McCarthy's Go Round

  Friday 4 September: Adelaide River- Darwin As the car has been assessed as non drivable we were again towed, this time an hour's tow to Darwin, staying at Hidden Valley for an indefinite period. Making the best of the situation we set up camp and set off into the city to explore tropical Darwin; with its beautiful sunsets, laid back feel, and melting pot of cultures.  Our first dinner was spent at Fannie Bay Sailing Club, soaking up the warm, salty air. It feels a while since we have seen the coastline. There is plenty of maritime history in Darwin, most uniquely the World War II shipwrecks. Below is a view out to the wreck of Warship USS Peary, sunk in Darwin Harbour as a result of the first Japanese air raid in Australia on 19 February 1942. We have enjoyed some time at the Waterfront, complete with a man-made wave pool, live music, safe beachfront to swim in and delicious ice-cream. We are staying very close to the Darwin Motorsports Club, so the big kid and little kids w...

 Kakadu National Park- Jabiru Friday 11 September Over the weekend we made use of our hire car and set off to explore the Jabiru section of Kakadu National Park. The highlight was our Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator (Erre) River- our Indigenous Guide Ramon generously sharing his knowledge about living in harmony with and caring for country, especially the river systems. He let us know of the important role crocodiles play in the ecosystem, keeping animal numbers at the right levels. We were privileged to step foot onto Arnhem Land and see up close the caves and rock shelters that were once used during the wet season as shelters to live in. The cruise took in the infamous Cahills Crossing- absolutely teeming with crocodiles. Little did we know that the River made the news this same day with a whale discovered puddling around! Over the remainder of the weekend we ventured to Burrungkuy, exploring an area mistakenly known by non-Indigenous people as Nourlangie Rock. The areas a...

Wednesday 9 September- Day trip to Berry Springs & Territory Wildlife Park Berry Springs is one of the most beautiful parks to cool off and relax in close to Darwin (35mins drive). The spring fed creek flows through to Darwin Harbour via a mangrove estuary. If you swim with goggles you can see native fish in the clear pools. It felt pretty special swimming in a crystal clear natural pool surrounded by rainforest. The rest of the day was spent visiting the Territory Wildlife park- the highlight being the bird show showcasing native birds of prey, and also the Archer Fish which shoot down their food with a shot of water and the Whiprays- just amazing.  

 Thursday 3 September: Nitmiluk to Kakadu (or don't) Set off early from Nitmiluk after re-stocking for our 7 days in Kakadu. Arrived at Mary River Ranger Station with smoke billowing and a clunk radiating from the engine. And there we stayed until 6:30pm, in the Carpark, in 39 degree heat. Whilst Tim spent hours sorting a plan with NRMA roadside assist our travel buddies kindly drove the kids & I to a little known waterhole called Moline Rockhole. Just a little taste of the gorgeous waterfalls and swimming holes that make Kakadu so spectacular. The next few hours were spent entertaining ourselves in the carpark whilst waiting for the tow truck to move us to Adelaide River. The kids were delighted when we were given a prado WITH A SNORKEL to drive the 170 km to Adelaide River where we spent the night beside an old racetrack!  After a mechanical assessment the next morning, our car was deemed undriveable, so a second tow was booked to Darwin. Hopefully we will see some of Ka...

 August 31- Celebrating Huw's birthday in Nitmiluk! Decorations- check! Homemade in the van in 40 degree heat chocolate cake- check! Pool party- check! Happy birthday to our determined, spirited, clever, sensitive and agile little monkey. What a birthday location!  Had some time in Nitmiluk (Katherine) before setting up camp in the National Park. It was here we learnt the hard way that our airconditioner is not compatible with Clipsal switches. We spent the night sweltering before Tim listened to my suggestion of plugging into the amenities block.  The next day we were treated to a spectacular day in the Gorge. Such an awesome experience! Nitmiluk is the Jawoyn name for the Gorge. It was the name given by the Dreamtime Figure, Nibilil, As he travelled through the country and came to the entrance of the Gorge where he heard the song of the cicada; 'nit, nit, nit' Our adventure began with a boat ride through the first gorge. Upon entering Gorge 2 we collected our canoes and...