4 Stray Katz

2 Jul 2016

Lazing about in the luxurious waters of Litchfield.

Litchfield NP boasts stunning waterfalls, crystal clear swimming holes, huge termite mounds and monsoonal rainforest. It is extremely popular as it is only an hour from Darwin so we were so lucky to get a campsite in the one remaining camp ground (the others have been closed for upgrades). We stayed for 3 nights at the lovely Wangi Falls, which was only a few minutes from our camp. It is an exceptionally busy place but, as we were staying, we got to enjoy the falls and swimming hole to ourselves first thing in the morning and at dusk. We didn't shower for the time we stayed there preferring to cool off in the silky fresh water after dinner each evening.

We did a few shorts walks but it was very hot so we preferred to float around in the swimming hole to keep cool. We checked out the other swimming holes at Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes and enjoyed a picnic lunch at a quiet creek but mostly we just went back and forth to Wangi Falls. We found a small rockpool where the water was coming straight from the inside the rocks (where it is stored in the wet season and flows out in the dry) and it was lukewarm and like a spa. We took the kids as close as possible to the waterfall but it was flowing so ferociously the current kept pushing us back. Daniel managed to go under but I could not get close enough.

We had a lovely shady campground and both kids enjoyed collecting bush items to make their own little gardens. The bats all came out at dusk and the sky was alive with them screeching and gliding from tree to tree whilst kangaroos explored the camp areas once the sun was down. We had a really great three days and soaked up as much sun and warmth as possible in these final weeks of our trip.

The smaller waterfall at Wangi (there was a hole in the rock near the bottom that a small deep pool that was much warmer than the main pool).

One of the many spiders that created webs in the pandanas around the pool.

A walk to the top of the waterfall to see Wangi Creek.

Some of the spring water coming straight from inside the rock, the kids couldn't' resist a drink.

The impressive Wangi Falls, less than a 5 min walk from our campsite - we had an evening swim each night - divine!

Emilia and Daniel admiring the rock glowing in the setting sun (at dusk we often had the place to ourselves)

Jackson's turn for a shoulder ride - he fell in very quickly!

Emilia at Buley rock holes - a series of cascading swimming holes.

Another small swimming hole at Buley, the water was coming down pretty fast so they weren't in the waterfall long.

Florence Falls from above, we all enjoyed a swim with Daniel, Jackson and I going under the raging waterfall.

Our lunch spot near Florence Falls - the kids were enthralled by the fish (so easy to see in the crystal clear water).

Looking up the creek at our picturesque, and cool, lunch stop.

Those plaits were so hard to get out as she did so much swimming they were constantly wet then dry and they seemed to set in place. I took me about 30 minutes to get them out and brush the knots out!

30 Jun 2016

Not even a glimpse of a gorge at Katherine.

Our journey to Katherine consisted of a lot of time in the car and some great sneaky roadside camp spots.

Day 1 - Yulara (Uluru) to about half hour before Devils Marbles. Just under 800km. A stop in Alice Springs for a quick shop (including donuts aka bribes) then just lots of driving! Found a great camp spot hidden from the road right next a lovely old windmill. The kids enjoyed the freedom of a secluded bush camp spot and enjoyed riding their bikes up and down the side road. Emilia showed her bush skills by collecting twigs and sticks to build a kids-only campfire, it was so cute we had to light it for her. Her and Jackson sat around it whilst Daniel and I sat around the main campfire!

Day 2- another huge day of driving but this time with some more interesting stops. Drove about 650km with stops at Devils Marbles, many circular rocks that look like they have been strategically placed throughout the landscape, and Daly Waters Pub, an infamous outback pub where patrons are encouraged to donate belongings. This has resulted in a thong tree, number plate fences, walls of badges and business cards and rows of underwear hanging above the bar. Emilia was very amused and said loudly 'Look at all the booby holders Mum' when we walked in. After a few beers, some icy poles for the kids and the placement of our 4StrayKatz card we headed off to find a camp spot. We were in luck again and found a great spot down a side road. Had a campfire and marvelled at the stars.

Day 3- today began with a stop at Mataranka Hot Springs for a relaxing and refreshing dip before heading to Katherine. Our caravan park was only a few minutes walk from the Katherine Hot Springs so we had a dip there too. After an afternoon spent doing jobs (washing, grocery shopping, cleaning out the car) we were ready for a day at the Katherine Gorge the next day.

Day 4- We had a relaxing morning at a nearby section of the Katherine River that had rapids and rockpools to play in before heading to Katherine Gorge with a plan to hire one kayak so (in addition to our own kayak) all four of us could paddle the gorge together. It was not to be. The first section of the gorge was closed as they had not been able to give the all clear for saltwater crocodiles so the only way to see the gorge was to be ferried to gorge two and kayak from there. Hence the kayaks were completely booked out. The only other way to see the gorge was to do a 12km hike! Not a chance on a 34deg day. Instead we just watched the resident fruit bats for awhile then headed back to camp to use the pool instead. It was disappointing but we consoled ourselves with the fact that we had seen many wonderful gorges in the Kimberley and we still had Litchfield and Kakadu NPs to see so we were bound to encounter more natural wonders before the trip's end.

Jackson rebuilding the cow with the bones he found at our roadside stop.

A very nice view from our free camp.

Emilia and Jackson enjoying the campfire she built for them.

Our little devil at Devil's Marbles.

Nah, can't lift it Mum.

A small crack let water slowly seep in between the rock causing this perfect break.

On the highest one they could find.

Jackson after helping to collect firewood, he managed to find every bit of charcoal wood in the vicinity.

Enjoying the warm water at Mataranka Hot Springs.

Caught in Flight - one of the thousands of bats at Katherine Gorge.

The trees were heaving with them.

It looked like this one was beating his chest.

It is meant to be a colony of bats but I think these ones should be a 'bunch of bats'.

29 Jun 2016

Feeling like a fairy in a Field of Lights.

Our last night at Uluru was spent meandering through the fairyland of coloured lights that made up the unique art installation Field of Light. When visiting Uluru in 1992, the artist, Bruce Munro, came up with the idea of lights coming up from the ground to represent wildflower seedlings growing in the desert. His idea came to fruition on a grand scale. Over 380km of optic fibre is used and the work is made up of 50,000 solar powered lights. The result is just magical. The lights constantly change colour which changes your perspective on the piece depending on the contrasts of the colours. The night we visited was particularly dark (it had been drizzling during the day and the clouds had stayed in the sky) though the darkness made the lights really stand out and appear to continue so far towards the horizon. After several walks around (and lots of oohs and ahhhs at the colours) Daniel and Henry took the kids home on the first bus as they were very tired whilst I stayed another hour to absorb the beauty of the spectacular scene. It was definitely an added bonus to my time at Uluru.

26 Jun 2016

To climb or not to climb????

Visitors to Uluru are now discouraged, but not forbidden, to climb the rock based on a number of reasons including cultural significance, safety concerns (35 people have died trying to climb Uluru) and environmental reasons (erosion on the track to the top and the impact of thousands of people weeing during their 3 hour climb). After much discussion and consideration Emilia, Daniel and Henry chose to climb whilst Jackson and I chose not to. The climb was planned for the day after we arrived and Emilia was brimming with excitement and anticipation. However it was not to be. The path was closed on the first day due to predicted rain then closed again on the second day as more rain was predicted. It had actually reopened for a few hours but both times we checked it was closed so they missed out. Emilia was devastated! The 10km bike road around the base did little to salve her disappointment but a plan to come back in a few years at least stopped the tears.

It was exceptionally busy at the Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara (the only place to stay near the rock) and, as we hadn't booked, we ended up in the overflow camping. It was a dust bowl far down the back of the park but it was only $10 a night and at least we could still use the facilities.

Driving up to the rock in the afternoon after we arrived we all couldn't help but be awed by its size. It looks so dramatic against the sparse countryside around it. After checking out the cultural centre we headed to the sunset viewing spot to watch Uluru at its best. Over the course of an hour and a half, with wines and cheeses, we watched the rock change colour in the subsiding light. It was beautiful and even a severe tantrum from Jackson didn't ruin it!

We headed to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) on the second day but only managed a short walk towards the Valley of the Winds, which was beautiful, before both kids decided they were too exhausted to continue. Daniel also had a painful tooth/jaw which was getting progressively worse to the point that he could hardly open his mouth. We decided to cut our losses and head back to camp, leaving Henry to do the full Valley of the Winds walk. After several painkillers Daniel felt better but a visit to the dentist will be a priority when we return home.

After a rest we were all ready for dinner out. We had an amazing meal at the Bough House restaurant at the resort. High quality buffet for entree and dessert with exceptional steaks for our mains. They also had a kids play area so everyone was happy and we had a great night. The kids loved the dessert buffet though Emilia indulged in too much cheesecake and came home with a sore tummy!

The next morning Jackson and I rose early to watch the sunrise over Uluru and we marvelled at the gorgeous red sky. Climbing up Uluru was closed again due to impending rain so Henry, Emilia and Daniel did the 10km base walk (with Emilia riding her bike) whilst I took Jackson on his bike to explore some of the caves and art on the rock close to the carpark. It did rain briefly but thankfully it was only light and it was gone by the evening for our night out at the Field of Lights Art Installation (photos to follow in the next blog post).

We had enjoyed our time in Uluru and around the Red Centre with Henry and definitely want to come back as there is certainly more exploring to do. The kids, especially Emilia, were devastated that Opa was leaving and she shed lots of tears when he said goodbye early the next morning. We are hightailing it north to a warmer climate for our last 2 weeks of sunshine before heading back to Melbourne.