More Kakadu

Earley start today today to get to the Yellow Water Wetlands Sunrise Cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong and out to the South Alligator River near the Cooinda Resort.  Up at 5.30 to drive down to Cooinda in the dark, only saw one roo and one buffalo so arrived safely for the tour.  This cruise is another highlight of the trip, we left just before dawn with Dennis the local guide, he was so full of knowledge with a side of humour.  Millions of birds of so many varieties, a stack of crocodiles, and fish trying to escape the jaws of crocodiles.  My brain is so full of facts about birds, crocodiles, bush tucker food, NT seasons and Aboriginal history it is ready to burst.  To give you an idea of the impact it had on us, Pam took more photos than I did this morning.

Called into the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre on the way home, this centre is so typical of all the information centres we've visited since we arrived in the NT, very professional with amazing and unique buildings which suit this enviroment completely. They are so full of artifacts with information and stories about the lives and achievements of the local clans.  The local staff have a passion for their people and the land and are so willing to pass on their personal and family history and their links to the country.

Back to Jabiru for a late lunch, then back up to Cahills Crossing to take a couple of walks we overlooked yesterday.  Both the Bardedjilidji and the Manngarre walks were open along the banks of the East Alligator River, both also had helpful information regarding what action to take when confronted by crocodiles, emergency numbers to call (no coverage but at least there are numbers?), first aid information and any recent crocodile sightings.  Couldn't understand why Pam refused to step up and lead the way?  So we also decided to forget the Badong Wodjmeng Sandstone River Walk!

Still an interesting drive and had another look at Cahills Crossing, lots of 4 wheel drives heading into Arhnem Land, we decided not to risk a crossing, I imagine it would be a difficult phone call to the hire company if anything bad happened.

There's East, South and West Alligator Rivers, all charted in the mid 1800's by a bloke who couldn't tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile so the names stuck.

Back to Jabiru, for a relaxing afternoon, a dip in the pool before the compulsory beer time to blog and plan tomorrows day which will include washing and getting supplies for our 2 day drive to Alice Springs.

Lots of photos of the cruise

The barrimundi fishing tour

Jabiru and egret

Hundreds of hectares of grass in the wetlands

Along with water lillies forever

Millions of ducks with a crocodile waiting for a careless duck to wander past

Eyes only of a crocodile waiting for a lazy barramundi to swim past

All these wetlands will be dry in about 3 weeks

Heading north to Cahills Crossing, Pam wouldn't get out to take photos of the car driving through.

Downstream side of Cahills Crossing

Downstream boat ramp

Pam making haste away from the boat ramp, we've learnt on our travels that crocodiles are curious animals and love bright colours, Pam has generously volunteered to carry the colourful backpack to ensure my safety.

Our car for the trip