Kakadu and Lichfield National Parks

Rolling into Darwin was a relief, as a tour group we had amassed some serious KM’s after leaving Alice Springs. Again we met up for a farewell meal in one of Darwin’s nightspots before preparing for the final leg of my 10 day trip (a 3 day 2 night Kakadu and Lichfield National Park Safari). The weather in Darwin was humid and wet perfect for the “wet” season I suppose! Another early pick and my final tour group were soon on the road heading for the sights of the national parks. We were joined by a few Brits and an Aussy guy called Keith (aka Heath)!

 

 

The essence of this part of the trip was to really experience the wildlife of Australia and we were straight into the action with our first stop looking at some massive termite mounds! Our tour guide Nathan was basically a cross between Bear Grylls and David Attenborough and his knowledge was second to none. We did spend a lot of time in the bus on this part of the trip and designated points of interest where largely geared around swimming spots. The first day we made way to a beautiful natural waterfall complete with natural swimming pools and although it was raining the temperature of the water was perfect…. This combined with a BBQ for lunch was great way to spend the day and meet our new tour party. Or first  nights campsite came complete with pool and after anther swim we tucked into another BBQ feast.

 

 

The 2^nd days activities saw us head into the Kakadu park home to some of the world’s oldest rock formations on the planet (I won’t bore you with the background to it all but it was pretty impressive). Climbing up and around these rock formations we had lessons on ancient Aboriginal art at the ancient art site of Ubirr before climbing to the viewing point for an amazing view looking out over Kakadu and Arnhem Land we was truly amazing. It was not the image I thought I would see whilst being the outback…. It was so vast, lush and green. The photo shows an area where Crocodile Dundee was filmed too if you can recognise it???? After the trekking and photos we made where for our campsite for the night which would be my last one of the trip. Our tour guide managed to secure us air conditioned rooms constructed from Porta-cabins…Again there was pool which provided a great opportunity to cool off before heading off on our crocodile cruise!

 

The final day of my ten day trip was a bit of wash out literally. After days of rain most of our stuff was soaked through! So the fact we started a 3km hike in pouring rain and waded through creeks waist high didn’t really bother us and it was pretty cool. Unless you’re the Queen of the Amazon aka Sara/Saus who really wasn’t in impressed with the hike in her bright Pink Burberry rain mac PRICELESS!!!! The rain was so bad it had washed out or desired swimming spot but none of us were really bothered as the hike was so much fun especially as Nathan was grabbing all kinds of frogs and insects to show us on the way! The poor weather meant a detour to another Aboriginal art spot and a fantastic lookout before heading back to Darwin to dry off and relax….

 

 

 Arriving in Darwin wet and cold we still ventured out for a night on the town back in Monsoon (Darwin’s premier night spot). Wednesday meant it was ladies night and unfortunately Gaz from Geordie Shore was “in the house” this made all the girls weak at the knees… God knows why because he is a complete PIPE! After a brief intro to Gaz the night resumed and we all had a great night throwing some shapes and consuming lots of booze! I now had four days to kill in Darwin and to be honest I was hard work it’s pretty much  centered around two streets and a small man made beach and wave pool. Highlights were the museum complete with 5m stuffed crocodile and an unsuccessful Barramundi fishing trip (thanks Nathan).

 

 

Northern Territory trip complete now back to Sydney!

 

Photos FYI

 

One Love JH