First port of call on our journey south was BATCHELOR (population 650) gateway to Litchfield National Park.

The highlight at the campsite was the bird feeding session every afternoon. We went along and the noise of the birds was unbelievable and it got louder as they got more impatient for their dinner. which was a white porridge - we thought it might have been 'Batchelor's Cup-a-Soup!!'

On our way to Litchfield N.P. we encountered giant magnetic termite mounds, some up to 20 ft tall. One area looked like a massive cemetry as the mounds were like headstones spread over swamplands. They are built with the widest areas in a north/south direction to protect them from the sun and winds. Intelligent things these termites.

The park itself was spectacular - huge sandstone plateaus with waterfalls cascading into natural plunge pools. The swimming was croc free so we cooled off before our walk back through the monsoon rainforests. Not that adventurous as pathways and steps provided but good exercise.

Jen and Ray