We reached Cahill Crossing (East Alligator River) at 8.15am at almost low tide. This meant the crossing was a non-event.

The 300km of dirt road to our campsite was about as good as we had hoped - lots of bone-jarring corrugations but also some quite well-maintained sections. We arrived at our campsite around 12.30pm so averaged close to 70kph.

First impressions were that we're a long way from anywhere - as we are! Set up camp and I drove the only track available - a coastal drive of 40km which returns you to the main entry track. At this time of year NP's rangers are burning off most of the grass and ground fuel. The fires are low heat and move slowly. Hence the coastal drive was thru areas still burning - quite eerie in fact.

Next morning a boat picked us (and another couple) up for a tour of the ill-fated Victoria Settlement (1838 - 1849), a look at the Marine Park and a spot of fishing.

Brendan, our captain and guide took us here, there and everywhere. After a 3 km walk around the Settlement remains, we zoomed around the huge bay checking out points of interest etc. We went mud crabbing and caught 3. The fishing portion involved trawling around reefs and sandbars with 2 lines out. Steve landed a Queenie which was over a metre long (and released after the obligatory pics). He is very chuffed! A smaller Queenie and 2 barracoutas were also caught. Yours truly caught nothing! We also spotted 2 crocs, dolphins and stingrays in the bay.

Today was a day of rest. As there is little else to do here we are heading back to Jabiru tomorrow. Plan to call into Oenpelli on return journey to check out aboriginal art. Need an early start to avoid lengthy waiting for the safe tide level at Cahill Crossing.