The Fourth Leg - Daly Waters to Darwin
This is the fourth instalment of the ‘Long Way Down Under’ – a brief chronicle as me, zoomz and Ash-kun trek our way around mainland Australia. On this leg we make tracks from Daly Waters in the Northern Territory through the Kakadu National Park and then on to Darwin. The previous instalments of the ‘Long Way Down Under’ can be found here:
We left Daly Waters heading for Katherine. On our way out of town we decided to check out Stuart’s Tree. Explorer John MacDouall Stuart, attempting to cross Australia from south to north in 1862, carved an ‘S’ in a tree at Daly Waters. Foolishly, like a lot of other tourists, we dropped by to check out this tree. And which, I may add, the ‘S’ is barely visible.
Stuart Tree, Daly Waters
We also had time to swing by the natural thermal pools at Mataranka for a dip.
Natural thermal pools, Mataranka
Next stop was Katherine. The picturesque Katherine Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park was stunning.
Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park
Onwards to the Kakadu National Park, the crocodile warnings started to become more prominent.
Don't Risk Your Life
And the beautiful Yellow Waters…
Yellow Waters, Kakadu National Park
A croc at Yellow Waters
Ash inspects a croc at Yellow Waters
A potential croc territorial dispute
Yellow Waters, Kakadu National Park
Yellow Waters, Kakadu National Park
Some more crocodile safety warnings at Jin Jin Falls.
Crocodile Safety
We then made it to Darwin. We had a brief inspection of the defenses against the Japanese attacks in World War II.
Darwin's defenses during World War II
And then took in an arresting Darwin sunset.
Darwin Sunset
Subsequent instalments of our adventure can be found here:
Long Way Down Under – Part 5
Long Way Down Under – Part 3
Long Way Down Under – Part 2
Universal Studios Japan
Long Way Down Under – Part 1
scott j
C Ohara
Chris
Japan Australia
Jay Dee
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Fidel
Haikugirl
Mate this is very disruptive.
Make sure you go to Medil Beach markets whilst in Darwin. Those thermal springs at Mataranka are great- wish I was there now, its snowing in the Blue Mountains (and the highway has been closed). Did go stop at the Humpty Doo pub ?
That photo of the Gorge at Catherine didnt show the tip of the canoe you were in!
Theres a great pub in Darwin called Shananigans. Have fun, take your time and dont swim at the Darwin beaches no matter how good they look.
Dude, you certainly know this part of the world! Thanks for all your tips and advice. Regarding the Darwin beaches, as alluring as they are, they have built a shore-front wave pool as a diversion for try-hard body surfers like me.
Btw, let’s have a poker night in the Bungle Bungles.
How did you go explaining the Japanese defenses in Darwin to the little man?
I told him that this was evidence that he needed to keep a close eye on his mum.
Another reminder that I need to get away from the city.
it’s alright for some! I’m not jealous mind you! nor bitter and twisted. Enjoy