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Well there is not a lot to report this week as we made our decision on where we were headed next and made a bee line for our next adventure.

Where to you ask well that is next week’s blog.  You will probably get the gist of where we are going from this week’s blog.

So, after throwing all ideas around we used the most scientific method of deciding into which state we were headed.    Yep we tossed a coin heads hot climate – tails cold climate.

Luckily, I think, heads won and yep off into Queensland again!!

Of course, this meant that we were A) covering some old ground and B) going to do a lot of travelling – 1806klm in total this week.

Day 57 – Katherine to Banka Banka – 572klms

Today’s travel was George’s punishment for wanting to stay in Katherine yesterday (my least favourite place) instead of travelling the extra 107klms yesterday to Mataranka.     We are such troopers.   Not once did I complain about being in Katherine and not once did George complain about the long drive!!   Yeah sure I hear you say, and you would be right.     At least at the end of our day we got to spend the night at Banka Banka Station, a place we both like, in the shade and for George, company and a bar.

Day 58 – Banka Banka to Barkly Homestead – 264klms

We left Banka Banka Station and headed to the Three Ways Roadhouse only about 70klms down the road.    After filling up here it was decision time and George was unanimously elected to do the coin toss.  

It came up heads for hot, so we made the left-hand turn at three ways and headed down the Barkly Highway to Barkly Roadhouse for the night.      So after only doing a short hop skip and jump today the domestic chores were attended to here.

Day 59 – Barkly Homestead to Mt Isa – 450klms

No today’s miles were not a punishment for George, there just is not much between Barkly and Mt Isa and we had already experienced Camooweal so put in the extra grunt and pushed on to Mt Isa.  

We were met at the border by a lovely Queensland policeman who after seeing what great people we were, let us through into his great state.  

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On arriving in Mt Isa, we decided to go to the information centre after setting up to see what not to miss in the Mt Isa.

Mt Isa lies within what they call “Gulf Country” in Queensland and is affectionately known as the “Oasis of the Outback”.     Well I am not completely sold on that analogy.

Mt Isa came into existence as a result of the vast mineral deposits found in the area.     They mine lead, silver, copper, and zinc in the area and the biggest of the mines in the area is located right in the township of Mt Isa.

Day 60 – Mt Isa

Today we headed to the Telstra Shop!   Yep that is right the Telstra Shop.      After over an hour in the store we think we have nearly sorted out our phone accounts and walked out with a new phone for me.   How that came about is too long a, story but needless to say I am still trying to work the bloody thing out.

After this mammoth outing we headed over to the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, the Hard Times Mine, and the Outdoor Park.

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These tourist attractions were well set out and informative and we enjoyed every moment.   So much so that we booked a guided tour of the fossil centre for the next day.

Just before dinner we ventured to the lookout for sunset.

Tonight, we ate out at the Buffalo Club, as one does when in Mt Isa and retired to our little home after dinner.

Day 61 – Mt Isa

We arrived at the Fossil Centre for our guided tour and after about 2 hours of the most informative tour we have ever done, we came out with a new appreciation for fossil fossickers and palaeontologists.   What patience these gifted people must have and the knowledge they need to retain.        It was fantastic and a definite must do.    

We then travelled out to Lake Moondarra which was a lovely cool drive in our car’s air con, and we were well rewarded with the views and wildlife running around this area.

Day 62 – Mt Isa to Julia Creek – 257klms

What a bloody road for a highway.    Its called the “overland way” should have been called “the bouncing bitumen”.    The dips are deceiving, just when you think you have them mastered and knowing what to expect along comes one which whilst in a car wouldn’t be a big deal but put a caravan on the back of that car and we became like the old nodding dog on the back seat of cars. Car up, caravan down, car down, caravan up and to top it off a very strong head wind.     We nearly used a full tank of petrol for this one leg.

After arriving we decided not to unhitch and headed off on our bikes for a look around Julia Creek.   Well one thing we have learnt in our 9 weeks is that the outback towns close from 12.00 noon on Saturday until 9.00am Monday all except the PUB.  So of course, George twisted my arm and we settled down for counter lunch and beer (I drank water).

Tonight’s delight at the park and the main reason for staying at Julia Creek was the sunset bathtubs.    What a great treat.       This is one of the highlights of our trip.     Manned with our drinks, cheese, and bickies, we spent the next hour relaxing in these tubs watching the sunset over the vast paddocks of nothing.     Again, a must do but be sure to book!!

Day 63 – Julia Creek to Hughenden – 264klms

Well the overland way did not let us down again today if anything it was bouncier than yesterday.

OMG!!!   We are truly surprised that when we arrive everything is still in its place in both the van and the car.

We again decided not to unhitch and ride our bikes around town.     Today’s surprise was that the pub was not even open.      We did however have a lovely ride around the man-made lake in Hughenden but like everything else Sundays even see the tourist attractions like the dinosaur museum closed.

So that is the end of Week 9.      Week 10 will see a definite change.    Less travel, no RED dust and maybe just maybe a whiff of ocean air.   

Ty is very busy and stressed at the moment as he is in his last semester of his honours year and trying to decide what to do next year.    Thank goodness Kiandra keeps him grounded.

Jay is busy skipping, eating, walking, and watching TV as you all probably know.    He has truly been restricted by the COVID lockdown in Melbourne as he can only exercise for 1 hour outdoors and only in a 5 klm radius.   He reckons he has walked every street.     

They are both well which is a huge plus and with the numbers dropping in Melbourne hopefully they stay that way.        It has been eight months since I have seen them, and I miss them so much.

We hope you have all dried out at home and that with the end of Winter upon us it will start to get warmer. We have not seen rain in 9 weeks!

Until next week, love youse all and bring on the grass (lawns that is)!!

Well another week on the road, no not so much.      There is a lot of humidity in the top end at the moment with the prospect of a La Nina, leaving the locals to believe it could be an early and big wet this year.

We know that you guys are freezing down home but we are getting 36-degree days and the humidity is high for this time of the year.     At the time of writing my blog I am sitting at Woolianna on the Daly River in my swimmers with the 12-volt fan on high.  Its too hot to sit in the sun and any movement of air warm or otherwise is greatly appreciated.     Where is George you ask?   In the van with the air con running.    Cannot pay out on him too much as I have been doing a fair bit of that this week.

Day 50 – Wagait Beach

So today we had to venture back into Darwin to get George’s back attended to before heading off into the unknow again.  Unfortunately, this trip is a 90-minute trip each way, so it took up most of the day.      However, we managed to stop for a coffee at Coolinga and pick up our post from home (thanks Caitlin and Mel), then onto to the physio, a bit of shopping at Palmerston and back to Wagait for swim and relax before tomorrow’s pack up.

Day 51 – Wagait Beach to Batchelor – 122klms

So, after setting off from Wagait Beach we headed south again towards Batchelor and Litchfield National Park for the new few days.

Batchelor is a very small town and is the main access poi t for the beautiful and popular Litchfield National Park.   We stopped at the local supermarket (general store) for bread and small milk, $12.50 later decided whilst it is good to support small towns, they can also hurt the hip pocket.

So, we decided not to stay in Litchfield National Park as the weather was hotting up and there were limited powered sites in the park (no generators allowed).     We settled on the Banyan Tree Caravan Park which was recommended to us by Mark and Kim back at Wagait as it had shady van sites.   Thanks for the recommendation, it was a great place to base ourselves for a couple of days and the fees were reasonable.    The other upside was the pub at the front of the park.

So, after setting up our site, we jumped in the car and headed up to Wanji Falls about a 40klm drive from the van park.   Wanji Falls flow all the time and tumble into a large swimming hole.   There is a 3.2klm return trip walking trail through rainforest to the top of the falls and back to the swimming hole however at 36 degrees and high humidity neither of us were in for that.      I took a dip in the swimming hole and we took a short stroll round to the viewing platforms.

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From Wanji Falls, we headed back to the van park with stops at Tolmer Falls.    These falls cascade over two high escarpments into a deep plunge pool.   The caves at the base of the falls are home to Ghost Bats ad Orange Horseshoe Bats.  We took the short walk out to the viewing platform which gave us a great view of the cave and the gorge.     The NT sure know how to look after their National Parks and make them accessible to the public.

From Tolmer Falls we were going to have a look at the Lost City, but it was closed due to roadworks, so we proceed back to the van with short stop at the magnetic termite mounds.   There were hundreds of mounds, about two metres high.   The mounds thin edges point north south while their wide sections face east-west.  It is believed that they form in this way as a kind of built in temperature control mechanism.   By being arrow and facing north south they allow only the smallest possible area to be exposed to the sun.

After getting back to the van we had a quick relax and headed up to the pub for happy hour – 5pm for $5.00 drinks.       We did only intend to stay for drinks but met up with other campers and a couple of “locals”, so our drinks turned into pizza as well.    It was a great night of listening and laughter.

Day 52 – Litchfield National Park – Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls

Well another cracking day.     We had our first dew this morning for quite a few weeks.    The early mornings are much cooler, and I enjoy getting up early and having my coffee outside before everyone starts moving around.

Today we packed a picnic lunch and drinks and headed back into the National Park.   Our first stop was Buley Rockhole.   This is a series of waterfalls and roc holes suitable for swimming and for the adventurous you can walk from here to Florence Falls.      We had a quick look around here but no swim as it was busy with backpackers and kids.

From here we headed up to Florence Falls.    Florence Falls is a double waterfall which fall into a beautiful swimming hole.    We took to the 1.1klm rainforest walk into the falls as it was cooler and after a really refreshing swim, we ate lunch and relaxed in the rainforest setting for a couple of hours.

We then decided to take the 165-step ascent back to the car park.    Thank goodness for the kind person who put platforms for resting.   My knees still have not forgiven me, but it was truly worth it once we got to the viewing platform at the top which looked over the waterfalls and the swimming hole.

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We then drove back to the van park and I washed my poor car and relaxed around the van for the night.

Day 53 – Batchelor to Adelaide River and back

We decided to chill out today and take a drive down to Adelaide River.      Again, this is a small town but has the only Australian War Cemetery.     During WWII, Adelaide River was the headquarters of large military base and the Cemetery is for the burial of servicemen and women who died in this part of Australia.    The Cemetery was so well kept and whilst a sad place it was very serene.

Another quite afternoon back at the van, a quick drink for happy hour and back to the van for dinner.

Day 54 – Batchelor to Daly River – Woolianna on the Daly River – 140.4klms.

We were so indecisive about weather we would come here or not and believe me after turning of the Stuart Highway on to Dorat Road, I was not the most popular person in the car and we very nearly didn’t get here.        The Dorat Road whilst tared was very narrow and undulating.    In the car we would not have blinked but towing the van behind us it made the trip like being on a roller coaster or more like a bouncing ball.     After 70klms of this, if the Daly River Road was like that George was going to pull the pin.    However, as luck had it the road was good so onwards and upwards.

We arrived at Woolianna on the Daly River at about lunch time and were greeted by Adrian, the owner who found us a beautiful shady site for our two-night stop.    After setting up, Ian the new caretakers for the next 8 or 9 months introduced himself and gave us some tips on fishing etc.     His next sentence was “Do you know Dale and Bob Denton from Ulladulla”.     Really people!!      Yep sure do and guess what, Ian is Dale’s brother.     Well Dale both Ian and his partner are alive and well in the top end, been here for two weeks and he promised to ring you!!   It turns out Ian lives in Wallaga Lake my “peaceful” place in this world and use to run the Lake Tabourie Caravan Park.    The park also had people from Tuross Heads and Wollongong staying.

We took a quick drive into the Daly River Pub and the Nauiyu Community and then back to the van park where I tried my hand at fishing but whilst getting a few bites did not have any success.    Ian told us that they have been catching sharks in the river and the park has a wonderful pontoon from which you can fish which means you are safe from the crocs.

I also enjoyed a lovely swim before joining other campers for a quick “happy hour” and then back to the van for dinner.

Day 55 – Daly River

One of the ladies last night asked me what we were going to do today.   I said “nothing” and that is exactly what we did.     I enjoyed a sleep in, late brekky, catch up on finances and bills, a swim, lunch, blogging, another swim, fishing, happy hour a bed.     So, enjoyed today.      It too was a lot cooler this morning with a nice breeze but heated up again in the arvo.   What did George do you ask?   Much the same but delete swimming and substitute napping.

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Day 56 – Daly River to Katherine

So packed up and headed back into Katherine for an overnight stop.      Its still hot but not as humid.    Give me the coast and the ocean any day!!

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Well we still aren’t sure which we are headed next week.    Definitely South as going West from Katherine will only see us halted at the WA Border.       Once we get back down to the Three ways it will be toss a coin, South or East.   Stay tuned.

It is promising to see that Victoria’s Covid cases are falling.   That has been my biggest concern for the last 8 weeks because if one or both of the boys got really sick what would we do.   Thank goodness so far that is not an issue.

We have met lots of really nice people travelling around, some really unusual characters and on the whole are having a great time.     I know you are going to groan, but looking forward to some cooler weather!!

Love to all.

Well we have really enjoyed Darwin and its history. Tangled and captivating in equal measure, the Aboriginal history of Darwin and the Tiwi Islands dates back tens of thousands of years.

Darwin and the Tiwi Islands felt the full force of World War II and in 1942 much of Darwin was destroyed by the Japanese. Having been rebuilt after the war, Darwin was devastated again in 1974 when Cyclone Tracy struck, killing 71 people and wiping out most of the city’s buildings. 

We have been amazed at the resilence of this city and the tributes to the city’s history.

Day 43 – Exploring Downtown Darwin

We spent today wandering around Darwin CBD. The “city” is so laid back and spread out. There are no huge shopping complexes in the CBD just small arcades, shops and lots of office blocks.

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Day 44 – Catch up Day

We spent Day 44 mostly catching up on paperwork, washing, paying bills and yes, I finally got a haircut after 8 weeks since my last one!

Day 45 – Lee Point, Nightcliff Beach and Fannie Bay

Rather than taking tours, we decided we would do a self drive of the outer beaches of Darwin and to look at the Defence of Darwin Experience. This museum is the story of Darwin’s role in World War II and is dedicated to the period 1932 to 1945. The museum includes a gallery with a short movie recreated from people’s first hand experience of the bombing, stories which have been recorded by people who survived the bombing, artifacts of the Darwin Military Museum, artillery pieces, vehicles, uniforms, firearms, models and paintings and much more. It was really a great insight on that part of Darwin’s history.

Whilst roaming the grounds we caught up with Joe and Margaret from Ingham and spent a lovely time under the big fig trees catching up on each other’s movements.

We then had lunch at the Darwin Ski Club, like Gold Coast Surf Clubs, right on the beach.

Day 46 – Birthday Celebrations

Oh yes. 61!!! Really still think I am 25. Well the day started well with George making my coffee. Yep that was it! I then washed, scrubed the van and re-arranged the car. George finally decided I deserved coffee and lunch and took me to the Coffee Club. Luckily he was building up to my wish for a seafood dinner and no he did not buy me fish and chips, he took me into Cullen Bay and after a drink at Lola’s he shouted dinner at the Seafood Buffet (all you can eat for $40.00). Ha they hadn’t met me!! Prawns, oysters, crab, scallops and sadly dessert!! A great night and a wonderful 61st.

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Day 47 – Darwin to Wagait Beach – 120.3klms

So after a week near Darwin we decided to re-locate to the west side of the Darwin Harbour, Wagait Beach.

Wagait Beach is a small friendly community (approx 450 people) and an easy 90 minute drive from Darwin. Their are endless miles of native bushland and remote beaches.

On arrival we were welcomed by some fellow campers who had been left in charge whilst Jenny the owner was out. It turned out that one of these groups was Geoff and Barb who we had met at Banka Banka. They had been here for two days and had been very successful with their fishing expeditions catching Queenies, Flathead and some other strange fish. After setting up we took a short drive to look at some magnetic termite mounds and then took the courtesy bus to the Cox Country Club.

The Cox Country Club is an outback community supported bar and restaurant at Wagait Beach. We joined the other campers and the owners at the Club for a great night of good food, drink and a game of darts!!

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Day 48 – Wagait Beach to Territory Wildlife Park

As we all took a little more omph to start the engine this morning, we relaxed around the pool and then took a drive down to the Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs. The Park is a mix of zoo-type exhibits and natural bush, with attractions spread out around a 4km loop road linked with free shuttle trains and natural walking paths. We were enterained with a display of how the park train their birds for shows. I really enjoyed learning about how they train the wild birds and how positive reinforcement can work.

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Day 49 – Wagait Beach to Cullen Bay (Darwin) by Ferry

Today we decided to treat ourselves to a wind down day at Lola’s Bar at Cullen Bay. We took the ferry in from Mandorah and then sat ourselves down for a quiet drink and lunch. We took the ferry back to Mandorah in the late afternoon and managed to have a face time call with Lee and Kerry and then Jay.

Well Week 7 down. Caitlin sent us a photo of our beautiful Tilly. She looks happy.

So onto Week 8. Thinking of you all with all the weather and COVID goings on. Stay safe and well.

PS Jay and Ty still staying well and safe in Melbourne.

Day 36 – Katherine to Jabiru (Kakadu National Park) – 303.5klm

Well we finally have hit real heat. I now keep the red wine in the fridge!!

So Week 6 flew by. It seems like yesterday we were coming into the NT and now we are at the top end of it.

I have mapped our progress on an Australian Road map I have on the fridge and it coincidently is starting to look like the outline of Australia. Weird. Of course George thinks I am having one of my menopausal events and can’t see the resemblance at all.

So we set off from Katherine nice and early and fuelled up and had morning tea in Masey’s Cafe, Pine Creek. Worth the top. Lovely staff and great coffee.

We then ventured onto Kakadu Lodge in Jabiru. After setting up in our nice shady and semi grassy spot (not ants) I took a late afternoon swim and we shouted ourselves a beer and pizza by the pool.

Day 37 – Cahills Crossing and Cooinda – Kakadu National Park

On advice from the park owner we took a drive up to the East Alligator region of the Park to Ubirr and Cahills Crossing. To get the best of this trip we were told to go an hour either side of high tide and we would see the waters crossing the causeway and the crocs feeding on the fish. Well all I can say is wow! What a sight.

After our mid morning early afternoon trek, we then geared up for our Sunset cruise on the Yellow Water Billabond located at Cooinda in the Yellow Water Region of the National Park. Yellow water is part of the South Alligator River floodplain.

We were treated to many marvellous sights of both flora and fauna. It is probably the best 2 1/2 hours that we have ever spent. I will let the pictures tell the story.

So many more photos. It took us half an hour drive back to Jabiru after the cruise and was done on the edge of our seats as we had been told that the buffalo just wander out onto the road and you really can’t seem them until its too late.

Day 38 – Jabiru to Corroboree Tree – 165klms

So yes Coroborree Tree Tavern. Says it all. Didn’t even get a drink there, just stayed at the back of the Tavern.

We did a little driving around that afternoon down to the Corroboree Billabong. Whilst it was a nice drive, unfortunately not too much to see unless you took a cruise.

After heading back to our campsite, we meet up with a lovely couple, Cliff and Kay, who were full time on the road and after dinner enjoyed a drink or two with them until bed.

Day 39 – Window on the Wetlands and the Jumping Crocodiles at Wak Wak

So after packing our lunch and morning tea, we headed down to Wak Wak.

On the way we stopped at the Leaning Tree Billabond but only took a quick pic as I was too worried about being eaten by a croc.

From there, we took a look around the Window on the Wetlands information office. This was well worth the stop and gave us a good history of the area. Several types of farming had been tried over the years such as rice and coffee growing but it seems that the most successful use of the are is the controlled breeding of buffalo for export overseas.

Also, of course, tourism which we enjoyed at the Jumping Crocodile attraction.

We were treated to a full boat of overseas back packers, a very entertaining guide and of course some big bloody crocodiles. I am still of two minds on this attraction, whilst the crocs did get a feed it did seem somewhat cruel and macabre.

Day 40 – Corroboree Creek to Palmerston (Darwin)

After much deliberation we decided to stay just outside of Darwin at Palmerston. This is only a 20 minute drive from the centre of Darwin. Oasis Tourist Park.

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So after setting up in our shady no red dirt site (yah), we set to stocking up at the local shopping centre, picking up some of the things I had forgotten like summer sheets. I know I washed them before we left but must have packed them in the multiple boxes now in storage at home.

Day 41 – Palmerston to Parap Markets and Darwin Waterfront

After cooking George his brekky (taught by Gayle William’s famous poached egg teacher).

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We spent the morning at the local food and handicrafts market at Parap. Would have been great place to taste all the varieties of food from overseas but alas Georges ageing taste buds had other ideas.

So we headed into Darwin and had a lovely light lunch and a couple of drinks on the waterfront followed by a tour of the old oil tunnels used during the war.

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Day 42 – Darwin and Mindil Night Markets

So today I got up early, had my morning coffee in peace and cool whilst George had a sleep in.

We then set to dealing with our chores before heading into Darwin.

We d ecided to have lunch at the Six Tanks Brew Pub in Mitchell Street. George enjoyed the beer, of course, and the platter but not so the spicy chicken wings.

We then ventured down to the Esplanade, the National Arts Museun and finally Mindil Beach Markets before heading home.

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Well there you go. Week 6 done and dusted. We are in Darwin until Friday 14th and thinking about heading to a beach area not far from Darwin for a do nothing week (other than maybe fishing) on the water. Still to be decided.

We still have no idea what WA is doing but still have a lot to see here before we have to make a decision on whether we head west, south or east.

Yes we are still talking to each other and suprisingly enjoying each other’s company. George is definitely the socialite of our team and I am the tour director. It seems to work and I enjoy the down time whilst he is off seeking other human contact other than this old sole.

I get a bit of giggle looking back on the photos of George I have taken, his face for the food I serve him, his face when a beeer is in his hand, his “i am not asleep” but out like a light face and the face of “oh no not another selfie”.

We know our home town has been hit with really bad weather and we are both hoping everyone is staying safe. We are managing a telephone hook up with Lee and Kerry Hallett each week, so its just like a normal “covid” Wednesday for us.

I miss our awesome trio (Ty Kiandra and Jay) in Melbourne but they keep in touch with us and ensure me they are all fine. Keep it up kids, just stay well and safe.

PS Happy Birthday to all my fellow Leos and especially Sarah Eichhorn who turns 21 tomorrow.

Until next week southerners, good night!!