Lake Argyle - WA.

More of Lake Argyle.......

                                                Steve relaxing on the Kimberley Cat.

                                             Me watching the Islands and the water go by!!

                                                                   Sunset is upon us.

                                                   No worries Steve's in charge now.

                                                    Kimberley Cat - Fantastic day out!!!

We cannot say enough good things about this cruise, we saw loads of the Lake and yet it was such a relaxing day!!!

Keep National Park to Lake Argyle.

We leave Gregory National Park behind and headed west from Timber Creek, we stopped off at Policeman’s point, well worth a look and not what we were expecting at all. Next we took a look at Gregory’s Tree, this is a large Boab that stands at the campsite of Augustus Gregory’s North Australian expedition which was commenced in 1885. We only did a short drive today to Keep National Park which is just 3Klm inside the Northern Territory’s border. Keep NP is a smaller NP and very pretty, on our first evening the Ranger did a talk on the land and wildlife. There are many sandstone ridges and are Bungle, Bungle miniature’s (not at all small just smaller than the Bungle, Bungle’s).  We did several walks here a 3klm walk around the rock formations, was stunning and a big surprise. Next day we did an 8klm walk (The Jarnem Walk, which took us to the lookout, art site and Nigli Gap) A stunning walk. Following on from this we did the Jinumm 3klm walk which follows the bed of the Keep River to a site once used by Aboriginal (Miriwoong tribe), this was a wet season shelter. We were very disappointed on this last walk, as the rock art was rubbish and there was really nothing to see. Still the rest had all been stunning!!! We saw lots of bird life Kookaburras, Gouldian finches, little red finches, cockatoos and lots of other’s we didn’t know. Fabulous another stunning NP.

                                                                         Policeman Point.

 Keep National Park.

                                                                 Me in a rock at Keep NP.

 

Steve in Keep NP.

Mini Bungle Bungles  - Keep NP.

 

Next we have the Western Australia Border to contend with, firstly I had to give my Vegetables to some other campers that were heading East, next at Border control they go through everything, however I was allowed to keep my nuts!! All was well and we were soon on our way and into WA. Heading to Lake Argyle  it was only a short drive today.

                                                                     We cross the border.

The damming of the Ord River in 1972 formed Lake Argyle, this is the largest man made lake in Australia, set amongst the Carr – Boyd Ranges and covering an area around 1000sq klm. Lake Argyle is an awesome sight with many bays, islands, creeks & waterfalls. Lake Argyle is a must for anyone travelling, it is stunning. The camp site here is excellent and the pool is fantastic. GIRLS you must come here and you must do the Luxury Cat cruise- it is fantastic!!! We took a trip on The Kimberley 50ft luxury Cat and headed out through the Eastern straight Mount Misery to Monsmont Island and lots of other islands in between. We fossicked for Zebra Rock on a tiny Remote Island and all got some to take home. In Lake Argyle there are approximately 30,000 Freshwater Crocs and yes we got in and swam with them, they are bigger than me and still scary although they say they won’t hurt us!!! Still we did the swim and watched the sunset –this was a fantastic day.  We left the camp at 0930 and arrived back at 6pm, we had all the food we could eat, lots of drink and loads of room. Exceptional cruise to be recommended to all. Oh yes we can’t get used to the time difference, we have moved our clocks back 1.5hours and now it is light at 5am!!

Next we did a drive around the area and went to the look out and the Dam wall – very pretty and absolutely massive. Some facts The Ord Dam was originally 68 meters high and 355 meters long and held 5.8million mega litres and in 1996 this was raised to 11.6 million mega litres.   We went to the Durack Homestead (Early Pioneers) and museum, the Dead Horse Springs & did a walk along the rocky spillway finding dead Crocs.   

                               Our pool with Lake Argyle behind us - stunning!!!!!!

Gregory National Park - 4WD Trip.

                                 Steve trying not to slide into the river on the Humbert Track.

                                              Slip, sliding along the rock by the river.

                                                    Brahman cattle with their calves.

                                       Humbert River Cattle Station, Hundreds of cattle!!!!!

            Heading off to Keep National Park or the WA border, not sure which will come first!!!

Gregory National Park -NT.

We camped at Bullita Homestead, which is 47klm in to the Gregory National Park. A very nice little place and we spent 3 nights here.  During our time here, Steve spent some time fishing at different spots on the East Baines River – no fish as yet.

The first evening we were chatting to an elderly couple and later that evening we joined them round the camp fire, he played the guitar and she played the piano according, well what a special evening, round a fire under the stars,  a very magic evening!!! They played all sorts and another man who also played the guitar came and joined in and we had a bit of a sing along.

The following day we visited the homestead and found this very interesting, this homestead was only built in the 1960’s. Credit is due to the ranger as the homestead and stock yard are kept in mint condition.

Next day we take a 4WD track called the Humbert Track which is 62.5klm long and take’s 6 hours to complete. This track runs between Bulita Homestead and Humbert River Station (a working cattle station). This track follow’s the valleys of the fig tree and the Humbert River.  Charlie Schultz used this track as a stock route and to cart supplies between Bullita Outstation and Humbert River Station.   On our return we also did the Tuwakam 4 WD track (2Hours). This section connects the East & West sections of the Gregory National Park. The scenery was amazing and changed every 10k or so, we saw wild cattle and can you believe one Brahman I’m sure was as tall and wide as an elephant – it was unbelievable!!!  Guess who had to keep getting out and opening gates? We saw lots of Budgies, Eagles, Finches, wild horses & Kangaroos. This park is well know for the Boab trees, they are everywhere. When we travelled through Humbert River Cattle station, my friend Nia would have loved it – there were lots of herds of Brahman cattle with baby calves, and then we came across a river and lots of shady trees well there were hundreds & hundreds of Brahman cattle- it was amazing and a bit scary – for the one shutting the gates!!!!   These 4 Wd tracks were hairy in places, particularly a river crossing which had deep rock formation and crocodiles. On the whole they were pretty easy just a bit rough going at times and slow.  As you can see we had a big day.   Oh yes nearly forgot to tell you about Jasper Gorge, again very rocky escarpments, hardly mentioned in the travel books and it was well worth a look!!!

Steve at the Stockyard at Bullita Homestead.

 

 This was our camp site, LOOK at the sign the river is just behind us!!!!! Yes there is a Croc living just down the bank which Steve found on the last day!!!!!!!

                                                                        Me at Bullita Homestead.

Victoria River.

We left Katherine for a leisurely drive to Victoria River and camped at the roadhouse. A lovely spot surrounded by huge escarpments. Stunning views from all angles and you can walk down to the river for some fishing if you wish  -  but watch for the crocs – they are there because we have seen them. It was a very pretty drive from Katherine to Victoria River and not a lot of traffic.

Off we go fishing down to the boat ramp about 2 klms away, first we see a brown snake suning it’s self in the road. We arrive at this idyllic spot and Steve starts fishing whilst I am on Croc watch , however I get bored after a while and read my book!!! Steve survives and try’s fishing at several spots and it is a huge area obviously under water in the wet. Next we head off to The Victoria River road crossing and only accessed by 4WD. Again another gorgeous spot!!! It would be a bit hairy trying to cross as still a lot of water and the causeway was pretty broken up. So we just stayed our side and enjoyed the scenery.

Next we headed 12klm further on to see if we could get to Coolabah station (Keeping up with the Jone’s- TV show) well we were disappointed as not even a sign on the gate, still I had my picture taken at the gates. We also know this is their local pub and last night some of the boys from Coolabah came in to fetch cartons of grog, but none we had seen on the TV.

We did a climb up to the Escarpment with stunning views all around. This country is amazing, every day we see something different and it is incredible, breathtaking and the camera cannot pick up the size of the vast landscape!!!!!  

                                                              Steve fishing in Victoria River.

                                                                    Victoria River Crossing.

                                                            Me at the gates of Coolibah.

                           This was as close as we got to see the Jones- So disappointed!!!!!

                                               The two of us at the top of the escarpment.

                                         Steve near the top with Victoria River behind him.

Now leaving Timber Creek to go 4 WD so will be out of range for several days, so will catch up when we get back to Timber Creek.

Katherine Gorge & School of the Air.

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge)
Today we went off to The school of the Air in Katherine - well this was fantastic and so interesting, you actually get to see a teacher give the kids a lesson and hear and see some of these kids. Katherine school of the air has been broadcasting for 35 years and covers an area over 800,000sq klms.(Which is 3 times the size of the Uk). We loved it and it is well worth a visit.
Next onto Nitmiluk Visitor Centre and Nitmiluk Gorge for our 4 hour boat cruise. We did the first 3 gorges.
Nitmiluk is made up of 13 gorges and a maze of waterways sculptured from landscape by Katherine River. Jawoyn tradition says that the gorge was formed by Bolung ( The rainbow serpent). This was a stunning and restful cruise, with lots of wildlife and lots of fresh water croc's. Of course we got to have a swim just below some rapids.

                                                           Can you see the Croc?????

                                                             What about this Croc?

                                                       Me between Gorge 1 & 2.

                                                                         Gorge 3.

                                                                        In Gorge 3.

                                                          The two of us in the gorge.

Unfortunately the pictures do not show the vastness of these gorges, they stand up to 90 meters high and the cruise took us 4 hours. This cruise is a must for anyone visiting this area. It was spectacular!!!!
The Girls if you read this could you send your email in the comments.
Please keep the comments coming they are really good!!!!

Katherine

We went to the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum - this was fabulous and very interesting. Highlights include Dr. Clyd Fenton's aircraft, World War II display, Overland Telegraph & history of the pioneering peanut Farmers. The museum is located on the town's old aerodrome.

                                 Some old things- Whoops I mean 2 old trucks and Steve!!!!

                                 This Gypsy Moth Plane belonged to Doctor Clyde Fenton.

We moved on to see the Katherine Icon - Sabu Sing. This bronze statue was a project of the Northern Territory Cattlemen association  in 2002. (The year of the outback). This statue was modelled on Sabu Peter Sing (1940-1993) a member of the Wardaman tribe, he was a skilled bushman, horseman & stock man. He represents the courageous pioneers.

                                                     Me & Lizard Lisa with Sabu Sing.

                                                       Me in Katherine Hot Springs.

Katherine Hot Springs.

Now Katherine Hot Springs are located 5 mins from the town centre,

These are natural thermal springs at a constant 32 degrees. Indeed these are very pretty, with 3 larger areas, however they were not as pretty as others we have seen and seemed a lot more worn - I guess that is due to there location. Still worth a swim!!

We also visited Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve and the most exciting thing is, we have actually found out where Coolibah station is - those that watch keeping up with the Jone's will know how excited I am at this news.

Hopefully Chris & Trevor are enjoying Elsey National Park and last night on our Croc Cruise we meant 2 lots of people that know you - what a small (not) country we live in!!!!

   

Katherine.

Last night we went on the Wildlife Evening Dinner Cruise, we boarded our boat and headed south from SpringVale Homestead at 6pm and arrived back at 9.30pm. It was good fun and we saw a few Crocs, and of course our tour guide Pat, Fed Mouse, who is still wild although comes every night to be fed. Mouse is about 50 years old and is a Fresh water Croc approximately 3 meters long. We had a BBQ super on a very dark and creepy river bank. There was loads of Turtles and Cat Fish, unfortunately they didn't come out on my photos and at one point Mouse (The Croc) got a Turtle in his mouth just to warn him off, but didn't harm it!!! It was good fun trying to spotlight Crocs!!!

                                                        Mouse waiting for his dinner!!!

                                           Would mouse like some of these for dinner????

                          Federation Day. We go off to look at Knotts Crossing - Very pretty.

Springvale Homestead-NT.

Staying at the Spring Vale Homestead which was established in 1878 and finished in 1879. This is the oldest standing homestead in the Northern Territory's. This station was managed by Alfred Giles (the ex-overland Telegraph Linesman). Giles brought sheep, cattle & horses up from SA to stock the station in 1878. It had taken them 2 years to get here. Near the homestead are four South American Rain trees, Giles wife Mary planted one for each of their children. The grounds of the old homestead are picturesque, with wallabies, turtles, crocs and lots of bird life. We went on the homestead history tour this afternoon and it was brilliant and very interesting.
I forgot to tell you all I saw a flying possum.

                                This is the oldest tree planted after the Gile's eldest son Philip.

                                                               Springvale homestead.

                    The old homestead storeroom, where Mary Giles used to keep her vegetables.

                      The back of the Homestead which is 100 meters from the Katherine River.

                                                       Me in my new camp kitchen!!!!

                                                             A frogged Mouth Owl.

                                      A Fresh Water Croc on the riverbank suning it's self.

Hey "The Girl's" if you are reading this, there is a fabulous Big 4 at Katherine, you will enjoy. $44 per night powered site, or $37 un-powered. Keep the comments coming and I did Steve pan cakes for breakfast today (Not as good as yours). If the man in the bus (from Whyalla) is still near you give him our blog address, please.

Off on a Wildlife evening dinner cruise tonight......so watch this space!!!!

Kakadu National Park.

After leaving Gunlom plunge pool, we headed out of Kakadon't, we never brought the passes and feel there was really nothing to see, it's a long drive in and out and very little to see from the road. If you drive every road & track in Kakadon't you still only see 1% of the park.

Next we moved on to The Grove Hill heritage pub- which is in the Heritage pub guide.
We had to back track a little to go here, however it was very interesting and the unsealed roads we took were very scenic.

                                               Both of us outside The Grove Hill Pub.

                              The Old things- Whoops I mean Trevor & Steve with an old car!!

                                                   Steve & I at the Grove Hill Pub bar.

Gumlom Plunge pool - Kakadu.N.P.

Gunlom Plunge pool continued......

                                 The view from the top of Gunlom infinity/plunge pools.

                                                   Steve at the bottom of the top falls.

                                                     Steve in the waterfall at the top.

                                                  The both of us on top of the world!!!!

We had a fantastic time here and we made some new friends, which we had 3 great nights with and really enjoyed their company- Chris & Trevor from Byron Bay.