Kakadu, NT

Driving north up through Kakadu was really exciting. It really was like driving through a post card. We based ourselves in Jabiru, which is a purpose built town catering to tourism and the Uranium mine down the road. It was ridiculously hot, so while there is plenty of bush camping and that would be our usual preference, here our priorities were power to crank up the air con and a pool. We found a beautiful van park with a great big lagoon pool, a bar & restaurant and gorgeous tropical landscaping. After the outback it felt like we were on holidays, it was bliss and we stayed a week!

We were on the tail end of the wet season, which meant afternoon showers, hot steamy weather and not too many tourists, which was great. We did as many ranger talks as we could, which gave us a great perspective and appreciation of the history and culture of Kakadu. There were a few times when my dodgy grasp of the local indigenous language landed us in the wrong spot – I think confusing Nawurlandja and Nanguluwur is a reasonable mistake! After a 3km walk through bush in 36 degree heat we found some pretty spectacular art work which we weren’t expecting (it was supposed to be a look out!) and we all agreed it was worth the walk. With promises of icecream and pretty much whatever the kids wanted, we then found the right spot and managed to get the kids to the top of the lookout. Again it was well worth the hike!

We also did a cruise at sunset of the wetlands in the Yellow Water River. This was the first time we were able to see Crocs up close and in their natural habitat, which was pretty exciting. We even managed to get a scuffle between two of them right next to our boat on video. The birdlife and the opportunity to see nature interact was incredible and something we will always remember.