out of the car to go and have a look!

Then drove down to Geike Gorge, which was very enlightening as the rotunda there had pictures and information about the water level during the Wet Season. Some years the water level has risen to 2m above the rotunda’s roof. This was very hard for us to imagine! We went for walk down to the Gorge, which was lovely. One returning to the park we went to have another hit of tennis and found our friends from home, The Beans had arrived and were on the tennis court. It was great to see them again! That night after dinner The Beans came around for a catch up and both families shared their recent travel stories. The children enjoyed playing cards and spotlight. Tomorrow, time to move on again, we are really looking forward to our time in Broome.

Fun at the banks of the Geike Gorge!

The Bean and Snell kids having some fun at our caravan at Fitzroy Crossing!!

 

Day 38 – 9^th August - Friday – Broome

Time to move on again, we are very excited about going to Broome as we are catching up with a mate (Blackas) who Vin went to school with, Marty (Vin’s Brother) and Nic will also be arriving later in our stay for a holiday. We are also excited because this is going to be our longest stay anywhere yet, so a lovely break from the travelling and setting up the van! Also the 4 families travelling from St. Louis are going to all be staying at the same caravan park, so we are looking forward to catching up with them too!

Fires along the roadside on way to Broome- a little freaky!

 

We stopped on the way a Willare Raodhouse to stock up on our meat supplies as we had been told by other travellers they sell really great cry vac meat. Then it was full steam ahead for Broome. Due to arriving a day earlier than our booking, Vin’s mate, Blackas and wife Lea kindly let us stay the night at their place. We set our van up in their driveway and they both quickly made us feel very much at home. How strange it was to be sitting in a house for a change! That evening Vin and Blakas caught up on “old times”, we played billiards, went for a swim and watched the footy on tv. E watched Saints v Hawks, Blackas is a mad Saints supporter too.  Abbey was in her element playing with their new puppy, Missy, while loved playing pool with Lea and their youngest son Mitch. This was a really enjoyable night and a great way to start our time in Broome!

 

Day 39 – 10^th August - Saturday – Broome (Cable Beach)

Woke to a beautiful sunny Broome morning and had to pack up the van again a head down the road to Cable Beach Caravan Park. Lea and Blackas offered Abbey and Riley to stay, while we went to set up. They were both very happy about this as Riley was watching the Match Centre for the WAFL Under 19’s Colts as the Blackley’s eldest son, Matt plays for East Perth. Riley was in his element filling in Lea in on any stat Matt received during this game! Also Abbey was more than happy to stay and play with their puppy Missy, she was trying to teach her to shake hands.

Leanne giving Vin a fresh shave! Wow suddenly she likes it short!!!

 

Riley watching some local footy with his new footy top- The Towns (Broome- Blackas Team!)

 

Once we were set up at the caravan park, we went back to get the kids and finished watching the end of the Tigers v Brisbane Game (how exciting watching Foxtel). After we watch tigers win again, we went to watch a local game of Footy. Blackas and his youngest son are involved with the Towns Football Club. They gave Riley a Towns Footy top to keep, he thought this was fantastic! It was great to watch a local game, which had many Indigenous players and even one footballer played in bare feet! However, we missed the start of the game and unfortunately didn’t see Blackas, who was the Town’s Runner receive his first red card from the umpire (so he says)!!!!

Abbey loving playing with Missy the dog!!!

 

Back to the caravan park and time to touch base with the families from back home. We caught up with2 of the families (The Atkin’s and The Henry’s) for a drink.

Our greeting party at Cable Beach Caravan Park!!!

 The other family (The Beans) were arriving tomorrow.