Litchfield

18-Jun-2007

Up
Litchfield
Kununurra
Kununurra Rodeo
El Questro
Bungle Bungles
The Kimberley
Horizontal Falls
Broome
Pilbara

 

Litchfield National Park and Edith Falls

Monday - 26th July 

Left Darwin after much leave taking and set off for Litchfield National Park.  Stopped along the way to get a photo of Abraham, the maker of my Didgeridoo.  Checked into the Wangi Falls CP, fairly basic but grassed sites and shade.  Bit of a sing-a-long going on over the road, might go and have a look.  Spent the afternoon at Wangi Falls, we did a nice strenuous walk up the escarpment and round the back of the falls.  Came back down and went for a swim in the pool at the base of the falls.  There is a hidden pool a short way up the cliff  which is fed by a hot spring that was very pleasant to soak in but we then had to go back in the cold water to swim back to our clothes.  Very refreshing.  Then back to camp for a few beers and a bit more didgy practice. 

Tuesday - 27th July 

Got up early and set off for a morning of serious 4WDing.  Great fun, sand, corrugations and water crossings.  We went to the ruins of the Blyth homestead first then round to Tjaynera Falls, a pleasant walk of about 2k took us from the car park to the falls.  Nice and cool at the plunge pool.  We then headed further south, past a large expanse of flat grassland covered in "magnetic" termite mounds, eventually arriving at the Reynolds River crossing before turning back for home and lunch.  Elaine and Bruce arrived from Darwin and we spent the afternoon cruising up and down the Reynolds River on the Wangi Wildlife Cruise.   This is not to be missed, the location is well off the beaten track and the wildlife abounds, big barra, wild pigs, wallabies, kangaroos, goannas, water monitors, and a huge array of water birds.  The crocs were everywhere, big salties and freshies lined the banks, I think we ended up croced out.  David, who runs the cruise is passionate about the flora and fauna of the area and keeps up a constant commentary.   A big sing along started after dinner, so we all took our chairs and beers over and joined in. 

Wednesday - 28th July 

First stop today was Tolmer Falls.  We walked down to the lookout then a relatively easy walk along the creek and back up to the car park.   Next stop was Florence Falls.  Again a magnificent view from the lookout before driving round to Buley  Rockholes, a series of  rapids and clear pools.  It was getting pretty hot so a swim was most welcome.  A goanna came by hoping for someone to give it a feed.  Headed back to the park for lunch then went off for a swim at Wangi Falls.  Had a few people round our van for happy hour and a bit of didge playing (I’m getting better).  Generator supplying park kept overloading so I used ours instead. 

Thursday - 29th July 

Packed up and set off for Edith Falls, travelled much of the way in the middle of a tank convoy.  Much military equipment being transported to the Katherine area for the Pitch Black exercises.  Those tank carriers really hiked along.   We arrived in Edith Falls about lunch time and set up in a delightful camp ground, no power or water but beautiful surroundings.  Had lunch and wandered down to the lake for a swim.  While watching a small fly-catcher beat a moth to death a snake wriggled across the path a few feet from us.  Amazingly no one panicked, only comment was "Oh look, a snake".  Turned out to be a python of some description.  We were told that the pools above the falls were much better for swimming so we set off for them.  The walk was fairly strenuous as the heat had started to get up.   Jude decided to call a halt at the look out over the pools, I proceeded on down and had a very welcome swim.  Back at camp we had a few convivial drinks with our neighbours and were entertained by the local birds. 

 

Home | Litchfield | Kununurra | Kununurra Rodeo | El Questro | Bungle Bungles | The Kimberley | Horizontal Falls | Broome | Pilbara

This site was last updated 18-06-07