DARWIN TO KAKADU

At the Jumping Crocs cruise

We didn't even have to throw her in!

Truly amazing

DAY 32 – DARWIN – KAKADU                                                   Wednesday, 3^rd August

And so begins our second month of our trip … can’t believe how quickly that time has gone.  David keeps saying that it feels like we have just started.  But we have seen so much in that time.

Off early today to what Mummy thought was going to be SUCH a great place – Humpty Doo.  With a name like that, it HAD to be interesting.  Well, apparently not.  Anyway, onwards and upwards.  Stopped about 30 minutes down the road for the Jumping Crocodile Cruise.  The kids just loved it – and we didn’t even get around to throwing any of them overboard!!  We saw maybe 10 crocodiles and to see them jumping out of the water to eat from the pole was amazing (albeit a bit circus like).  But they are in the wild, and the captain was able to give a detailed description of each of the crocodiles.  Because they are so territorial, it is easy to know who is who because of their place along the river.  It was fascinating to see how they launch themselves out of the water and what their bodies look like.  There are about 20 crocodiles for each 1km of water in the Adelaide River – mainly one dominant male, probably a secondary male and up to 20 females.  They can live up to 80 or more years and several of the crocodiles we saw were very old.  But, as I said they are very territorial and also can be cannibalistic.  So the crocodiles do have extensive injuries sustained in fights.  One we saw only has one leg left!

We went to the Window on the Wetlands exhibition which was very interesting, showing all the native flora and fauna around the area.  Then off to Kakadu.  It is only about 220 kms from Darwin, so not a long trip.  The Jabiru caravan park is just gorgeous.  You can pick your site and we have a lovely shady site near to the pool.  AND the cheapest caravan park we have stayed in to date!  Although I did feel sorry for the people behind us, a middle-aged couple, as they sat outside their van in the cool afternoon with their Crownies and champagne cocktails (yes, she had a real champagne flute and strawberry at the bottom!) and saw us rock up with FOUR children!!  Poor loves!  A beautiful star-filled night, sitting outside with a wine – just perfect.