Day 37: Kakadu National Park (2)

It was a long day today but we didn't really do a lot.

We once again got up for an early start and departed about 8am to make our way to Maguk for a 9.30am ranger guided walk.

Our ranger guide told us some of the same things we were told yesterday, however we were in a different environment to yesterday so there were some differences.

Maguk's environment is classified as Monsoonal rainforest. One plant species in particular is considered to be a relic from Gwandana times.

The walk was a relatively easy path, alongside a deep creek that is almost certainly inhabited by crocs, which made the ranger nervous when Ethan stopped to listen to what she was saying by standing right near the waters edge. He thought it was hilarious.

The walk culminated at a gorgeous waterfall with a huge plunge pool at it's base. The plunge pool is termed as 'crocodile managed' which translates to 'we're pretty sure there are no salty's but if you get eaten then it's not our fault!'

We ignorantly thought we weren't going to need our swimmers as we thought the risk was too great but as soon as we saw the pool and how difficult (but not impossible) it would be for a salt water crocodile to reach it, we regretted our decision.

The kids thought it was too good an opportunity to pass up so the boys went in with their shorts and Micaela fully clothed. Darren and I watched in awe before deciding to join them. Darren went in his shorts and after watching one of the other lady's from our group go in undies and t-shirt, I decided to strip down to my bra and undies.

The water was worth the risk of both shame and croc attack. Whilst in the water a couple of other people came so I waited for them to leave before making my dash from the pool to put my dry clothes on over wet under wear. Almost as soon as I had my clothes on, a group of young 20 something's turned up. Phew, that was a close one!

Eventually we were able to coax Brandon from the water, once he dried off a little we continued the walk back. The ranger was long gone by this stage, allowing us to enjoy the plunge pool.

After lunch we took the unsealed bumpy road to Gunlom. Gunlom is another waterfall with a plunge pool at the base with a really nice grassed area near by, popular for picnics. The picnic area was beautiful and we wish we realised it earlier to take advantage of it, but after Maguk the waterfall was a let down.

So after a quick visit we took the bumpy road back to the highway back to Jabiru.

After having dinner out last night the plan was to have a home cooked meal tonight, but the mince didn't defrost so it was back to enjoy a meal by the pool again, oh the sacrifices!

Tomorrow we are going to see a couple more things in the morning before leaving about 1pm and going to Darwin.