Day Sixty Three - September 7th, 2013
Kakadu National Park

We packed up and left Katherine, and drove the 200 or so kilometres to Kakadu National Park. We stopped to buy our permit ($25 per person for up to 14 days), and started or drive in. There are bitumen roads throughout the majority of the park, but there are also a number of 4x4 only dirt tracks, one of which we plunged down towards Gunlom Falls. After ingesting several pieces of ginger in order to stave off car sickness (Angus can plough over these roads like they are made of the smoothest Tarmac), I enjoyed the drive, and we even spotted our second dingo! We had seen several fires smouldering in the distance, and we actually drove right by one which was pretty tame.

We arrived at the falls and laced up our walking boots for the 'steep and strenuous' climb up the cliff towards a swimming area. Ang had visited it once before on a work trip, and assures us it was worth the hike. I told him I we made it to the top and there was no water, he'd be in trouble. It was hot work climbing in the sun! Luckily (for me and Ang) the infinity pools he had promised did not disappoint. In fact quite the opposite - they amazed! A group of people were just leaving and we had the three pools and two small waterfalls almost to ourselves in some peace and quiet. The water stretches out for what seems like forever, and the views were some of the best we've seen. The plumes of smoke from the fires could be seen in the distance, and if you didn't know it was Australia, the landscape could easily pass for Africa. We even spotted a water monitor - a water loving lizard - and managed to get close up for a photo. We spent the morning lazing around in the pools and soaking up the scenery. I don't think I'll be anywhere this special again anytime soon. A magical place and a fantastic reward after a hard climb!

We scrambled back down the rocks and had a very welcome picnic lunch. On our way back off the dirt track, it became apparent that the fires had become much stronger, and as we drove right along side one, could feel the heat radiating into the car. The smoke was so think we lost sight of the road for a couple of seconds - something that would have been terrifying had Angus not been behind the wheel! I know he can handle any situation.

We wanted to stop at another set of falls, but unfortunately they were closed, so while I slept in the back we drove on to Jabiru where we'll e staying for the remainder of our Kakadu trip. I was amazed to find this 'town' in the middle of a national park! M&A had booked us into a caravan park, and it's luxury! Power and an en suite, incredible! We set up the tent while they checked into they hotel. We all met for supper a few hours later in the Holiday Inn shaped like a giant crocodile! After a yummy meal with half the eye on the general election, we're back in the tent for a quiet night at the almost deserted campsite! Seems that everyone must stay at the big croc!