Litchfield National Park

I am in Batchelor which is near the Litchfield National Park. This park is an idyllic and green refuge from the dry with beautiful swimming holes and permanent waterfalls. More importantly, there are no crocodiles in this park during the dry season.

Buley Waterhole created by the Florence Creek.

 Pandanus Palm with its otherworldly foliage spiralling up its trunk.

Waterhole below Buley where you can have a shoulder and neck massage under the water flow.

 Woolybut Tree in flower along the walking path, an orange carpet from fallen blossom.

 Florence Falls

The twin falls of Wangi Falls, a big pool of water below to swim in.

East Alligator River Cruise Kakadu

This cruise is run by the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Community and is an excellent tour. The guide speaks passionately about his culture and because his English is good, is able to communicate a clear sense of the spirituality of his connection to place. I was most impressed with his knowledge of both Latin and Indiginous names of plants and birds. While every one was photographing crocodiles, he showed me some amazing waterbirds including a rare pair of Whistling Ducks and some Ibis.
Native Hibiscus floating on the river.

 Arnhem Land

Very old water lily art work.

 Lagoon Arnhem land.

Spear throwing demonstration with woomera.

Ubirr Lookout Kakadu

I have climbed this bluff before and it is in the Northern aspect of the park. It has the most tourists and suffers for it. After finding Nourlangie, I realised how much damage is being done at Ubirr, solely from the numbers of people visiting there. However great views of the wetlands and savannah plains. This rock art is less protected than the work at Nourlangie so is losing its vibrancy.

Nourlangie lookout Kakadu

This little known site in the Kakadu NP has the best rock out and views of the Nourlangie Bluff in the southern part of the park.  After a short steep, climb past the most amazingly clear rock artwork, I came out onto the rocky outcrop with flowers and birds everywhere greeting me.

 Nourlangie Bluff

 Kapok tree in flower with fruit sometimes called, Wild Cotton.

 Grevillea with Native bees gathering nectar!

Edith Falls

Heading further North today towards Kakadu and an airconditioned resort room for the night. First time out of the tent for 3 weeks.  The cycads and cabbage tree palms became even more frequent as I headed into Edith Falls, then Kakadu. These trees bloom lime green in the areas of bush burnt out to promote growth of some species and the salmon gums shine pink in the charred landscape. The kapok bushes are flowering yellow and the bush stone curlew calls incessantly and strangely throughout every stopping place. I swam at Edith falls. Truly amazing experience with the jagged cliffs frowning over me and the water was warm and so clear. Whistling kites hung overhead calling from antiquity.

 Salmon gums

 Termite mounds in Kakadu