Mataranka

On our way south we made a stop at the “Bitter Springs” thermal pool near Mataranka.  The water was so warm and crystal clear, an amazing oasis in the middle of nowhere.

We had also been told by fellow travellers to make a stop at the iconic Daly Waters Pub and Caravan park. So glad we did as we had a beautiful piece of grilled barra and smorgasbord salad for tea and then a wonderful evening of entertainment with music, singing and dancing. Even though it was hot it did not deter people from joining in and enjoying themselves.

Our trip is coming to an end now, camped at Windorah last night on the banks of the Cooper river, it was so peaceful there. We have enjoyed the fellowship of other travellers on the road and meeting so many different people. The places of interest that we visited makes you really wonder at the determination and hardship the early pioneers went through to settle in the outback.

Katherine

The days are getting very warm now, temp 37-40 degrees, so we are starting to limit the activities for the day.

We did an afternoon cruise up the katherine gorge, it was very nice and the little bit of breeze was very welcome.

We have also seen a few of these fresh water crocodiles in the gorges so not too keen to join them.

The hot springs here are beautiful, the water is just coming out of the rocks and is so clear and warm.

We went out to a homestead that was built in the early settlers days and the trees were the original ones planted. They were huge, I have not seen a tree with such big trunks.

Went up to Edith falls today, that is as far north we are going we are now going to start making our way home.

Wildlife

We are seeing some of the wild life that lives around these regions,here are just a couple of snaps that we managed to get.

Pelican                                                Cormorant

jabiru- hope to see one close up                 pair of sea eagles

 

Long tailed finch                              Bower bird

We are really enjoying our travels. The Durack homestead at lake Argyle was rescued from being flooded when the dam filled. Mirima Nat park was just behind the caravan park in Kununurra, so I went for an early morning walk through the hills. The rock formations are really breath taking.

Sunset on the ord river                          Jacana, these little birds live on the lily leaves on the water.

We have arrived in Katherine so more sight seeing tomorrow.

EL Questro

We took a boat cruise along the Geike gorge in the afternoon, which was great, then eventually got to El Questro where we spent another few days, no coverage or internet there. But managed to see some more gorges and walks. One being a trek to the thermal springs, it was unreal the water was 30 degrees and it was so relaxing to spend some time there in the warm water.

 

Now we are in Kununurra and checking out some of the tourist sites. Yesterday we went on a boat cruise across the Lake Argyle. It  is a massive lake, I could not describe the vastness of the water in the lake. It filled in only 2 and a half years.

This morning it was up early and flew over the lake and over the Bungle Bungles. It certainly gives a different view from the air.

 

We also flew past the Argyle Diamond mine. It is the only place where they mine pink diamonds which are very rare and of course expensive too, I wont be getting one of them.!

Windjana

 

After leaving Broome we headed towards Windjana NP, along the way we saw the Boab Prison tree outside Derby. Then got to Windjana and spent the next few days there treking around the gorges.

Windjana and Bell Gorge, the colours in the landscape is amazing, the walking should be keeping us fit.

We also went into Tunnell creek where you needed a headlamp to see your way through the tunnell and walk through knee deep water to get to the other side.