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rentcampervan · 2 years

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Top Scenic Drives in the Northern Territory

When you take your campervan rental Darwin along the Northern Territory, you are greeted by some of the incredible and breathtaking views in this region. The route comprises of beautiful desert sands, thermal pools and a lot more. You should wait for the wildlife to give you their special attention or the sun to set and look incredible over this region.

Here we will take you through some of the incredible views that you should drive for along this route.

1. The nature’s way is a loop that starts and ends at Darwin. It moves along Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield while you go along this route. All these three place are known for their national parks, which are definitely must-visit. You can drive this route and plan your accommodations to ensure you visit the national parks, the yellow water Billabong at Kakadu, and the Ubirr rock art site. you should also plan a visit to the pools and waterfalls around the national park. It should be a three to five day road trip that comprises of unlimited fun.

2. The next loop that you should drive your motorhome hire Darwin along is the Greater Litchfield Loop. It takes you through all the national parks in Litchfield and makes you breathe in the inspiring views. You should start this loop from Pelican Brekky. After this wildlife park, you can go to the Litchfield national park, where you will be welcomed by the beautiful landscape, incredible waterfalls and nature pools. You should then go to Dundee beach, which is renowned for fishing. You can also explore the history of world war II near Mandorah. This is a 3-4 day roadtrip route. Make sure you have all the gear needed to enjoy this scenic drive.

3. If you are exploring Darwin, then you should definitely try taking your campervan rental Darwin along the explorer’s way. It moves from Alice Springs to Darwin and is in all a 1500km route. The highway connects the Red Centre with the Top End on this route. You will be welcomed by several hot spirings, limestone caves and overland Telegraph. If you love the word UFO, you should sight some in Wycliffee while on this route. Tenant Crek is known for the NyinkkaNyunyu art centre. If you love the combination of history and pub, you should go to Daly Waters. The Nitmiluk National Park along this route is another magnificent and must-visit site. you should also plan to visit the thermal pools in Elsey national park, which is along this route.

4. Arnhem way that goes from Katherine to Mhulunbuy and is 730 kms should be on your list of roadtrips. It is full of adventures and fishing, which you cannot deny yourself. If you want a glimpse in the culture of Australia, you should drive through the East Arnhem lands. You will drive through open woodlands and Mitchell Ranges. There are several river crossings on this route which you can enjoy from the inside of motorhome hire Darwin. Make sure to plan a 2-3 day roadtrip to enjoy this stretch.

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ucflibrary · 5 years

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Hispanic Heritage Month, established in 1988, runs from September 15 through October 15. It recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans have made to the United States. Florida in particular has a strong Hispanic legacy including the oldest inhabited city in the U.S., St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565 by the Spanish. UCF will also celebrate our new status as a Hispanic-serving institution which means more than 25% of our enrolled students identify as Hispanic.

Join the UCF Libraries as we celebrate our favorite Hispanic authors and books. Click on the link below to see the full list, descriptions, and catalog links for the featured Hispanic Heritage titles suggested by UCF Library employees. These 16 books plus many more are also on display on the 2nd (main) floor of the John C. Hitt Library next to the bank of two elevators.

Costa Rica: a global studies handbook by Meg Tyler Mitchell and Scott Pentze This work is a fascinating guide to one of Latin America's most stable and progressive nations, examining the country's development, unique features, and the challenges Costa Ricans face in the 21st century. Suggested by Sandy Avila, Research & Information Services

Cuando era puertorriqueña by Esmeralda Santiago La historia de Esmeralda Santiago comienza en la parte rural de Puerto Rico, donde sus padres y siete hermanos, en continuas luchas los unos con los otros, vivían una vida alborotada pero llena de amor y ternura. De niña, Esmeralda aprendió a apreciar cómo se come una guayaba, a distinguir la canción del coquí, a identificar los ingredientes en las morcillas y a ayudar a que el alma de un bebé muerto subiera al Cielo. Pero precisamente cuando Esmeralda parecía haberlo aprendido todo sobre su cultura, la llevaron a Nueva York, donde las reglas —y el idioma— eran no sólo diferentes, sino también desconcertantes. Cómo Esmeralda superó la adversidad, se ganó entrada a la Performing Arts High School y después continuó a Harvard, de donde se graduó con altos honores, es el relato de la tremenda trayectoria de una mujer verdaderamente extraordinaria. Suggested by Kryslynn Collazo, Scholarly Communication

El mar y tú : otros poemas by Julia de Burgos Published December 28, 1981 by Ediciones Huracan, one can feel the solace of the waves as her poem gently comforts you. Suggested by Jada Reyes, Research & Information Services

Futbolera: a history of women and sports in Latin America by Brenda Elsey and Joshua Nadel Futbolera charts the rise of physical education programs for girls, often driven by ideas of eugenics and proper motherhood, that laid the groundwork for women’s sports clubs, which began to thrive beyond the confines of school systems. It examines how women challenged both their exclusion from national pastimes and their lack of access to leisure, bodily integrity, and public space. This vibrant history also examines women’s sports through comparative case studies of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, and others. Suggested by Megan Haught, Teaching & Engagement/Research & Information Services

Hija de la fortuna by Isabel Allende Hija de la fortuna es un retrato papitante de una epoca marcada por la violencia y la codicia en la cual los protagonistas rescatan el amor, la amistad, la compasion y el valor. En esta su mas ambiciosa novel, Isabel Allende presenta un universo fascinante, poblado de entranables personajes que, como tantos otros de la autora, se quedan para siempre en la memoria y el corazon de los lectores. Suggested by Jada Reyes, Research & Information Services

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova Alex is a bruja, the most powerful witch in a generation...and she hates magic. At her Deathday celebration, Alex performs a spell to rid herself of her power. But it backfires. Her whole family vanishes into thin air, leaving her alone with Nova, a brujo boy she's not sure she can trust, but who may be Alex's only chance at saving her family. Suggested by Sara Duff, Acquisitions & Collections

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of the rise and fall, birth and death of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buenda family. Inventive, amusing, magnetic, sad, and alive with unforgettable men and women -- brimming with truth, compassion, and a lyrical magic that strikes the soul -- this novel is a masterpiece in the art of fiction. Suggested by Rachel Edford, Teaching & Engagement

Sugar, Cigars, and Revolution: the making of Cuban New York by Lisandro Pérez More than one hundred years before the Cuban Revolution of 1959 sparked an exodus that created today’s prominent Cuban American presence, Cubans were settling in New York City in what became largest community of Latin Americans in the nineteenth-century Northeast. This book brings this community to vivid life, tracing its formation and how it was shaped by both the sugar trade and the long struggle for independence from Spain. New York City’s refineries bought vast quantities of raw sugar from Cuba, ultimately creating an important center of commerce for Cuban émigrés as the island tumbled into the tumultuous decades that would close out the century and define Cuban nationhood and identity. Suggested by Megan Haught, Teaching & Engagement/Research & Information Services

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junto Diaz Oscar is a sweet but disastrously overweight ghetto nerd who—from the New Jersey home he shares with his old world mother and rebellious sister—dreams of becoming the Dominican J.R.R. Tolkien and, most of all, finding love. But Oscar may never get what he wants. Blame the fukú—a curse that has haunted Oscar’s family for generations, following them on their epic journey from Santo Domingo to the USA.

Suggested by Kryslynn Collazo, Scholarly Communication

The Costa Rica Reader: history, culture, politics edited by Steven Palmer and Iván Molina This essential introduction to Costa Rica includes more than fifty texts related to the country’s history, culture, politics, and natural environment. Most of these newspaper accounts, histories, petitions, memoirs, poems, and essays are written by Costa Ricans. Many appear here in English for the first time. The authors are men and women, young and old, scholars, farmers, workers, and activists. The Costa Rica Reader is a necessary resource for scholars, students, and travelers alike. Suggested by Sandy Avila, Research & Information Services

The Line Becomes a River: dispatches from the border by Francisco Cantú For Francisco Cantú, the border is in the blood: his mother, a park ranger and daughter of a Mexican immigrant, raised him in the scrublands of the Southwest. Driven to understand the hard realities of the landscape he loves, Cantú joins the Border Patrol. He and his partners learn to track other humans under blistering sun and through frigid nights. They haul in the dead and deliver to detention those they find alive. Plagued by a growing awareness of his complicity in a dehumanizing enterprise, he abandons the Patrol for civilian life. But when an immigrant friend travels to Mexico to visit his dying mother and does not return, Cantú discovers that the border has migrated with him, and now he must know the full extent of the violence it wreaks, on both sides of the line. Suggested by Kryslynn Collazo, Scholarly Communication

The Other Side = el otro lado by Julia Alvarez These same qualities characterize her poetry—from the “Making Up the Past” poems, which explore a life of exile as lived by a young girl, to “The Joe Poems,” a series of beautifully sensual and funny love poems that celebrate a middle-aged romance. The collection culminates in the poem of the title: the twenty-one-part epic about the poet’s return to her native Dominican Republic, and to the internal affirmation of the conflict and the last one that the trip caused. Innovation and bold invention, the interaction of sound, the senses, and the rhythm of two languages, all characterize Julia Alvarez’s art in transforming precious memory into unforgettable poetry. Suggested by Jada Reyes, Research & Information Services

The Assimilated Cuban’s Guide to Quantum Santeria by Carlos Hernandez Assimilation is founded on surrender and being broken. This collection of short stories features people who have assimilated, but are actively trying to reclaim their lives. There is a concert pianist who defies death by uploading his soul into his piano. There is the person who draws his mother's ghost out of the bullet hole in the wall near where she was executed. Another character has a horn growing out of the center of his forehead--punishment for an affair. But he is too weak to end it, too much in love to be moral. Suggested by Sara Duff, Acquisitions & Collections

The Best Bad Things by Katrina Carrasco It is 1887, and Alma Rosales is on the hunt for stolen opium. Trained in espionage by the Pinkerton Detective Agency―but dismissed for bad behavior and a penchant for going undercover as a man―Alma now works for Delphine Beaumond, the seductive mastermind of a West Coast smuggling ring. A propulsive, sensual tour de force, The Best Bad Things introduces Katrina Carrasco, a bold new voice in crime fiction. Suggested by Sara Duff, Acquisitions & Collections

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Acclaimed by critics, beloved by readers of all ages, taught everywhere from inner-city grade schools to universities across the country, and translated all over the world, The House on Mango Street is the remarkable story of Esperanza Cordero. Told in a series of vignettes – sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous – it is the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become. Few other books in our time have touched so many readers. Suggested by Rachel Edford, Teaching & Engagement

The Poetry of Pablo Neruda edited by Ilan Stavans This selection of Neruda's poetry, the most comprehensive single volume available in English, presents nearly six hundred poems, scores of them in new and sometimes multiple translations, and many accompanied by the Spanish original. In his introduction, Ilan Stavans situates Neruda in his native milieu as well as in a contemporary English-language one, and a group of new translations by leading poets testifies to Neruda's enduring, vibrant legacy among English-speaking writers and readers today. Suggested by Rachel Edford, Teaching & Engagement

#hispanic heritage month #featured bookshelf #ucflibrary #ucf #tbrpost #booklr

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waytothesun · 4 years

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🇦🇺 #Australia for us is not only #Sydney opera and #kangaroo!) Australia is #termite mounds, #volcano and #crater, fire in #forests, thunderstorm and #hurricane in the #desert, bright and burning #sun, endless #ocean and lively #beaches, national #parks and #campsites, #rock and #mountain, #extreme and #adventure, a #crocodile and one mischievous #panda, lots of kangaroos and an unforgettable #starry night #sky! (at Elsey National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4PuZhvHqer/?igshid=52wiehswhw48

#australia #sydney #kangaroo #termite #volcano #crater #forests #hurricane #desert #sun #ocean #beaches #parks #campsites #rock #mountain #extreme #adventure #crocodile #panda #starry #sky

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shannrussell-blog1 · 5 years

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This part of the journey starts in Alice Springs, an oasis in the desert with a banquet of activities to suit all types of traveller.

As you continue north, the humidity increases and you are presented with waterfalls, hot springs, swimming holes and crocodiles, culminating in Darwin, Australia’s only tropical capital city.

Alice Springs – “the most well-known inland town in the country”

Without a doubt, the most well-known inland town in the country, Alice Springs, and surrounding areas provide the tourist with a wealth of attractions, both natural and man-made.

A sizeable blog could be devoted to just detailing these options, so the best bet is to make a beeline to the Visitors Centre in the middle of town and arm yourself with all the information needed. My favourite natural attractions are to be found mainly in the West McDonnell Ranges, such as Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Big Hole.

In the East McDonnells, the old gold mining town of Arltunga is fascinating and if a competent 4WDer with a high clearance, low range 4WD, Ruby Gap is brilliant.

In town, visits to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame and the Royal Flying Doctor base are very informative.

Devils Marbles – “What happened here? Why are they so round?”

You will know when you are approaching this area, as large round boulders start to appear in the relatively flat surrounding area.

What happened here? Why are they so round? A walk through this area is fascinating and, although not requiring a lot of time, it is a top place to take a break from behind the wheel, or stay the night in the nearby camping area.

The keen photographer could be rewarded with some fascinating sunset and sunrise images.

Daly Waters – “quirky”

If you are looking for something quirky, Daly Waters has it in spades. A tiny town adjacent to a WW2 airstrip, it now consists of a pub and a few very “individual” souvenir shops.

You could easily spend an hour in the pub perusing the masses of paraphernalia that adorn every available space. If the timing is right, the pub does a good meal and at the very least, a cooling beverage is likely to hit the spot.

Take the time to have a wander around the old airfield and hangar. This and other airfields along the Stuart Highway played an important role during the war and information boards in the hangar will help you understand the operation of the site.

Mataranka – “a chance for a refreshing dip ”

By now the daytime temperatures are rising and the chance for a refreshing dip may beckon.

What better place to take a break than Mataranka, with its thermal springs providing the opportunity to soothe away any aches and pains and send you back on the road revitalised. You can stay in parks adjacent to the springs, with only a few minutes walk from doorway to pool.

The nearby re-creation of the Elsey Homestead, used in the making of the 1980’s film We Of The Never Never, is well worth a look with information boards providing a good insight into some of the histories of this area.

Katherine Gorge – “One of the jewels in the crown for the Northern Territory”

One of the jewels in the crown for the Northern Territory, Katherine Gorge will reward you for the time spent here. With excellent accommodation options either in Katherine or at the gorge, this is a comfortable place to stay.

Like Mataranka, a dip in the thermal springs in the middle of town is a top way to relax and soothe away any aches and pains. Unless you are into paddling, the best way to see the Gorge is on a guided boat trip. Allow a day for this as to experience the full wonder of this area it is best to travel as far up the gorge as possible.

Depending on the time of year and water levels, a full tour requires transferring from one boat to another at least once in the journey, however, the walking involved is not overly strenuous.

The indigenous guides will ensure you don’t miss any of the significant sites, the wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, and an understanding of the significance of the area to the local people.

Litchfield National Park – “sheer beauty in quite a compact area”

Not far south of Darwin, just to the west of the Stuart Highway is the magnificent Litchfield National Park. For sheer beauty in quite a compact area, I believe this rivals Kakadu and is certainly more accessible. Massive termite mounds, cascading waterfalls and wonderful swimming holes are features of this area.

There are a wide range of accommodation options either in or adjoining the park and you can easily spend a day or two exploring.

Well, there you go. Allow time for your next trip north to see at least some of these fabulous areas. You won’t be disappointed.

Check out all our 4WD articles for alternative routes for the more adventurous, as well as tips, tricks and products that will help get the most out of your journey.

The post Linger Longer On The Stuart Highway – Part 2 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

#.VB-o-qMVFBk #.VB-oJ6MVFBk

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rhonddaandallaneuro · 7 years

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Elsey National Park at Mataranka

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cheapvacationaustralia-blog · 5 years

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Australia

The country down south is full of natural wonders and surprises. The hot springs in Australia are nature’s gift to the Aussies for they can take a relaxing hot bath any time they want. Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans, Australia is a sovereign country which includes the beautiful island of Tasmania and the mainland of the Australian continent. Australia is considered to be the world’s sixth largest country by area. Australia has a few beautiful cities and several small cities to offer a lot to its tourist. Some of the prominent cities of Australia are Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane.

A hot spring is a naturally heated water that rises from the Earth’s crust. Some of the springs are open for visitors that contain water in a safe temperature for bathing while others are dangerous and not allowed to get nearby. Australia has abundant of natural hot springs which attract tourists to come to this land of excitement and Kangaroos. Best Hot Springs In Australia Here are a few of the hot springs in Australia that have been acting a magnet to the Aussies and tourists from all over the world: 1. Hepburn Springs

This hot spring is among one of the few historical bathhouses in the area and it was established in 1895 which is one of the oldest. This is a five star rated villa provides a bundle of revitalizing activities for the body and soul. The visitors get the one of the best experience through its ancient themed spa and natural mineral bathing, Sanctuary Retreat being the highlight of the place. Visitors can also spend overnight relaxing accommodation after the refreshed bath. 2. Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs

This alluring hot springs in Melbourne, Australia is situated in the middle of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula and is known for its great spa sessions. The hot spring is located amidst the beautiful and serene habitat of South Melbourne. This one of the most talked spring water is made with the rugged caves and rock pools with pure thermal mineral waters. Built by the brothers Charles and Richard Davidson, this hot spring is inspired by the Japanese bathing culture. The place is amidst the green land which guarantees a joyful journey from outer to the inner self. Drench your soul in this beautiful hot springs in Melbourne Australia. Australia Honeymoon Packages On TravelTriangle Go on a luxurious honeymoon trip to Australia and witness the best of marine life at the Great Barrier Reef. Indulge in Australia’s aquatic experiences, go for nature walks, and get the best of food & wine. Find best honeymoon deals offered only on TravelTriangle. This exotic hot springs in Victoria Australia with the facility of the spa is located in Warrnambool in Victoria’s West. The place contains a pool which has from the ancient underground source called Dilwyn Aquifer. Established in the 19th century, this hot spring is considered as one of the open geothermal mineral pool with the facility of four private hot mineral pool rooms. 4. Dalhousie Springs

This is the vast hot springs in Blue Mountains Australia. Dalhousie springs consist of nearly 60 natural hot springs. The local indigenous tribes considered this as a sacred place due to the tree-lined, deep blue bunch of thermal worthiness. The place is located 500 km away from Alice Springs in the mid of the country within Witjira National Park. 5. Mataranka Thermal Pool

This is one of the most beautiful natural hot springs in Australia. The highlight of this pool is its underground mineral water which drives a good amount of pleasantly warm water into the pool. Situated at Elsey National Park, this is an exotic place covered with tall palm and lush green bushland. The eye-catching view of the pool makes it difficult for the visitors to stay away from the pool, the soothing water, and natural decor makes it a place rejuvenating for mind, body, and soul. 6. Bitter Springs Located in Mataranka region, this is one of the few natural thermal clusters of this region. The spring is deep and advisable only for adults and not children. Because of the slow currents, the swimmers can follow the water up to 100 meters which would be the reason it said to be not suitable for small children. The place is perfect for the water enthusiast, suitable enough to excite the traveler by its essences and thrill. 7. Douglas Hot Spring Park The Park is also known as the Tjuwaliyn Hot Spring Park which is made up of different natural thermal pools like a small oasis. The place is perfect for an adventure enthusiast as the Park consists of different local species like bandicoots, flying foxes, and quolls. Availability of warm wells amidst of dry woodland is also a major factor that this park attracts adventurous travelers. Suggested Read: Drop Everything And Head To These 9 Islands Near Australia Now 8. Katherine Hot Springs This is a suitable place for a group of travelers looking for leisure time enjoyment. Arrange a get-together or a picnic in the area and enjoy a fun time with your loved ones. The hot spring is nearby the small town Katherine and hence it gets its name. The temperature of the place makes it an all-time favorite destination for its travelers but winters are highly recommended to visit this hot spring. 9. Innot Hot Spring The place is considered of Hot spring and a leisure & Health Park which have a total of six public pools. The main attraction of this place is its feature that tourists are invited here to bottle their own water. Travelers can go on a digging experience where they have a shovel and dig for thermal spring water. What adventure it is! 10. Moree Artesian Baths This place is located in South Wales which is a suitable destination for the family vacation. Moree Artesian Baths include Water Park for the children and an Artisan soak and Sauna retreat for the adults. The place also consists of a well-equipped gym, group fitness classes, and an Olympic pool. Soak yourself in a rejuvenating treatment of sauna and healing thermal spring water in this beautiful place. Having your family by your side is always a pleasure, isn’t it? 11. Blue Mountains Sparadise Hot springs in Blue mountains Australia are inspired by the Japanese settings. The destinations allow its travelers to enjoy the warmth of a herbal steam bath in mineral-rich water before heading to the Zen Garden. One can see the impact of Japanese architecture in its hotel rooms also which are old Tudor styled and adorned with Japanese futon beds and sliding doors. 12. Lightning Ridge Bore Baths The water reservoir of this place is considered to be almost two million years old, which makes this hot spring as one of the most talked ones in the rest. Its water comes from one of the largest and deepest artesian basin called the Great Artesian Basin. The temperature maintains in between of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius makes it perfect for the tourist to visit any season.

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monotremeineurope · 7 years

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07 September - Katherine

Up early, back out to Nitmiluk national Park. book 0900 Two gorge cruise up Katherine Gorge. Very enjoyable, see Freshwater croc, great views of the gorge. Visit Katherine Museum, which was a bit pants but find out a bit more about Katherine during WWII, where my grandfather David Hart served. Get some Maccas for lunch, have a bit of a sleep then head down to Mataranka for the thermal pools. Go to Mataranka thermel pool as Bitter Sprngs is closed as there is a freshie in it. Do the very nice botanic walk in Elsey National Park. Drive back 100 km back to Katherine. Unpack, get some fish and chips, visit Woolies and post-process.

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lindoig · 7 years

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Days 40 to 42

Feeling a bit Biblical as I write this – 40 days and 40 nights in our own little ark – with any amount of land still in sight. Still at the Little Roper Stock-Camp in Mataranka, waiting for the mail to arrive (our replacement fan – and it may be a few more days yet, but a week at unpowered sites with no cooling at all may become trying) and enjoying a few relaxing days – I may even do some reading today. I last read during the daytime in about 1977 (or was it 1967) but I am almost finished my birthday present book from Kerry and may achieve that today as another bucket list tick. (Or I may go birding again.)

Apology/disclaimer. I need to correct the record from my previous post – I counted the wrong number of ten entries in our log book. Instead of 192 species, including 37 new ticks, it should have been a more modest 182 and 27. After the last couple of days, it now stands at 187 and 30 new ticks. Sorry if this inconvenienced anyone – how could it? We are the only people who are in the least interested! And maybe I am the only one reading my blog in any case.

After we went to the Post Office and service station on Monday, we spent the afternoon around camp. Heather developed some frustration with slow internet speeds when trying to add to her blog and I did a few little maintenance jobs on the car and van and went birding on foot a kilometre or so along the road from the van. We had booked for the Monday roast at the Camp and that was interesting. The guy who runs the place seems always to have a big fire going in the fire-pit, but on Mondays and Fridays, he uses this to cook a roast and veges for those who want to take advantage of it. Some of us paid and enjoyed it all, others had their own meals and just enjoyed the entertainment and education. He introduced us to his buffalos and Brahman cattle and told us a bit about them, showed us how to tie some clever ultra-strong wire knots and a few other interesting outback tricks. Over the meal of rich pumpkin soup, the roast (served in alphabetical order! – beef, buffalo, lamb and 6 veges!!) and dessert (non-alphabetical spotted dog – and would you believe there was a big Dalmatian hanging around looking for scraps? – custard, apple crumble and ice-cream), he sang a few bush ballads and told some yarns (allegedly true stories of death and deprivation in the early days). He is quite a fun character and was previously (and is sometimes) a teacher and stockman and has lots of fascinating stories to tell, including some good insights into the local blackfellas (as they are properly called in this part of the NT). All this under the stars with the buffalos snorting, the Brahmans bellowing, the night-birds squawking, the fire-pit crackling, the dogs fighting and scads of kids running riot all around us. A nice sort of bedlam.

In the morning, the fire is used to boil the billy and cook johnny-cakes (plain flour and yeast damper) or puftaloons (SR flour, butter, salt, fried in dripping) for anyone willing to drop a silver – yes, silver – coin in the honesty box. It varies from day to day, but with all the butter, vegemite, honey, golden syrup and other spreads thrown in, it is a pretty cheap breakfast – if you are quick. The kids hoed in today and I think they ran out of dough before everyone had eaten their fill. We enjoyed the spoils yesterday and today, but we were up too late for them on Monday.

Yesterday (Tuesday), we went to the Mataranka Thermal Pool at Mataranka Homestead, another crystal-clear spring (delivering 32 megalitres a day), a little cooler than Bitter Springs at 32 degrees rather than 37. Plenty of people enjoying it, but we just did the walk around the pool and a longer 3 km walk along the Little Roper River to Stevie’s Hole, a delightful cool waterhole surrounded by lush vegetation, but closed for swimming due to the possibility of encountering a hungry crocodile. We spent quite a bit of time looking at birds and photographing some of them on the way back to the Homestead where we bought lunch and ate it watching a bit of We of the Never-never, most of which was filmed around the Homestead. They apparently run the movie on a loop on a big screen in the outdoor eating area so it is constantly in the background unless you choose to eat your meal somewhere else. The Homestead itself looks pretty ordinary to me, but has historical significance as the mansion of the original owner of the huge surrounding station.

After lunch, we took the road through the Elsey National Park and called in at all the places we could. We did a short walk around a 1920s Sheep Dip (another failed NT pastoral venture) and a longer loop walk through some open forest. It was called the Botanic Walk and quite a few trees had signs indicating what they were and how the aborigines used them. It was relatively cool and shady and quite beautiful with a creek running beside the path with birds, fish and water-lilies to maintain our interest.

I was reflecting a little on our trip so far, specifically about Kakadu. I imagined it would be the key highlight for me, but it didn’t quite live up to expectations. It was all very interesting and we saw lots of things, but not much really that we didn’t see elsewhere. It was disappointing that so much of it is still closed, but we probably saw many of the birds that I had hoped to see in other places outside the Park. Somehow, I imagined that the whole Park would be awash with lagoons teeming with birds, lush and rich with water-lilies and festooned with creepers (and maybe creepies), but most of the areas we could access were actually quite dry and sparser than I imagined. Maybe I thought Jabiru would have black-necked storks roaming the main street, rather than being a small settlement with not a lot to recommend it. I originally imagined that we would spend at least a week in the Park, but we probably spent less than 4 days there, including our time travelling up to and back from Cobourg. Having said that, I think we still saw all I hoped for, but much of it in places that I had not known existed. And even if there were no jabirus in Jabiru, I did photograph some brolgas browsing in the middle of the Mataranka township. (See my pics of the blinking brolga and its mate below.)

Not sure how long we will be here, but it is very pleasant and having a few relaxing days in our torrid itinerary is probably good for us anyway. We are certainly enjoying them so far – despite the frustration of minimal internet access.

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hurrellclarke · 7 years

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"Crystal Clear" Bitter Springs Thermal Pools are just south of Mataranka and Katherine in the Northern Territory of #Australia. I enjoyed swimming and floating in the spring fed waters, amid palms and tropical woodlands. Elsey #NationalPark #Outdoors #Green Discovered at Bitter Springs, Elsey National Park, Mataranka, Australia. See more at Trover

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oceaniatropics · 4 years

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Bitter Springs (natural hot springs), Northern Territory, Australia

#crystal clear waters #natural springs #Hot Springs #thermal springs #bitter springs #elsey national park #northern territory #top end #australia #Tropical #tropics #nature #palms #Palm trees #travel #explore #swimming

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rentcampervan · 2 years

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Best Waterfalls in Northern Territory

If you love roadtrips, the northern territory of Australia awaits you with open arms. There are the beautiful streets of Darwin adorning the look of a modern art place which is bustling with restaurants and open roads. You cannot miss the beauty of modern fused in traditional attire, sitting and embracing the moment while in Darwin. If your love for waterfalls is immense, then you should pay a visit to these incredible falls there. You can park your campervan rental Darwin at the car park before proceeding to the falls and taking the walk. 1. Bitter Springs, Katherine It is located at a distance of two kilometers from Mataranka. This springs is part of the Elsey National Park. It is present among the palms and woodlands present in this region. You will notice some thermal pools too present in this part of the land. If you are looking for a place to unwind, this could be your setup. It has all the makeup of the perfect picnic spot. 2. Edith Falls This too is present in Katherine, towards the north. It is located inside the Nitmiluk National Park. If you love walking or trekking, this 62-kilometer stretch is just for you. If you are in for some adrenaline rush or a day’s adventure, nothing stops you from visiting this trail. While you are experiencing your trek, you can also visit the Leliyn Trail which is another excellent experience. The waterfalls in this location are an excellent place for swimming. You can dip in these pools and enjoy some essence of water while your motorhome hire Darwin is parked in the carpark. 3. Florence Falls This is located in the central part of Litchfield National Park. You need to drive to this park from Darwin. It is one of the most scenic falls in this part of Australia. It takes you through a panoramic view of the valley as well as the waterfall. When you reach this part, you will see that it is surrounded by monsoon forests. You can take the shady creek walk or just go for a swim while you are there. The water surrounding this region is crystal clear. 4. Wangi Falls If you want to visit the most attractive waterfall in Litchfield, then you should take a day trip to Wangi falls. You can view this falls from different angles, because every road you take leads to a different part of the falls. the best part about this region is the extremely cared for lawns and gardens. You can actually spend a day leisuring around in this space while your campervan rental Darwin is parked in the parking area. You would love the walk through the rainforest, while breathing in the beauty of the green surrounding you. 5. Jim Jim Falls It is located around 45 kms south of Jabiru. You need to go through a two-hour trail to reach the waterfalls. It is a 200 meter waterfall. It is surrounded by a beach and has several pools too. You should take your motorhome hire Darwin to this place to enjoy a day or two of adventure and beach time.

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