Days 25-29 of Trip Destination Unknown (Alice Springs - Karlu Karlu - Nitmiluk - Darwin: Arrente, Alyawarre, Jawoyne, Larrakia countries) 1/6/2022

 Day 25: Another long day driving from Alice Springs to Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) where we camped overnight.  The first little bit of the drive out of Alice Spring is through hills but then you reach the Burt Plain.  It is FLAT!

We turned into Aileron Roadhouse, outside the community of Anmatjere, to have a closer look at these weird statues we could see.  I'm not sure whether or not they are there with aboriginal consent or not. 

               

We lunched at Barrow Creek with its official population of 11!  However, it does have one of the four remaining Telegraph Repeater Stations.  We were able to wander through this building.  I love its style and the rusty old things that its yard contains.

 

 

 

It is 21 years since we were at Karlu Karlu with our boys. While the landscape is the same, there are more restrictions on movement in the area, specifically climbing the rocks is no longer allowed except for a lookout. I don't think it detracts from its appeal, with enjoyable walks around the main part and the larger area. I didn't remember the extent of the landform - it stretches for a long way past where you are allowed to go.

 

 

Beautiful flora and fauna.

 

 

 

 

Sunset at Karlu Karlu

The night sky was magnificent with a late moon rising but unfortunately my night-time photography skills are pathetic. Incredible view of the Milky Way.

Day 26: Destination somewhere near Daly Waters. A long day driving through country that was pretty much the same. Occasionally, the monotony was broken by roadside pinks and yellows and we were entertained for some time by termite mounds dressed in T-shirts and worker vests.

 

           

At a rest stop in Elliott, we were entertained by Whistling Kites and Zebra Finches.

 

We decided to stop at a bush camping area south of Daly Waters. There were three other vehicles there by day's end but we still had a nice private spot.  The insect night life there was excellent. Daly Waters Night Insect Life

Day 27: Onwards and upwards, first stop Daly Waters and destination Katherine Gorge. 

I'm glad we didn't stay at Daly Waters - very touristy!  Mind you, it is great that the settlement has made something of their location and quite interesting to cruise the main street and look at the place.

  

Too early for morning tea there, so we drove on for a break at Mataranka.  

A big sign promised Sunday markets there but a few people sitting around about 3 tables wasn't enough to inspire me to wander.  Instead we headed off to Bitter Springs (just on the north side of town) and had a surprising morning tea of spring rolls and a mango smoothie at Yen's cafe, a little business set up on a property on the road out there.

When we came to Mataranka with the boys 21 years ago, we went to the famous Mataranka Thermal Pool and bathed in the beautiful water there, but I had heard since about Bitter Springs.  Here, you just float down the creek in 33 degree water and while National Parks have formalised the entry and exit points with proper stairs, it feels more natural than the Mataranka Thermal Pool.  Soooo nice!

We couldn't resist the temptation to return to Mataranka Thermal Pool though so after floating down the Bitter Springs creek a few times we relocated.  The setting of the pool is wonderful, in a grove of towering Livistona Palm  and it is good to see that it still remains free for public use, with locals and tourists sharing the space.  

                                            Peter enjoying the Mataranka Thermal Pool

We continued on to Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). We intended to stay in this area for a couple of nights since we were keen to kayak in the Nitmiluk. However, when we arrived we discovered that personal craft was still not allowed for at least another couple of weeks due to the long wet season. As we were not prepared to pay the couple of hundred dollars needed to go on a cruise (we have done it before), we stayed only one night. A walk up to the lookout just gave us a little glimpse of what might have been.  Maybe later on ...

 

We stayed just outside the National Park and as we were the only ones in this particular campground I was able to do my night insect watching. Nitmiluk Night-time Insect Watch

Day 28: Destination Darwin via Edith Falls 

We began the day  a visit to Edith Falls, not far north of Katherine. We had remembered this place from our visit with the boys and were keen to see it again. Unfortunately the middle of the day was not the appropriate time for a walk to the top pools, but we enjoyed a swim in the bottom pool.  A lazy paddle out to the falls to experience a massage beneath them was well worth it.  

Thoroughly refreshed, we made ready for the last leg to Darwin, reaching there late afternoon.

The sky was not a clear autumn/winter one but in some parts looked quite ominous with clouds but no rain. We are staying with my brother Bruce.  Managed to have the energy to go out to East Point and view the sunset made quite beautiful by the cloudy sky.

 

Day 29:  Today was spent catching up with relatives and witnessing a splendid lightning light show in the evening with Fiona.  The sunset wasn't much to speak of because of all the cloud, but the lightning behind the clouds was lit up with the orange and red sunset colours and so was rather mesmerising.