Day 27. 4th August
Oh dear! We actually got our act together and set off in good time to explore Gunlom Falls, clear plunge pool and waterfall, on Susie and Ronnie's recommendation. On the way down the road I was reading up on crocodile safely swimming. And it didn't sound all that positive. Despite the crocodile management zone there still remains risk the estuarine (saltwater) crocs may move into any plunge pool or waterway! If visitors choose to swim they do so at their own risk! Might be a hot walk with no reward at the end!
We weren't exactly sure about distances but the book said the gravel road into Gunlom was suitable for 2WD.
So we drove for an Hour to the turn off to be greeted with a 4WD recommended sign, roads open at river crossings and 39kms of corrugated road! After one km of bumping and rattling we decided it best for the van, bikes and our sanity to call it and turn back!
We called into Bukbukluk for a quick look and hit the road back to Yellow Water Region Wetlands.
JD - "We should start a list of Kakadu and Kakadon't for next time."
ND- "Why what be on your list for Kakadon't?"
JD- "Don't bring the kids, they're not interested"
Hahaha!
200km round trip to the turn off and back!
Went for a short walk to yellow water, where the boat tours depart from, no tour for us our budget still recovering from Uluru! Saw a few sneaky crocs eying off Matilda. Well I suppose it was lunch time!
Back to camp for "not another salad sandwich"!!
I spent a couple of hours trying to wor out some accommodation in Darwin. Whoops leaving it till the day before wasn't going to work. Found an apartment but needed to reroute via three days in Litchfield. Hoping that will be long enough to explore the region. If not we'll go back.
Relaxing Afternoon by the awesome Cooinda Lodge pool. Girls found some little people to entertain. Dinner at the bistro. Back to the van to leave the footy fanatics to it!