Across the Territory

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After meeting up with Gavin, Andrew and Tony in Darwin, we sorted out the car (a fairly new, but basic 4WD) and supplies (including the cheapest esky we could find).
Our trip began with a side trip to Litchfield NP, to view the north/south aligned termite mounds (as seen on David Attenborough), and a dip in the rapids (plus a short walk). It was the first swim of many.
Our first night camping was at Nitimuk (Katherine Gorge) NP, amongst the Agile wallabies, in a fairly popular campsite (it was peak Grey Nomad season). The following night felt much more remote, camped on the sand beside the water far from any proper campsites. We had walked about 15km to this spot, via Butterfly Gorge for lunch (and a swim), before heading back up to the top of the gorge, then down again to our campsite (and more swims). This was a spectacular campsite, and it was all ours.

One of many swimming holes

We returned to the visitor centre the next day, then headed out for a kayak with the masses. Fortunately, not many of the masses saw the Fresh Water Crocodile that Tony initially eyed (including a disbelieving Andrew and Gavin). I thought it may have been a plastic model, until it opened its mouth and hissed at us. At least it stayed there when when went swimming, just a little way upstream.
After Katherine, we headed towards Kununurra, stopping for a short walk in Gregory NP, before deciding to stop in Keep River NP, just shy of the WA border.
Keep River was a gem of a park - it had old sandstone mountains, which glowed vividly in the sunset. A short talk from the ranger filled us in on much of the management of the park (which is done in conjuction with the local Aboriginals), and the next day we visited a fantastic rock art gallery, and went for a short walk along the river, before continuing westward.

Relaxing at Keep River NP

Kakadu Ya?

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Wilderness Adventures
After traipsing around the Red Centre, I headed north for a 4 day tour of Kakadu. I joined a small 4wd tour with 6 other passengers (and 2 guides) for an exciting trip around the Top End.
The first 3 days consisted of us visiting absolutely gorgeous swimming holes via 4wd and foot (anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours walking), swimming and eating lunch, relaxing for another hour or so before heading back to camp under the stars in a remote camping site.
Day 1 saw us go on a Corroboree Billabong tour, then had us visiting Maguk, which has a series of duck unders in the rapids above the waterfall, before we camped at Gunlom.
Day 2 involved a long, slow, 4wd jaunt (over 2 hours, and a bit of car sickness thrown in), before a 2 hour bush bash to Graveside, a wonderfully remote waterfall and plunge pool.
Day 3 saw us visit Twin Falls (no swimming there, due to the possible presence of crocs), and then over to Jim Jim Falls for a well earned swim.
Day 4 involved a visit to an Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where we were taught how to use a Woomera (although they call it something else in Kakadu), and then Ubirr, home of the most amazing rock art and views.
All up, a fantastic trip with great people. If you enjoy getting off the beaten track, driving on rough roads, and chilling out in amazing water holes, this trip is for you.

A happy camper floating to Twin Falls