Darwin to WA Border

The kids were really looking forward to Darwin with its water parks and Wave pools and SHOPS! We only had two nights there and we hardly saw the campsite. We went to Leanyer Recreation Park in the morning for a swim and waterslide- all free thanks to the YMCA. Then to the shopping  centre to stock up on supplies and get the girls some easy summer clothes (I packed far too many warm clothes and not enough summer). Sophia is reading about a book every 2 days at the moment so she got a massive Enid Blyton tome with multiple books in one that should keep her occupied for a week or so.  Then off to the city centre to vote as we have no idea where we’re going to be on election day so easier to get it done early. Then a couple of hours at the wave pool on Darwin Waterfront, then finally Mindil Beach Markets for dinner, sunset on the beach and a wander around the eclectic and very cool markets- it was a huge day but a good one.

Darwin Water Park at Leanyer

 

Mindil Beach Sunset

The next day we were off to Litchfield National Park, about 90 mins south west of Darwin. The great thing about this park is the main attractions are all so close together so no driving all day to get between them. The downside is it’s very popular with day tours and can be busy in peak season. But the benefit of camping in the park is that after 4pm, the day trippers all leave and you are only sharing the place with a small number of like-minded campers. As it’s not getting dark to 7pm, you still have plenty of time for a quick dip in the waterholes. Wangi Falls campground was good and close to everything, but you have to get it early. We got there at 2pm and nabbed one of the last spots. Those grey nomads start their day much earlier than us! It’s much easier for two people to pack up a van than get 5 people in a camper ready to move!

Wangi Falls

We visited Florence Falls and Buley Rockpool the next morning- a nice part of the world. We planned on a 2 night stay but as we had stayed an extra day in Kakadu we thought we would get back on track and start to head west. The humidity was increasing in the Top End and the Kimberley’s & WA coastline was starting to call our name.

Florence Falls, Litchfield NP

Massive termite mounds in Litchfield. Amazing creatures!

The next night was in Timber Creek on the Victoria Highway near the Gregory National Park. Another night where we planned a National Park camp but ended up in a commercial caravan park equipped with internet coverage and hot showers! Oops, that is happening a lot ;) The campsite was fine other than the fact it was Saturday night and some locals were having a enjoyable but loud night at the local tavern. Not to worry, they stopped eventually. Driving through Gregory National Park was very scenic with towering red cliffs and a large river running close to the highway. If we were on unlimited time, we may have spent more time in this park.

Gregory National Park

"Gregory's Tree" carved by the expedition team that came through in 1856. The boab trees are awesome.

Next stop- Western Australia!!