Day fourteen to twenty sailing on the MV Oceanic. Return to Broome Day 21 Dinosaur Footprints Gantheaume Point is a promontory about six kilometres (3.7 mi) from Broome, Western Australia. Dinosaur footprints and plant fossils, are preserved in the sandstone. Low red cliffs are set back off the shoreline. During low tide, dinosaur footprints can be seen uncovered by water about thirty metres (98 ft) out from the shore. There is no beach access. These prints are fairly well preserved and are imbedded in rock. It is allowed for anyone who would like to, to go and stand inside the prints to appreciate the size of the foot that made them. It is thought dozens of different dinosaur prints are in the area and may be found along many km of coastline. Many are from large three toed meat eating dinosaurs. Some prints are over a metre in diameter and quite a number of the foot prints are sunken a few inches in the surrounding rock. Many are well defined in the rock. Very impressive. Broome Hovercraft The tour by hovercraft is highly recommended to cross the expansive mud flats to the dinosaur footprints. Hovercraft buzz does intrude into the cabin, but the seating is comfortable enough. The hovercraft is a smooth ride over water and mud and has informative crew. Mud is not a problem at the site although all are likely to get damp feet disembarking and walking on the wet sand. Flying Boat Crash Site The crash site of World War 2 flying boats are pointed out during a low tide. During low tide, the crash site of the World War 2 flying boats becomes visible, serving as a haunting reminder of the past. These once majestic aircrafts, now resting on the ocean floor, tell a story of bravery, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war. The wreckage serves as a solemn tribute to the soldiers who flew these planes, facing danger and uncertainty with every mission they undertook. The crash site of World War 2 flying boats serves as a poignant memorial, inviting reflection on the past and honoring the memory of those who fought and perished in the skies above. Traveldriven BROOME DINOSAUR ADVENTURES GOOGLE MAPS BROOME HOVERCRAFT BROOME HOVERCRAFT WASHED DOWN BROOME HOVERCRAFT TOUR ON THE BEACH DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS STANDING IN THE FOOTPRINTS OF DINOSAURS DINOSAUR PRINTS standing in the footprints of dinosaurs BROOME MUDFLATS BIG BIRD HOVERCRAFT END OF TOUR TOWED TO THE HANGER PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

the local police pulled over in their patrol van I'm in trouble -Traveldriven Bidyadanga Otherwise known as La Grange, in the Kimberley region, is the largest Aboriginal community in Western Australia. A population of about 750 residents. One hundred and eighty kilometres (110 mi) south of Broome and 1,590 kilometres (990 mi) from Perth. The traditional owners of the land are the Karajarri people. Entry to Bidyadanga is restricted. Permit may be required. I was offered an opportunity to accompany a two man maintenance work group to a local government building in Bidyadanga for a day on a weekend. Sure, ok. On arrival I wandered about part of the townscape. Always mindful taking photographs showing local's is a sensitive issue in restricted communities. I was careful only to photograph streetscapes and signs with a small camera. Questioned by Local Police of Western Australia However, shortly before all maintenance work was completed the local police pulled over in their patrol van and one of the two officers leaned out of a window and inquired if anyone of us knew of someone photographing the community. The camera bag was slung over my back. We all said no. A white lie on my behalf. No doubt referring to my earlier walkabout. I had not photographed any people at all. Nor pointed the camera at people. Just streets and signs. A misunderstanding avoided. With hindsight I shouldn't have walked around as much drawing attention. Point taken. Fatal stabbings have occurred in this sometimes troubled small community in a tropical environment where life should be carefree. There is little opportunity for youth. Violence amongst locals getting out of hand. Perhaps the result of isolation and boredom with little purpose for some. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP BIDYADANGA GOOGLE MAPS TRAVEL DOWN UNDER BIDYADANGA BIDYADANGA COMMUNITY COMMUNITY SERVICES SIGN BIDYADANGA STREETSCAPE HIGH FENCES & BARBED WIRE TIDY TOWNS 2014? NO FUN! PAINTED HANDS CAGED FUEL BOWSER CAGED STREET LIGHTS CAMPFIRE ASHES IN TOWN LOCAL HOUSING NO GO AREA, WHY? BIDYADANGA PUBLIC BUILDING BIDYADANGA CHURCH SERVICES SUPERMARKET NOTICE BOARD STORE OFFICIALY OPENED 1984 ANOTHER SUPERMARKET NOTICE BOARD RANGER VEHICLE BIDYADANGA GENERAL STORE PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 23 In northern Australia, Western Australia and across to Queensland the saltwater crocodile population is growing in large numbers. More so in the multiple river systems near Darwin such as the Adelaide, Mary, and Daly Rivers. Along with many billabongs and estuaries. The saltwater crocodile population in Australia is estimated at 100,000 to 200,000. Crocodile habitat extends from Broome, Western Australia through all of the Northern Territory coast and all the way south to Rockhampton, Queensland. Crocodiles are a fully protected species. Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, Broome The Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, located just a short fifteen-minute drive from Broome, offers visitors a captivating and educational experience. Upon entry, guests are greeted with an admission fee of $40 (as of 2024), granting them access to a world of fascinating wildlife encounters. One of the main attractions at the park is the regular crocodile feeding shows that take place throughout the day. These shows not only showcase the impressive feeding habits of crocodiles but also provide valuable insights into their behaviour and predatory instincts. Visitors can witness demonstrations of prey entrapment, shedding light on the intricate relationship between these apex predators and their environment. In addition to its crocodile-focused activities, the park is also home to a diverse array of native wildlife, providing a comprehensive look at the natural wonders of the region. Among the inhabitants of the park are American alligators, adding an international flair to the wildlife collection. The presence of knowledgeable and informative guides further enhances the visitor experience, as they offer valuable commentary and share their expertise on the various species within the park. A poignant aspect of the park's history is the legacy of its founder, Malcolm Douglas. A pioneer in wildlife conservation and education, Douglas dedicated his life to raising awareness about the importance of protecting crocodiles and their habitats. Tragically, his life was cut short in 2010 due to a single vehicle accident on his property. Despite this loss, the park continues to honor his memory by providing a platform for learning and appreciation of these magnificent creatures. Overall, the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park stands as a testament to the beauty and complexity of Australia's wildlife. Through its engaging shows, diverse animal residents, and informative staff, the park offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating world of crocodiles and other wildlife species. Traveldriven TRAVEL DOWN UNDER ENTER CLICK/TAP BROOME GOOGLE MAPS MALCOLM DOUGLAS CROCODILE PARK GOOGLE MAPS IN REALTIME MALCOLM DOUGLAS CROCODILE PARK MALCOLM DOUGLAS THE CROCODILE HUNTER THE FATAL ACCIDENT OF MALCOLM DOUGLAS GIANT CROCODILES FEEDING WORLD'S BIGGEST LIVE CROCODILES ZOOEY THE CROCODILE BLUEY THE CROCODILE CHOMP THE CROCODILE MANIAC THE CROCODILE SOUTHERN CASSOWARY OLD MAN CROCODILE MUDDY THE CROCODILE THE BULLET CROCODILE CROC CAMOUFLAGE HUNGRY CROCS SUNBAKING FROM THE MOUTH OF CROCODILE JAWS PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 24 Robert Alistair McAlpine Baron McAlpine of West Green, England (14 May 1942 – 17 January 2014) Self-described as Scottish, was a British businessman and politician. Business construction opportunities brought him to Perth in 1960. The family fortune was founded on the construction industry. In the 1980s McAlpine was involved in many tourism projects in Broome Western Australia. Personally, funding many of these. He envisaged Broome in 1979 and early eighties had tourism potential. Investment of Millions in Broome Western Australia He invested $500 million on various projects including the fabled and now closed Pearl Coast Zoological Gardens. Housing a very extensive African animal collection and hundreds of exotic birds and large scale aviaries. McAlpine established the Cable Beach Resort complex and its world class facilities. Helped aboriginal local culture with paid artwork and recognition. Invested spending time and money in the area for historic local building renovations and projects. He was made an honorary freeman of the Broome Municipality at an award evening in 2011. The highest honour bestowed to an individual by the community and officials. I am sure the term 'Lord of Broome' as used by many a Broome local, would have been seen as a tongue in cheek commentary of himself. Mr McAlpine would have found amusement and a chuckle out of it. Traveldriven BROOME BEACH RESORT CABLE BEACH GOOGLE MAPS The English Lord of Broome MONEY IN THE PEARL BUSINESS MORNING COFFEE CAFE BROOME REMOTE LEARNING BROOME Cable Beach FORESHORE CABLE BEACH RESORT AREA Broome accommodation with family OUT OF ORDER SWIMMING POOL IN NEED OF MAINTENANCE PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 25 BUNGLE BUNGLES These are beehive-shaped rock domes made up of sandstones and conglomerates (rocks composed of pebbles and finer material cemented together). Wind and erosion from the Tanami Desert and rainfall over millions of years shaped the domes. Helicopter Tour There are forty-five minute Helicopter Tours of the Bungle Bungle’s and these are available from Warmun/Turkey Creek on the Great Northern Highway. 200 km south of Kununurra. Turkey Creek renamed Warmun is a small aboriginal settlement. The tour allows for good views over the domes and from the air appear quite vast in area. The tour does not land at the domes. Two-way head phones allow the pilot to describe the area. Alternately to reach the iconic Bungle Bungle Range, visitors can embark on a scenic journey along the 4WD accessible road, spanning a distance of 54 km from the Great Northern Highway. While this route offers a unique adventure through the rugged landscape of Western Australia, it is important to note that the track conditions can significantly impact travel time. Due to the current state of the track, the journey to the Bungle Bungles typically takes around two to three hours one way. The remote and untouched nature of the track leading to the Bungle Bungles adds to the sense of adventure and exploration for those who choose to traverse it. As of 2024, the track has remained largely unchanged, with no significant improvements made to enhance accessibility or ease of travel. This means that visitors can expect an authentic outback experience, complete with challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery along the way. Despite the time and effort required to navigate the 4WD accessible road, the journey to the Bungle Bungles is well worth it for those seeking a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. The untouched beauty of the landscape, coupled with the sense of isolation and remoteness, creates a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Australia's outback. Helicopter tours may also be available at the Bungle Bungles. The tour from Turkey Creek, 10 out of 10. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP BUNGLE BUNGLES GOOGLE MAPS XR6 LOOKING BACK DRIVEN FROM SANDFIRE ON THE WAY TO BROOME PARDOO (CLOSED 2023\REOPENED 2024) & SANDFIRE ARE ROADHOUSE STOPS FOR ROAD TRAFFIC. NO TOWNS ARE BETWEEN PORT HEDLAND AND BROOME DISTANCE OF 610 KILOMETRES ISOLATED OUTBACK HIGHWAY SIGN 35ks FROM BROOME HISTORIC BOAB TREE REST STOP OVERNIGHT PRISONER'S BOAB TREE BOAB TREE HOLLOW LARGE ENOUGH TO ENTER BUNGLE BUNGLES HELICOPTER FLIGHT PREV WA/NT/SA PAGE NEXT HOMEPAGE

See the biggest crocodile in Australia and is safe to touch. -you can take my word for it Biggest Crocodile In Wyndham Western Australia Wyndham is the home of the Big Crocodile. The crocodile is in the main street of Wyndham. This is a wire and concrete statue in the main street. Roughly twenty metres (65 ft) long. Anyone in this area might need a large boat for safety in and around the waterways of Wyndham. Some of Australia's largest saltwater crocodiles are found here. Wyndham the Northern Most Town of Western Australia Is the northernmost town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia two thousand two hundred kilometres (1,373 mi) north of Perth. Established in 1886. It's a port and service centre for the East Kimberley with a population of almost eight hundred. I drove over 5,000 km from Victoria to get to Wyndham Western Australia only to be stopped by the local police short of the township. The reason given. We do not see many sedans up here. Giant saltwater crocodiles are said to still frequent the abandoned meat works area around the port. The Port of Wyndham is twenty-two km from the town. Along a sealed road from Wyndham township. Five Rivers Lookout . Easy for any vehicle to drive to the top. Not suitable for towed vans. Three hundred and thirty metres in elevation. Reached along a sealed road close to Wyndham. Views are over the Cambridge Gulf. The five expansive rivers of Durack, Pentecost, King, Forest and Ord. All are saltwater crocodile habitats. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP WYNDHAM GOOGLE MAPS WYNDHAM FIVE DAY WEATHER FORECAST TRAVEL DOWN UNDER & DRIVE HALLS CREEK TO WYNDHAM EARLY DAYS OF WYNDHAM WYNDHAM BIG BOY CROC TWENTY-METRE-LONG CROCODILE MAIN STREET of WYNDHAM WYNDHAM CROCS NEED A BIGGER BOAT IN WYNDHAM UNSAFE TO CLIMB A CROCODILE! WYNDHAM MAIN STREET GRAB A CROC BY THE TAIL OUT OF LUCK WYNDHAM WYNDHAM POLICE RANDOM CHECK STOPPED BY THE LOCAL POLICE WYNDHAM WYNDHAM SHOPPING STREET HOTEL CLOSED DOWN THE LOCAL LIQUOR STORE FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT SIGNS FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT WYNDHAM CYCLONE SIGN FIVE RIVER'S LOOKOUT WYNDHAM FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT VIEW OF PORT OF WYNDHAM & RIVER SYSTEMS VIEW FROM FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT VIEW FROM FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT BOAB TREE PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 27, 28, 29, 30 Lake Argyle Freshwater Lake of Western Australia The reservoir is part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and is located near the East Kimberley town of Kununurra. Kununurra is the largest town in Western Australia north of Broome. Kununurra is 3,040 kilometres (1,889 mi) from Perth via the Great Northern Highway. Kununurra has extensive irrigation for cropping of over 20,000 hectares in the tropical heat. Water supply is from Lake Argyle. Lake Argyle is mainland Australia’s largest body of freshwater. 70 km southeast of Kununurra. The Lake Argyle Caravan Park (Resort) is a great base to unwind. Very large park. Free use of an infinity pool. Pool water is very cold. The surrounding view of the lake and cliffs are one of the best scenic views in Australia. During Lake Argyle peak periods, there is free nightly live entertainment provided by park management. Seasonal resident entertainer's such as Steve Case. Lake Tours and BBQ Lake tours are available. Can include a BBQ lunch stop on a small rocky island. Aboard the tour boat the lake appears more like an inland sea. Distant shorelines. Impossible to identify the route to the boat's jetty. Apparently, the lake barramundi are not the tastiest fish. Lake Argyle is home to thousands of fresh water crocodiles. Lake is so vast crocs are rarely seen. The lake is free of saltwater crocodiles. The foreshore is rocky. No sandy areas to swim. However, the short steep downhill hike to a moored pontoon in a small inlet on the shore below the Lake Argyle Caravan Park can be accessed. A steel ladder built on the waterside of the pontoon allows a swim. Enter water at one's own risk. Possible below water rocks etc. Recommend the Ord River Boat Cruise by Triple J Tours . It's a fast boat adventure river cruise to the Ord River Dam wall holding back Lake Argyle and return down the river to Kununurra. A distance of 55 km. Spectacular mountain scenery, riverside natural fauna and flora. For further reading, see Lake Argyle post  under the Western Australia Home heading. View video of Lake Argyle islands and it's giant spider webs. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP LAKE ARGLE GOOGLE MAPS IN REALTIME KUNUNURRA GOOGLE MAPS TRAVEL DOWN UNDER & DRIVE KUNUNURRA - LAKE ARGYLE RESORT LAKE ARGYLE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT LAKE ARGYLE SHELTERED INLET & PONTOON STEVE CASE SINGER GUITARIST LAKE ARGYLE DD Derek Steve Case Hungry Heart, Steve Case Fire & Rain, Steve Case To Her Door, Steve Case FREE NIGHTLY LIVE MUSIC PLAYING THE TUNES BEST TENT SITE IN AUSTRALIA? INFINITY POOL VERY COLD ORD RIVER ADVENTURE BOAT CRUISE UP THE ORD RIVER (JUNGLE LIKE) ORD RIVER CRUISE RETURN FRESHWATER CROCODILE ORD RIVER WILDLIFE Ord River Homestead ORD RIVER ORD RIVER SUNSET PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT PREV WESTERN AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 32 VICTORIA RIVER Considered by many to have Australia's largest saltwater crocodiles in its waterways. Five hundred and sixty kilometres (350 mi) long. The river flows south of Gregory National Park which is the source of its water. Then continues to the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf in the Timor Sea. The Victoria River is the longest permanent river in the Northern Territory. The Victoria River meanders from the northern edge of the Tanami Desert to the coast near to the Western Australian/Northern Territory border. Victoria River Cruise In Western Australia The cruise may be booked for the afternoon from Timber Creek. The tour departs from Timber Creek. The Victoria River itself is quite close by to the small town. There is just one bridge crossing in the vicinity of Timber Creek and is for military use. No access to the public. Cruise included lunch on a pontoon moored in the middle of the river many km up river. The cruise operator hung fish bait out from the pontoon for crocs to eat. None took the bait. The operator thought crocs had been feeding on riverbank wildlife such as wallabies. Many wild cattle sighted along the riverbank. Apparently, cattle stations lose two hundred plus cattle to crocs every year. Food for crocs. The Victoria Highway crosses the Victoria River Bridge within sight of Victoria River Roadhouse. If stopped roadside on bridge approach and walking onto the bridge for a elevated river view. Saltwater crocodiles are occasionally seen in the river below. Along the length of the Victoria River this bridge is the only highway crossing over the Victoria River. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP VICTORIA RIVER ROADHOUSE GOOGLE MAPS IN REALTIME DRIVE LAKE ARGYLE - TIMBER CREEK - VICTORIA RIVER THE VICTORIA RIVER CRUISE TIMBER CREEK Victoria River croc food Bridge over the Victoria River Military area PROHIBITED AREA next to Victoria River PROHIBITED OFF LIMITS Victoria River Victoria River Sunset WELCOME SIGN TO TIMBER CREEK PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT PREV N\TERRITORY NEXT HOMEPAGE

The lone barman broke a wooden bar stool for self-protection. -Timber Creek Hotel Timber Creek Timber Creek is an isolated small town a short distance from the Victoria River in the Northern Territory. The Victoria Highway passes through the town. Timber Creek is the only significant town and settlement between Kununurra in Western Australia 225 km west and Katherine 290 km to the east in the Northern Territory. Timber Creek is a town of two hundred and fifty people. The Caravan Park is next to the Hotel. I was directed by park management to erect my tent on a grassed area near a small creek. My tent was the only one within the park. With the benefit of hindsight should have stayed in a very reasonably priced onsite unit. Sleepless Night I was unable to sleep because of the many thousands of flying foxes roosting in the nearby billabong overnight. So, I tried to gain uninterrupted sleep in my car. The wildlife commotion was too great, so I returned to the tent gaining virtually no sleep. The billabong is frequented by fresh water crocs. In fact, a large freshwater croc (two to three metres in length) is often seen sunning itself within the caravan park on the near side of the creekbank. I was told; Park management regularly feed the croc. Freshwater crocs are regarded as harmless if not approached. Saltwater crocs are in the Victoria River a few km away. Upon check-in the park owner joked I should be ok overnight as no dogs have gone missing in a while from saltwater crocodile attacks. The next morning a fellow park resident in a caravan commented to me he and his wife were wondering if I would possibly still be here. Perhaps taken by a crocodile overnight. During the morning conversation they mentioned the previous day a large python was sighted wrapped around a tree trunk across the otherside of the small walk bridge connecting the Billabong and caravan park. Less than one hundred metres from unpowered camping sites. My site the closest and lone tent. Maybe the caravan park wasn't one hundred percent as safe as I thought. Wouldn't do it again in a tent. Although the river is several km away the creek is open to the Victoria River and its large population of saltwater crocodiles. Troublesome Ruckus Years ago, on a solo road trip I stopped overnight at the same Timber Creek Campground next to the hotel. I had not long finished a Hotel meal in the bar when visiting workers of a road maintenance gang caused a night ruckus in the pub with local indigenous people. The indigenous promptly left the premises. Immediately a chorus of baiting chants were heard from outside the hotel. Pool table cue's were gathered and bar stools. The lone barman broke a wooden bar stool for self-protection. After a good while things calmed down. Baiting chants fading. No local police. Nearest authorities many hours' drive away. Perhaps as far as Katherine NT or Kununurra in Western Australia over two and a half hours drive away? As far as I was concerned the local indigenous people kept to themselves and caused no trouble. But would you endeavour to leave the hotel on the fall of darkness with the ruckus created by others putting yourself at risk in the immediate vicinity? Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP TIMBER CREEK GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE TIMBER CREEK - VICTORIA RIVER ROADHOUSE - KATHERINE VICTORIA RIVER SALTWATER CROCODILE FADED SIGN WITHIN CARAVAN PARK TIMBER CREEK TENT SITE & WALKWAY TO THE WILD SIDE TRAVELDRIVEN TENT SITE RESTLESS NIGHT BESIDE CREEK VERY NOISY BATS PAST THE FOOTBRIDGE CARAVAN PARK AND CAMPING GROUND TIMBER CREEK BOAB TREE & ROADSIDE GRAVE VICTORIA RIVER HIGHWAY WA/NT BORDER ROAD TRAIN TYRE SMOKE? PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE POST

MATARANKA SPRINGS NORTHERN TERRITORY The thermal water is said to relieve one's ailments. Located close to the Roper River, the pool can sometimes get crowded, especially during June to August. The pool is filled with fresh spring water from the Daly and Georgina basins, and it maintains a consistent temperature of 34 degrees. The walkway and springs are shaded by palms. However, the ground floor is dry and brown and devoid of greenery from the top down and unsightly. Mataranka Springs are about one hundred and seventy km north of Daly Waters. Daly Waters Is a locality in the Northern Territory. About six hundred kilometres south of the capital of Darwin at the intersection of the Stuart Highway and Carpentaria Highway of which only 48 km is sealed. Daly Waters was established in 1927. Population of nine people. Daly Waters Airfield was a centre for the London to Sydney Air Race of 1926. A refuelling stop for early Qantas flights to Singapore and a World War II Airforce base. The historic Daly Waters Hotel was licensed in 1938. Free nightly live entertainment. Gets quite busy during peak holidays and its accommodation may be fully booked out. The Hi-way Inn Roadhouse may have available accommodation and is ten minutes' drive on the main north/south Stuart Highway. There are no other options. Numerous outback hotels try to impress and differentiate  from other localities  by unusual self-promotion. Apparently the wackier the better. Examples are photographed below. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP DALY WATERS GOOGLE MAPS MATARANKA HOT SPRINGS GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE KATHERINE - MATARANKA - DALY WATERS THE LONG LONELY ROAD LARRIMAH HOTEL IS ONE HOUR'S DRIVE NORTH OF DALY WATERS LARRIMAH HOTEL CLAIMED AS THE HIGHEST BAR! LAIDBACK AUSTRALIAN BARMAN NOT A, 'BACKPACKER BARMAN' ANYTHING TO ATTRACT TOURISTS TOURIST DRAW CARD? DALY WATERS ENTERTAINENT DALY WATERS PUB EXTERIOR DALY WATERS A TOURIST SERVO DISPLAY AND IS ACTUALLY USEFUL INSIDE DALY WATERS HOTEL OUTBACK PUB BUSY TIMES TOURIST SALES ANYTHING FOR THE TOURIST DOLLAR DALY WATERS HOTEL FOR SALE MATARANKA REGION MATARANKA SPRINGS NT MATARANKA SPRINGS MATARANKA SPRINGS THE ROPER RIVER SIGNAGE WALKWAY TO MATARANKA SPRINGS PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

Tiny minnow fish brush your skin in the crystal clear water. - Katherine Hot Springs Katherine In The Northern Territory Is an inland town in the Northern Territory of Australia. Settled around the Katherine River three hundred and twenty kilometres southeast of Darwin. The RAAF Base Tindal is about twenty km out of town. Apparently, the base employs up to one thousand people. On enquiry, I was told there is no public observation area to watch aircraft operations. Katherine Hot Springs Located alongside Riverbank Drive next to the Katherine River. Katherine Hot Springs provide safe swimming and barbecue facilities. Amongst shady gums and paperback trees. There are paved foot traffic areas. The springs are very popular with locals and tourists alike. It's the best place to cool off in town and close to the Katherine River. Many wade and swim in the crystal-clear water. The springs are free to swim in and safe. The water is twenty-five to thirty degrees celsius. The Springs are open in the dry season months and closed in the wet season from seasonal flooding. Katherine Gorge is also recommended. About a thirty km drive from Katherine town. Canoes can be hired in the dry season. There are freshwater crocodiles only and no saltwater crocodiles. Katherine Gorge is made up of thirteen gorges. During the dry season the gorges are often separated as the water level drops. Canoes must be carried by hand between gorges. Hire a canoe and explore the first three gorges. Tour boat cruises can go as far as the fifth gorge. Walking is short and requires basic fitness over dry rock between the water filled gorges. After the fifth gorge more walking and fitness is required. Katherine is 300 km south of Darwin. On this roadtrip I bypassed both Darwin and Kakadu. Traveldriven KATHERINE GOOGLE MAPS KATHERINE GORGE GOOGLE MAPS KATHERINE HOT SPRINGS GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE TIMBER CREEK - VICTORIA RIVER ROADHOUSE - KATHERINE FIREWORKS FOR SALE LEGAL ONE DAY A YEAR FREE HOT SPRINGS SWIM & SAFE HOT SPRINGS & COOL OFF TIME FREE HOT SPRINGS POPULAR WITH LOCALS Molly's roadtrip passing through Katherine's Hot Springs at the video's nine minute point. Would have to agree on comments. Very accessible, safe, warm crystal clear water with small fish. Likely to be very few people. Dry season use only. Closed in the wet season months. Thankyou to Molly Dixon Youtube channel for enabling sharing. Traveldriven PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 36 Tennant Creek The place did not appeal pleasant for an overnight stop. No noteworthy sights. So pushed a little further on to the Devil's Marbles Hotel late in the day. The decision to bypass the uninviting location for an overnight stay was a wise choice, as the lack of notable attractions and the somewhat dilapidated appearance of the small town did not offer much promise for a restful stop. The presence of windowed bars on most retail buildings added to the sense of neglect and perhaps even unease about the area. Instead, opting to continue the journey to the Devil's Marbles Hotel later in the day proved to be a more appealing prospect. This shift in plans likely provided the opportunity for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, with the anticipation of reaching a destination that offered better accommodations and a more welcoming atmosphere. Devil's Marbles Northern Territory Karlu Karlu / Devil's Marbles Conservation Reserve Devil's Marbles is an aboriginal sacred site. About one hundred km south of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory and four hundred km north of Alice Springs. In 1953 an eight-tonne marble was taken and placed on John Flynn’s grave in Alice Springs. It was returned to the Devils Marbles in 1998. The marble was replaced with a more suitable rock with aboriginal permission. Bush camping is available. Accommodation is available in the Devil's Marbles Hotel and is a convenient good overnight stop. Accommodation at the Devil's Marbles Hotel offers a convenient and comfortable option for travelers seeking a restful overnight stop amidst the stunning surroundings of the Devils Marbles. Located just eight kilometers north of this iconic natural attraction, the hotel provides a perfect base for visitors to explore the area. In addition to cozy rooms, guests can enjoy the refreshing experience of a swimming pool, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. The hotel's proximity to the Devils Marbles ensures that guests can easily access the site and immerse themselves in its unique beauty. Whether you're passing through or looking to spend more time in this remarkable region, the Devil's Marbles Hotel promises a welcoming retreat with modern amenities and a tranquil setting. The hotel is in the middle of nowhere again. No other services. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP TENNANT CREEK GOOGLE MAPS DEVIL'S MARBLES GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE DALY WATERS - NEWCASTLE WATERS - DEVIL'S MARBLES DEVIL'S MARBLES HOTEL ONSITE SWIMMING POOL INDIGENOUS STOCKMEN ON HORSEBACK DEVIL'S MARBLES & ILLEGAL OVERNIGHT CAMPING ON ROCKS THE RESERVE IS HOME TO FOUR SPECIES OF SNAKES OLD & NEW FINELY BALANCED THE DEVIL DID IT? A COLLECTION OF MARBLES HOT DESERT CLIMATE TOURISTS WALKING THE DEVIL'S MARBLES DEVIL'S MARBLES PLAYGROUND? UNSEALED HIGHWAY TURNOFF TURNAROUND AND GO BACK ABANDONED BESIDE THE ROAD ANOTHER WRECKED CARAVAN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PLATE ON FOOT TO ALICE SPRINGS NEWCASTLE WATERS DROVER STATUE NEWCASTLE WATERS WETLAND THERE ARE NO SERVICES AT NEWCASTLE WATERS PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE