3 Day 2 Night Camp in Kakadu and Litchfield

February 28, 2016

3 Day 2 Night Camp in Kakadu and Litchfield

Greetings! Sang and I just got back from a camping trip over the weekend and it was just A-MA-ZING! Before I go further, let me assure you that from tomorrow onward, my main priority will be getting a job. Now that we have clarified that, let's dive into how the trip went.

We had signed up for the trip about a week ago. We walked into a shop at random and enquired about available trips and signed up for one that suited our timing best. To prepare ourselves for the camp, we did a little Google-ing and spoke to some fellas working in outdoor gear shops. Finally, Friday came and we took a taxi down to the pickup point at 6.45am. A 15-minute wait saw us picked up in a funky looking bus as we joined a group of 5 other campers and 2 guides whose names we would eventually learn to be Matt (main guide) and Adam (on training).

As with most groups of strangers put together, the mingling got off to a slow start and most of us spent the first day keeping to ourselves. Our first stop was at Humpty Doo where we hopped onto a cruise (not your fancy Superstar Virgo kinda stuff) that took us along the Adelaide River. There we were introduced to the famous saltwater crocodiles(affectionately known as salties) of Australia. There, an experienced cruise guide told us about the dangers of water bodies and how people have been killed. He explained to us how crocodiles hunt and basically went on for a bit about how menacing and monstrous they are. Eventually he said, "They are just big babies actually." Huh? After all that bloodbath banter, did he just call them babies? Oh well, he must have had a quirky sense of humour. Anyway, as experienced as he was, he fished out some small pieces of meat, tossed them in the air and whistled for a bit. In came the black kites, circling the skies and performing mid-air acrobatics as they latched onto every single piece of meat that was tossed. The trip had gotten off to a good start.

With the jumping crocodiles tired from the aquatic acrobatics, we stepped off the boat and made our way towards Kakadu National Park. On the way there, we stopped over at Bark Hut which was a bar stop. There we got some supplies and walked around. It was a nice place with a rustic feel to it. We headed to the back where there was a Riverine water buffalo and an emu. We got the chance to feed the water buffalo some lettuce while the emu had fries (yeap not kidding). Our expedition guide, Matt, explained to us about how bulls were wrangled in the past and pointed out the vehicles that were used back in the day. With our supplies all stocked up, we continued on the journey into Kakadu. The drive duration from Darwin City to Kakadu is 3 hours and with all the stops in between, we were almost heading into mid-day. With our stomachs rumbling, Matt decided that it was time for some fresh tucker (food). We pulled over South Alligator resort and out came from the back of the bus, tomatoes, cucumber, bread, cheese, sauces, etc. We played our part in getting all the food prepared and then sat down for a nice sandwich in the comfort of a cool shade from the blistering heat.

Black-footed Rock Wallaby

Matt teaching us about the rock paintings

About an hour later, after washing up all the crockery and cutlery, we continued on our journey deep into Kakadu. Throughout the journey, Matt was constantly pulling over at random places to educate us about nature, the river systems etc. Eventually, we got ourselves to Nourlangie Rock which was an aboriginal art site. During the walk up, we spotted a Black-Footed Rock Wallaby that did not seem too bothered with our presence. Once at the art sites, Matt pointed out different aboriginal paintings on the rocks and what they symbolised. It was really quite enriching to learn about the indigenous way of life.

After we had soaked up the rock paintings and had a fair share of beautiful views from various lookout points, it was time to make our way back to our campsite. The first campsite was more adventurous and rugged. The good thing was that we didn't have to pitch tents. That would have been quite a feat considering the heat and high humidity. Fortunately for us, there were shelters constructed and we simply had to choose one and make ourselves at home. I liked the fact that these shelters were really basic and there was nothing fancy like fans or power sockets. Another good thing was the availability of proper toilets nearby with shower facilities and all. It allowed us campers to freshen up without being too squirmish about the environment.

Once we were all settled in, we gathered together outside the dining hall (big tent) and sat around a stone table. It was then that all the campers gave an introduction of ourselves and we learnt the names of everyone. There was Carlotta from Italy, Sandra from Denmark, Daniel and Andi from Austria and Alex from Canada. The bunch of us got down to some chit chatting when all of a sudden Matt pulled out a didgeridoo. He then explained and demonstrated how to play it to get a base note. That kept us occupied for a fair bit of time while Matt and Adam got down to preparing a BBQ dinner for us. Dinner was fantastic as we sat in the midst of candles while possums and other creatures scampered and scuttled on the outsides of the dining hall. We listened to stories about possums falling from trees and 'drop bears' being vicious creatures. Stomachs filled with food, we headed out for some cooler air and beers. More time on the didgeridoo was spent and Alex in particular, managed to get the hang of it. Soon it was time for bed and after washing up, we headed for a nights' snooze.

On the way up to Motor Car Falls

I'll have to admit that the sleep on the first night wasn't that fantastic. It was humid and the air was still. But then again, that's what camping in the outdoors is about. The following morning we had a quick wash up, had cereal for breakkie, did some area cleaning and headed towards Motor Car Falls. It was a couple of hours drive to Motor Car Falls and once we got off, it was time for a 4km hike up to the falls. Our guides kept stressing on the importance of hydration and it was good to know that safety was something they were wary off. We eventually made it to the fall amidst the heat and closer to the falls, we had to navigate some big rocks and boulders. When we eventually did all that, the view was just stunning. There was no one else there and we happy campers had the entire falls to ourselves.

We jumped in an soaked ourselves in the cool water that fell from a dizzying height. This was the first waterfall I have ever waded in and it was an experience that I would recommend to everyone. We eventually got out of the falls, took some pics and headed of the to next stop which was another waterfall. This time it was Moline Rockhole and once again it was untouched and quiet. Matt and Adam very kindly prepared our lunches for us while we enjoyed another spell in the cascading falls. Eventually, we got through our lunch and it was time to start the journey to the next campsite.

There was even a gym!

This next campsite was more luxurious in the sense that we had air-conditioned rooms, lights and power supply. There were even laundry machines outside the toilets although we didn't use them. Another evening of chit-chatting and listening to Matt describe humorous scenes from Austin Powers. We learnt a little about how Schnapps were made as our Austrian counterparts pulled out a whiskey flask that contained home-made schnapps. The evening was eventually spent and we settled into our creaky double-deckered beds. The sleep that night was a lot more comfortable albeit the occasional creaks when one of us tossed and

turned.

Unit No. 9. Wonder where the rest of the units are.

Sunday morning arrived and it was time to bid farewell to Lazy Lizard Campgrounds. Before we hopped onto the bus, Matt showed us the nest of a Bowerbird and taught us how it was constructed. If you are keen to see the Bowerbird in action, do click on the hyperlink.

Florence Falls

Streams leading up to Florence Falls

Our next stop was Florence Falls in Litchfield and it was another long drive. It amazed me as to how Matt and Adam could stay away during the long drives while most of us campers took turns to snooze in the back. Eventually we got to Florence Falls which was crowded (due to accessibility). Another hour or so in yet another beautiful waterfall saw us famished and waiting for tucker. We then headed to a nearby picnic spot away from the crowd and out came the usual salads, tomatoes etc. Again we teamed up to dissect the ingredients and soon we were munching on sandwiches while seated along a quiet creek. After lunch, it was time for yet another pool session and we got into Buley's Rockhole. This was also teeming with people but it was nonetheless fantastic as cascading water rushed over the rocks to give us back massages. My specs came off but with the help of the camping team, we managed to locate it about 5 metres underwater.

That was pretty much the last activity for the day and we began the arduous journey back to D-Town.

We did stop by a towering 3-metre termite mound as Matt explained how these mounds were constructed. Yet another lesson in nature. Soon we were back in Darwin and it was time to bid farewell. We exchanged contact information and parted ways. It was a weekend well spent and we will treasure the memories and experiences for years to come.