Tune in next time,
BloggiE©
It was off the beaten track. It took a creek crossing, a 4WD trek and a bushwalk to get in. Best of all, we had it to ourselves.
Litchfield gets busy at times as it close for daytrippers from Darwin however a tip from our campsite sent us on a trek to Sandy Creek Falls. Since we had not yet done any 4wd outings, we thought we would give it a go. We set off in convoy with the Bohemians and tackled the “off the beaten track” adventure, giving Tug his first swim.
It always amazes us that there are so many great falls and waterholes hiding out there. We ventured for 20kms down the track, stopping for a few sites before we embarked on the bushwalk into the falls.
Termites, NT style.
The walk to get to a waterhole or falls always seems to increase the desire for a cool relaxing swim, all the more pleasant when you are the only ones there.
Sandy Creek Falls
All to ourselves
The waterhole was incredibly clear and with a decent volume of water still coming over the falls, the mandatory shower under the falls was enjoyed.
Time for a shower
Another cracking spot in Litchfield NP.
Hallew. Do u want to see some awesome pics of Buley Rockhole? Yes u do! Do u want to watch a nifty video clip that involves being ninja? Yes u do! Do u want to feel the thrill of jumping off a cliff into deep river rapids! Yes u do!
Well before all that my mum says I have tell you that Buley Rockhole is a cascade of small waterfalls and waterholes that are about 30cm-1m in height and that it’s located in Litchfield National Park near Florence Falls. We went with our friends James, Tom, Georgie and their parents John and Ali. We went there for a bit of fun and to cool oFF .(as usual.)
At the Rockhole we were all mainly jumping off rocks but Tom and I were also sliding down the waterfalls and climbing back up them while Mum and John were in a bigger pool taking their chillpills. Dad, Ali, Georgie, James and Ele were following Tom and I.
Buley Rockhole(s)
The first time you jumped off one of those rocks felt great, a bit like jumping of a cliff……ish, but it was more fun than you would think.
Ninjump Deluxe simulator
The rocks were red and very slippery. Some were high above deeper areas and were perfect for jumping off.
Better than a deckchair anyday!
Dad and Ele's practical guide to flying
Here is a video of some ninja action….
As good as the river rapids ride at your local theme park except slower, no engineering on the safety regulations and no silly queue things.
Spike with Ele having some fun.
No animals were harmed In the making of this text. But for one of you, the dream is about to end. Ha ha ha ha ha. (Masterchef joke there).
Teehee!
axo1000
At Edith falls we camped with some friends (families) who were doing the exact same thing as we were! Our friends from Mataranka were James, Tom and Georgie and their parents were Ali and John. They were meeting some friends at Edith Falls and Dad turned out to know the father from building the Olympic Village. They were Sienna, Hugo and Teya and their parents were Justina and Tim.
One morning we all decided to go on a bush-walk . So we set off walking in the hot blaze of the sun on the track. We had to cross over bridges & leap from stone to stone across the stream.
stepping stones
past the croc infested river. . .
walkin' through the bush
We stumbled into a clearing where our hearts leaped, there was the most gorgeous waterfall we had ever seen it was: EDITH FALLS!
We made it!!!!!!!!!
Wow!!!!!!!!!
It was cool but eventually everyone got in. When I first went under the falls, I screamed so loudly that the lady behind had to block her ears, but after the first time it was pro wii mario fadoosh!!!!!! It was the best day of my life (so far) except for Dreamworld.
going under. . .
Will and the boys sunbaked on the big rock.
This is the life!
PEACE!
When we arrived back at the campsite, James came around with the running sheet for the concert that we were doing in the night. Later on everyone brought their chairs to our friends, the Bohemians, campsite and after dinner they all watched the concert. Will played his trumpet solo of “A little Night Music” and I played “Hot Cross Buns” on the flute. All of the kids also did a play called “Super and Evil Kids”. Dad played the guitar and he played Big Red Car by the Wiggles. We all joined in with our seats and Tim provided free headlights.
Dinner with our friends.
Toot toot chugga chugga Edith Falls
It was a lovely night.
Tune in next time….
BloggiE ©
Just over 1500km later, arriving in the Top End..
We were wondering what the explorers thought, as they made their way in the heat, through the palm sand tropical woodlands, past the termite mounds and happened upon a warm, glorious, spring fed waterway?
Eureka!
Undoubtedly they decided to declare it a National Park, grab a noodle from the caravan park and float down it!
We certainly did! And with water and air temp at 34 degrees, why stop at once?
Bitter Springs in Elsey National Park, Mataranka, (so named for the bitter taste of the water) was fresh and beautiful. As we sailed the current, under the water swam fish, and turtles among sea plants and flowers! Axo1000 & I even spotted a sea snake (monitor? lizard??) gliding across the surface. And if you didn’t have the goggles on, there were reeds and water lilies and luminescent blue dragonflies hovering just above the surface. At the end, a short walking track took you back to the start.
The travellers like us (denoted by noodles and children in rashees) swam together with the locals and on the way downstream there was plenty of time for a natter, to meet new friends and hear the stories of many fellow explorers – of the 21st century kind.
It was just a short bike ride home to the campsite, where the kids loved playing with new buddies also travelling around Australia and some local animals. There were 2 dogs, Mitsy and Kelly, a cow called Spot and a baby Wallaby called Ned. There were even frogs in the amenities and we spotted at least 2 every night.
Loved it!
We have developed a bit of a rhythm and routine on travel days now and generally get to savour what passes our window. There have been many things we have seen go by, many observations made and much to ruminate upon while the kilometres click over and hours pass.
Out my window.
Sometimes there's not too much to see.
A long way to go.
Get the school work done first up.
On a long day, movies after school work.
Gotta love the NT, but maybe a bit too fast for Jake.
Over the radio we hear....."prado with van, get off the road, there's a 5.5 coming".......What's a 5.5 ?
Time for lunch. Lets stop at Bogantugan. (true!)
Rest time after lunch.
Time for some dirt.
So we had better let down those tyres.
The Mereenie loop
Relaxing after a hard days drive.
Having a bit of down time.
A Tale of Ten Cities 