Mary River Crocs

The Mary River is well known for the crocs which inhabit the area. The crocs are all wild and boats regularly travel the river and feed them. Not usually a good practice as it can lead to them being accustomed to humans but this is their river and those people who live here have a lot of respect for the animals.

The crocs are famed for their ability to jump from the water. This is normal hunting practice for them, they use this skill to pluck birds from overhanging trees. As the guy on the boat says “You have to be crazy to think that you can train a croc”. It’s very apparent that these are wild, prehistoric animals when you’re up close!

Lichfield NP

Our first trip out in the camper. Lichfield national park is only an hour or two south of Darwin, its just one road heading out west from the main highway with some stunning views and swimming holes with no crocs!

Complying with the local signage.

Magnetic termite mounds. These are everywhere and make the landscape look like a graveyard.

One of many sets of waterfalls, amazing.

Swimming in the freezing water, luckily it was in the mid 30’s so not much of a hardship.

Behind the waterfall the air pressure and noise is intense.

Darwin – Two cakes one day

It was bound to happen eventually, we had to catch a flight to Australia. Not bad getting to Bali by train, boat and bus, it’s been fun but the Aussies don’t really like boats coming from Indonesia.

My 45th birthday, I know, I know, I only look 43. Not a big pud fan, but seeing as it’s tradition….

Arrived in Darwin after a short, 2 and a half hour flight. More birthday celebrations but I’m not really feeling it, we already miss Indonesia!

Yet more cake at the hostel!

Next day we collected our home for the next month. Our Toyota Hiace high top was a bit more luxurious than our Mitsubishi L500 we had 14 years ago but not as much character. Really looking forward to hitting the road, one night in Darwin was enough. I’m sure it’s a really nice place, it just didn’t feel all that fun.