We get a call from BCF at 9:30 in the morning. Our tent poles have arrived. We pick them up, stock up on food and head for Kakadu. This is the third time in 4 days we drive this stretch of the Arnhem highway.

We are pretty familiar with the scenery. Lots of medium sized and short trees that are fairly dense so you can't see a lot further than several metres on each side of the road. This doesn't change when we enter Kakadu.

In Kakadu we pass through one large expanse of long grass with no trees that is pretty spectacular, so flat. There is a car abandoned on the side of the road with windows smashed and bullet holes in the windscreen. Hmm... Wonder what happened there? The distance view is hazy due to the controlled burning happening in the park.

It is 3:30 when we get to Jabiru and 35 degrees. It's too hot to put the new poles in the tent so we opt for a cabin, a dip in the huge shaded pool and happy hour!

First stop the next day is the Jabiru bakery. Saturday is donut day and a must do since we are here on a Saturday. The donuts are great but the cheesy mite scroll is fantastic, best we have ever tasted!

Then it is off to the East Alligator region to explore. We stop at Ubirr and spend some time exploring the Aboriginal rock art. We are surprised by the amount of art and many of the pictures are easily distinguished. We are impressed by the layout of the site which feels very natural. We scramble up the rocks to the lookout for a spectacular view over the floodplain.

Next we head to Cahills Crossing, we have heard that as the high tide pushes the water over the crossing crocodiles gather to feed on fish swimming upstream. We arrive 20 minutes before high tide and the water is starting to cover the crossing and rising pretty quickly. There are several large crocodiles heading for the crossing from both directions. As the river rises we can see the fish jumping, and the crocs move in. This feels like a unique outback experience.

Off to Border Store for lunch as we have heard great things about the Thai food. Despite the 35 degree heat we have to try this place. It doesn't disappoint, we share an absolutely delicious Pad Thai and Chicken Yum Salad. We highly recommend this place if you are in the area. This is something that we have been pleasantly surprised about on this trip. Small restaurants in the middle of nowhere serving authentic and delicious dishes.

That afternoon it is back to the pool to cool down. Fortunately William loves the water now and is making great progress and Emily can't resist dipping her toes in the pool any chance she gets.

The next day we have booked an early morning flight over Kakadu. It's too hot to do the walks especially with the kids so we figure this is a good way to see the park. Our route takes us over the ranger uranium mine, the border of Arnhem Land, the archway, billabongs, the escarpment and more. It gives us a great perspective of the size of the park and features that are not visible from the road. William has a giant grin on his face as he is flying in 'Dusty'. It is a little 4 seater and Emily is on my lap, although I enjoy the scenery Emily and I are very warm and I think I might need to use the air sick bag. Fortunately when we land it remains safely tucked in the seat pocket in front of me!

After the flight we depart Jabiru and see where the day may lead. We pull into Pine Creek thinking we may camp there. With temperatures at 36 degrees and no shade or grass available decide to keep going. We grab lunch and arrive in Katherine late afternoon, book into a cabin and take a dip in the pool.