24th - 25th September, 2020
We decided that as the weather in Kakadu has been pretty extreme the last week (37 plus degrees) that we would leave the caravan in Darwin and just do a overnight trip to Kakadu. We stayed at the famous Crocodile Resort (famous as it is shaped like a crocodile). It is approximately 250km from Darwin to Jabiru so we got up early and made the trip. The speed limit most of the way is 130km so of course Jeff had to do this speed !!! We made a stop into the Mamukala Wetlands on the way through to Jabiru. This is an observation platform that allows you to observe thousands of birds in a beautiful wetland. Wow we saw lots of birds, not that we really knew what they were, but luckily enough there were a few avid birdwatchers who gladly pointed out a few of there favourites to us. We even saw a Jabiru trying to demolish a huge fish he had just caught. This was the first time we had both seen one up close. There were thousands of Magpie geese and whistling ducks just to name a few other varieties. We even saw a few odd Pelicans which apparently aren’t that common in this part of the world.
Next stop was to check into our Motel and get a few tourist tips from the Park rangers who have set up a info area in the foyer due to their main tourist office being renovated at the moment.
After a quick look around the town we drove out towards Cahills crossing and had a stop at the East Alligator downstream boat ramp. Here we spotted at least half a dozen crocodiles either laying along the bank snoozing or cruising past us down the river. The water looked so inviting too !!! The day was very hot and around the 38 degree mark, so as you can imagine walking a big trail wasn’t really on our agenda. We walked out to Cahills crossing which is a river crossing that is tidal, so on high tide the Barrumundi head up river over the crossing. What they don’t know is that there is lots of crocodiles waiting on the other side for there evening meal. We counted up the 15 crocodiles at one point. There is a huge viewing platform where you can stand and watch, we stood here for awhile and then went down on the edge of the crossing where you had a closer view, but not too close!! Apparently there has been a couple of fatal croc attacks here in the past. There was a guy fishing and he did manage to catch a huge barramundi and had to fight the crocs to get it back to shore in one piece – he did succeed, how I’m not sure !! Well worth a visit, but it has to be on a high tide.
After standing around in 38degrees we were keen to get back to the resort and into the pool to cool down – Beautiful !
The last place we expected to find a Thai restaurant was in Jabiru, but omg the food was amazing so if in Jabiru definitely look up the Anbinik restaurant.
Next morning we were booked on the 6.45am (sunset) yellow river cruise, so it was up at 4.45am to drive the 40 minutes to Cooinda. It was pitch black so it was a bit of a worry as to what wildlife would step out on the road, but surprisingly we only saw bats and a dingo. The dawn cruise is a 2 hour cruise, but wow the wildlife we saw was amazing, before we even left the dock we saw at least 2 crocodiles. There was plenty of bird life, crocodiles and we even saw some feral bulls (cattle) smashing it out in the distant – you could literally hear the crash of there horns. We also saw a wild buffalo, wallabies & feral pigs. So we really got a wide variety. The guide was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to try and find things of interest. I would recommend this cruise to anyone going to the visit Kakadu, it is a wonderful way to experience the beautiful surrounds of Kakadu.
The day was already starting to get hot at 10am so after the cruise we headed back to the resort to check out and grab a coffee and also check out the beautiful artwork that is on display in the hotel and done by the local indigenous people.
Next stop a flight over the Kakadu National Park. We did this flight with The Scenic Flight Company or Kakadu Scenic Flights. This is a great way to get a perspective of just how big the national park is. We did the half hour flight and were the only two passengers so we had a personalised tour. The view from the air is amazing as you see the beautiful Rocky Mountains that make up East Arnhem Land and the many rivers and creeks and wetlands that make up the national park. I would highly recommend doing this as it really gives you a snapshot of just how beautiful the park is. As we were seeing it at the very end of the dry season, it would be amazing to see it during or just after the wet season. Maybe another time !!
The weather they are saying is unseasonably hot and are predicting an early wet season. We will definitely have to come back and spend more time when the weather is more bearable !!
Highly recommend a visit to Kakadu National Park.
