Day 112 / 2025 - Darwin to Kakadu

After three and a half weeks we are leaving Darwin, seems like only yesterday we had arrived. We originally hadn't planned to go through Kakadu again but we have plenty of time... so why not, this gives us a chance to spend a little more time with the grandkids.

Heading out along the Stuart Hwy we turned left at Arnhem Hwy and made our way through Humpty Doo again. Our first stop was Fogg Dam. I don't think caravans are really meant to go in as there didn't seem to be any parking for them with us ending up parking in one of the bus bays. There is a tower lookout at the end of the road which gives a great view over the wetlands. There were plenty of birds and we could see Water Buffalo off in the distance. Driving back across the dam wall we spied a Saltie sunning itself in the water, he was well camoflage. There was also another lookout we could view the wetlands from just after the dam wall there was plenty of space there to park.

 Moving on we ended up at Corroboree Park for the night, same place we had camped a month prior. We one again enjoyed the pool it seemed warmer than the last time we were here. We also introduced Brutus the Saltie, Fred the Freshie anda couple of Water Buffalo to the Grandkids. Mick wanted Owen to climb over the fence to give the Saltie a pat

Next morning we moved onto Kakadu. We stopped at the park entrance for the obligatory photo before continuing onto the South Alligator River boat ramp for a look to see if there were any croc's sunning themselves on the bank. Moving we finished up at Kakadu Lodge in Jabiru. This is a pick your own site park. There wasn't a lot of grass but there was plenty of shade. The park site's were laid out in hexagonal rings and had a large pool and bistro at the centre. There was a happy hour from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm and you could order dinner after that if you wish

Next morning we took a drive to the visitors centre where we took a look at the displays as well as paid our park entry fee's. We wanted to go and have a look at Cahill's crossing at high tide. The crossing is a road used to enter into Arnhem Land The incoming outgoing tides cause the river water to flow over the road. This is where big Salt water Crocodiles wait on the leeward side of the crossing for Barramundi pass over the road with the flowing water. They just wait with their mouths open for a fish to just swim in. Once caught they then have to take the fish to the bank to eat it as they cannot swallow while in the water. This creates some peril for the croc as a passing bigger croc may try to take the fish off them. It is unusual to see so many big crocs come together as they a territorial and don't tolerate other males on their patch

It was too hot to look at Ubirr at that time so opted to come back that evening for a look around and watch the sunset from the top of the escarpment. There is quite a bit of rock art at Ubirr where there is a number of walks you can do to view them. There is also a ranger at certain art sites giving talks on what the art  represents. We made our way by climbing the up onto the top of the rock face. Here you see all the wetlands about 250 metres below watching all the birdlife come in to feed just on sunset as well as watch the sun disappear below the horizon.

The last two days we spent at the park soaking in the pool and just relaxing while Mick, Carley and the boys on one day took in Jim Jim falls with the next day taking a cruise on yellow waters near Cooinda.