The magnetic termite mounds.
J doesn't quite measure up to a big cathedral termite mound.
Another big one.
Tolmer Falls (you couldn't swim here).
We then checked out some pretty waterfalls (Wangi and Florence Falls), where we had a much needed cool dip. We also had a quick swim in one of the water holes at Buley Rockhole.
Buley Rockhole. (Trying to take a timed picture of us together, with not much success.)
J being silly.
Kakadu National Park
Video of one of the jumping crocs.
One female croc had had one of her legs bitten off by a male croc during mating one year; then had the other bitten off the following year by the same male. Some women like bad boys, I guess! We also got to see a white bellied sea eagle and some kites grabbing meat. On the way we also stopped at one of the wetland areas of Kakadu and had a look at the large amounts of birds gathered around the lake.
The wetlands.
Once we'd set the tent up, we went to a place called Ubirr to catch the sunset, though it was a bit cloudy.
Rock art at Ubirr.
Sunset over Kakadu from the lookout at Ubirr.
The next day, we went for a walk around a place called Nourlangie to see some aboriginal rock art and listened to a couple of ranger talks about aboriginal culture and the geology of the land. Some of the paintings could be thousands of years old and some were recently repainted in the 60s and 70s. Many of them show images of the creation (Dreamtime), hunting and ceremonies. We also went to Anbangbang Billabong, which featured in Crocodile Dundee. By the time we had done this, it was only about midday, but it was too hot, so we went back to the campsite and cooled off in the pool.
Two pictures of rock art at Nourlangie.
Anbangbang Billabong.
Before heading to Katherine Gorge, we went on a cruise starting on the Yellow Water Billabong, then out on to the South Alligator River. It's quite a badly named river because there are no alligators... but there are plenty of crocs! So we had the chance to do some croc spotting and as we did the early morning cruise, we saw a few of them basking in the sun on the banks of the river. We also saw quite a few birds. The river was lovely and tranquil and the scenery was amazing. The boat guide told us the story of why there are now warnings not to swim in any of the waterways in Kakadu. In 2002, a tour guide took some tourists swimming at night in a well known croc inhabited billabong. Inevitably, a small German lady (the easiest prey) was killed by a croc. The croc was harpooned the next morning, with the body still in its jaws. And that is just one more lovely, sweet Aussie horror story that they just can't wait to tell you!!
Sunrise at Yellow Water.
The South Alligator River.
Paperbark swamp.
A Jabiru bird.
This is a Saltwater Crocodile (or Saltie) - Quick fact: They can live in fresh or salt water, but they have a gland that can secrete salt.
Nitmiluk National Park
On the way to Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge section), we went to Edith Falls in the north of the park and J had a quick swim in the plunge pool at the base of the falls.
J having a dip at Edith Falls.
Mr Roo at the campsite.
Me in the middle of the 2 gorges.
Katherine gorge.
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