Well l'm not really sure where to begin on Kakadu! We decided to base ourselves in Jabiru and do day trips to the different regions from there. At Jabiru we stayed at Kakadu Lodge and the pool was amazing, but actually a little chilly!
East Alligator River
On our first day we went on a cultural boat cruise on the East Alligator river. This was our first real siting of lots of crocs! We went to Cahills Crossing in the boat and watched the many fishermen risking their lives on the banks of the river trying to catch some barra! There was plenty of barra but also plenty of crocs! Our aboriginal guide said he would definitely not fish there!
We continued our boat cruise learning about the different trees and plants and their many uses. We were taken to Arnhem Land and were able to get off the boat and walk on the sacred land.
After the boat cruise we drove in the car to Cahills crossing and sat and croc watched for ages. Fascinating creatures but l was very glad to be a good distance away from them!
Cahills Crossing, people standing right near water with lots of crocs swimming about!
On the hunt!
The Thompson's on Arnhem Land
Nourlangie
Our next day was spent at Nourlangie where we took a guided tour of some important features of Nourlangie rock. Our tour guide was very informative about the culture, art, land and the aboriginal people themselves. We saw some spectacular views and interesting art work here.
Josh at Nourlangie Rock!
Jim Jim Falls / Twin Falls
Today was a huge day as we had to travel about 2 hours to get to our destination, but getting there was half of the fun! We were unsure if we could make the river crossing to get to Twin Falls but thought we'd check it out anyway. After discussions between Stu and Craig it was decided that we would give it a go! This was our first real creek crossing so l was a little nervous! We went first and the Willo's second. We both got across no problems, it was actually quite fun! After a little bit more driving we arrived at the Twin Falls car park. We then had to walk 600 metres to a boat which then took us up the river. We jumped off the boat and then had to walk another 400 metres over rocks and boulders. We then arrived at Twin Falls and it's beauty was worth the challenge of getting there! Absolutely stunning and even a little bit of water falling in the dry season. We hung around the falls for a bit then made our trek back! Our next stop was Jim Jim Falls. We walked for about 30 mins on the track to the falls when we were told by a few people coming the other way that the walk was quite a rough track further along. As it was getting late in the day and we still had a 2 hour drive to get home we decided to head back. So we saw Jim Jim from a distance but didn't reach the plunge pool.
Ahh we made it!
Twin Falls
Twin Falls
On the way back!
Making our way back across the river
View of Jim Jim Falls
Yellow Water
Our next adventure was to Yellow Water. They had a great information centre here about the aboriginal culture. The yellow water cruises go down the south alligator river and around the wet lands. Apparently it's a great cruise for bird lovers! We decided to give it a miss and have a look around via the boardwalks.
Ubirr
Our last region to explore was Ubirr. It is well known for the amazing rock art. There was a few different rock art sites and they were fantastic. The detail in the pictures told the aborigines what they could hunt at that spot, for example turtle, kangaroo, snake etc. The art also told stories of the dreaming.
Ubirr
Ash found a cave!
Aboriginal Artwork
Aboriginal Artwork
Overall l thoroughly enjoyed Kakadu, it was exhausting as there was so much to see, but l definitely wouldn't hesitate recommending it to others.
Off to Darwin next!
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