Litchfield Park

LITCHFIELD PARK NORTHERN TERRITORY

FRIDAY 29
Of to Litchfield Park today, a longer day than most we have had. Nothing much changes but we did see some Jabiru standing in a puddle at the side of the road. They are such beautiful birds.

SATURDAY 30
Time to go exploring, so with map in hand off we went on the bike. We decided that we would start at the far end of the park and visit the Bamboo Creek Tin Mine first. It was interesting to see some of the old equipment and buildings still standing although in neglected condition. We marvelled at the logistics of getting some of the extremely heavy equipment to the mine site which was on the side of a hill and they had to cross swampy areas.

Residence at Tin Mine

From here we travelled to Walker Creek which has overnight camping up the walk trails. Crossed a stream and on up the hill to find a camp site. Ages later found the first one and decided the other 5 could remain undiscovered. The stream was lovely and meandered down the slopes, so peaceful. At one stage Mike and John spotted a Goanna sun baking on a rock but at the appearance of these two men poor thing jumped into the river a swam away.

Walker Creek

Stranger swimming at Walker Creek

The last stop today was at Wangi Falls, the main attraction in the park. What a magnificent waterfall display and Mike even managed a swim below the falls with plenty of other people present. It is full on school holidays for every state and it appears that most of Victoria and NSW are here in the Top End.

Wangi Falls

Called in at the Magnetic Termite mounds on the way out of the park. Quite an amazing construction,clever little insects.

Usual Termite Nest

Magnetic Termite Nest

After such a long day on the bike headed for home and Happy Hour.

SUNDAY 1. July
A new month starts.

MONDAY 2
Today we visited the other attractions in the park, more waterfalls.
Tolmer Falls was our first visit for the day. Not a spectacular waterfall but a very long drop from top to bottom.

Tolmer Falls

Florence Falls was next on the agenda. A fantastic spot with 135 steps down to the pools. There was a draw back, so many people and very little area to sit down. Trysha and John found a rock to sit on but we had to cross some water and guess what, yes I stepped into the water and ended up with wet shoes and socks. Oh well it could have been worse some people got very wet. This is quite an amazing waterfall and pool, And fortunately forums there was an alternate route back tote carpark through a fantastic woodland forest with a rippling stream and lots of birds. So peaceful walking along the stream.

Florence Falls

Buley Rockhole was next and this was a series of large rock pools each with a deep pool and lots of people in each pool. A magnificent sight.

Buley Rockholes

On the way home we discovered some more magnetic termite mounds out in the bush so off we went to get some close up views little thinking that burnt bush makes a mess of wet soxs and shoes. Oh well too late I Realised the state of my shoes.

Magnetic Termite Nest (Taken from North)

From North-West

Terry and Lorraine arrived back from their camping trip and we had met up with a Donnybrook couple, Bill Hamlet? So the eight of us had a extended happy hour. It is really great when you meet up with nice people.

TUESDAY 3
Terry and Lorraine, Bill and wife all left today and we cleaned up and packed up ready to leave for Darwin in the morning.

WEDNESDAY 4
Look out Darwin here we come.

Katherine

KATHERINE

SATURDAY 23

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDON

Thought we would go check out the markets in town this morning,well that took all of 5mins. After a tour around town we found Big W and did some shopping. Well that was an eye opener, it took at least 15-20 mins to go through the check out. Apparently the waiting is quite common according to the locals and now with the tourist hordes in town the waiting is even longer.

Coach on Low-Level Bridge next to Caravan Park

Big Rigs In Caravan Park

On the way back to the park we checked out the hot springs and decided we would be back.
The van and bike had a wash today , needed it after all the red dust we had been through.

SUNDAY 24

The windows of the van and truck had a clean this morning so now up to date with outdoor cleaning look out inside!!!!
Actually cold here in the mornings, 16 this morning but heavenly days.
We have spotted some lovely birds here so out with our new. Bird book to identify them

Blue-Faced Honeyeater on Annex Prop ( The check of it)

MONDAY 25

Mike had a swim in pool today and nearly froze.

TUESDAY 26

Tried out the hot pools today and yes even I had a lovely wallow.

Lois Wallowing!!!

Nomads Washing

All in Together

WEDNESDAY 27

IT IS MY BIRTHDAY

Birthday Cake

We decided to travel up the Katherine Gorge today and it was just lovely.

Katherine Gorge and Gorgeous

Gorge 1

Gorge 2

We all went out to the park Bistro for tea to celebrate my birthday.

THURSDAY28

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIANCA

Pack up today as we are heading to Litchfield Park tomorrow.

KUNUNURRA

TUESDAY 12

Oh we are so sorry!!!!!! to hear how the storms are slashing the south west of WA while we are enjoying lovely warm to hot weather and such calm days. At least travelling with no wind makes it easier on the driver and fuel consumption. Had an enjoyable trip to Kununurra and the pastoral country is looking quite lush and cattle looking shiny.
Parked at the showgrounds and spread ourselves around, great to have plenty of room.
Well the tourist season has started with caravans nose to tail on the road. Many of the parks are full by lunch time.

WEDNESDAY 13

Off to investigate the town and Mike caught up with old mates at the courthouse. The manager of Sirco in Kununurra, Terry, was working for Mike so he came round for tea and boy did Mike and Terry do some catching up.
John and Trysha booked a flight over the Bungle Bungles.

THURSDAY 14

Today we all booked a trip up the river to the dam wall then set out to do show Trysha and John some of the sights of Kununurra.
Went out to Ivanhoe Crossing and at the moment the water is up and flowing quite fast so no one silly enough to want to cross by vehicle can't as it is closed to traffic. There was one silly fisherman standing out on the bridge with water up to his knees. Not my idea of fun as there are large crocs in the river.

Ivanhoe Crossing

On the way around the irrigation district there were thousands and thousands of Sandalwood trees and when they come into full production (probably 2013) there is going to be a lot of sandalwood oil come out of Kununurra.
Next stop on our tour was the Hoochery. John sampled a few of the rums and with each one he smacked his lips more and more enthusiastically, just as well he wasn't skipper.
Our last place for the day was out to Saddlepack Road to visit the Zebra rock shop and check out the rocks. Took some bread down to the jetty and feed the fish and turtles.

SATURDAY 16

Markets but not much there. Do like to check out markets wherever we are as other peoples craft is always interesting to look at and get ideas from.
Trysha and John flew over the Bungle Bungles and had a wonderful trip.
Went into town for tea.

SUNDAY 17

Off to the Argyle Dam today. Took our lunch as there is a lovely picnic area out at the dam. T & J had flown over the Argyle Dam and wall the day before so now they had the chance to see how high the wall was and how small the Dam is,  even spotted an albino fresh water croc in the water.

Lake Argyle Dam

MONDAY 18

Home today, Mike not well.

TUESDAY 19

Supposed to leave today but booked on cruise up the OrdRiver/Kununurra Lake to the dam wall. It is quite an eye opener to see the wall from different angles.

Behind the Dam Wall (Tour Boats)

Australasian Darter & Red Combed Jacano

Lake Kununurra

The trip started at lunch time with only 10 on board so we had a few extra spots thrown in. It is an amazing lake come river and the bird life was so interesting. Have included photos . The tour guide cum skipper was from Boyup Brook years ago. His knowledge and presentation was terrific and we learnt so much. We had time up our sleeve before meeting a bus load at the dam so we were taken up one of the tributaries and we just went quietly up river spotting birds.
Once back in the main river off we zoomed slowing down to spot crocs basking in the sun. Data and Jacano and many other birds were spotted.
About 3/4 way up the river the river narrows and the water flows rapidly so we had a few thrills zigzaging over the water.
At the dam wall we picked up another 20 odd people from a bus tour and set off down the river. We had a lesson on the river and why it is like it is and then off to a lovely spot for afternoon tea.
We arrived back at sunset and witnessed a Kununurra sunset.

Dam Wall from Tour Boat

Freshwater "Crocs" sunbaking

Afternoon Tea on Tour

Rock Wallaby (Centre)

A Kununurra Sunset

WEDNESDAY 20

Leaving WA today and heading into Northern Territory. We are amazed how suddenly the terrain changes from very rugged red hills to flat, tree covered pasture with big mobs of Brahman cattle.
We stopped at Timber Creek and went and watched the fresh water crocs being feed.

Group Shot at the Border

Set up at Timber Creek

Twilight feeding Crocs

FRIDAY 22

After a rest day we are now ready for our next stop, Katherine.
Called in at Victoria River for morning tea. What a beautiful river and so big. From here we headed off to Katherine and on the way a Wallaby committed suicide, ran into us and now we have a bent bumper. Thank goodness no serious damaged only a bent number plate but one dead roo.
We are staying at the Big 4 park and it is great. Lots of grass and trees. Every night there is a bistro and live entertainment so we really don't need to go any where.

Rest stop Victoria River Roadhouse

Victoria River