Northern Territory adventures...........

On our arrival at the McArthur River Caravan Park we found a note that said pick a site and come and see us in the morning.  We did that and when I opened the caravan door I was just a bit overwhelmed.  Everything was covered in red dust.  Our van has a blower that is supposed to pressurise the inside and so keep the dust out.  Usually this works well but whenever something passed us on the road the dust just hung in the air and was sucked in to the van.  It took nearly an hour to get enough of it out and we finally had baked beans on toast about 11.00pm that night and showers after that.

The next morning Bill took the car and tyres to the Mechanic/Hardware and found out that they were both dead and it would take three days for new ones to come up from Darwin.  With no real option we said yes and booked into the park for the few extra days.  At least he was able to get some bits at the hardware and fix some of the other issues.

Back at home I set to work cleaning the inside until it shone and did the washing while Bill borrowed a drill and set to his list of chores.  Our neighbours spent the morning sitting back and watching all the activity before chatting to us a bit later.  Lisa and Gary were from Albury and like us had escaped the cold.  They were leaving the next day to start their journey south.  We enjoyed the afternoon together and will definitely look them up when we get home.

And so we spent four nights at Borraloola enjoying some down time and having a little more of a look around than we otherwise might have had.

 There was a general store/supermarket, a couple of cafes, and a big shop called The Malandi Store run by the aboriginal community which was way better than the other one.  We were able to top up the cupboards and the fridge here.

We drove out to see the McArthur River at the Council Boat Ramp and found a lovely spot with a couple of blokes fishing.  One was catching fish but the other one kept having to throw his back as they were too small.

A little further around we drove into Rocky Creek boat ramp.  Again a lovely view but no one else here and with crocodile traps very visible we kept well away from the edge.  That night we walked across the road and enjoyed a nice meal at The Carpentaria Grill.

The next morning we got a call to say the tyres had arrived so Bill popped down and got them fitted and then it was time to explore a little further afield.  We drove the 45kms out to see The Gulf of Carpentaria.  Arriving at Bing Bong the first thing you see is the Port for The McArthur River Mine.  There is a lookout here and from the platform you can see over the port to the Gulf.  

Drive a little further around on a dirt track and you come to the mouth of the McArthur River.  Again we found a couple of our neighbours fishing, had a chat and then drove back to another track which took us right onto the sands of the Gulf.  The tide was right out but what an experience to be able to stand right on the edge of one part of this huge country.

Back at home we readied ourselves for departure the next morning and had a quiet night in.  We drove out and said goodbye and thanks to Borraloola the next day and were on our way once again with Darwin as our ultimate destination.  But first there was lots to see on the way.

Our first stop was at Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, a lovely spot beside a river with a bird hide and a nature walk.  We spent some time in the bird hide and saw plenty of our feathered friends both on and off the water.  I loved the little Green Pygmy Goose.

Leaving here we continued on the Carpentaria Highway through Cape Crawford until we found our camp spot for the night.  Goanna Creek Rest area was a small freecamp beside a Creek.  On a hill it looked over the plateau below and we enjoyed watching the sunset that night.  

Wiki camps mentioned in its review that the water tank was empty and could people please fill the tin below for the birds.  We did and were immediately rewarded with dozens of birds coming in to drink.  They stayed and played until dark and again the next morning.  We refilled their tin again before we left.

Our next stop was at Daly Waters.  What a place.  As we approached all we could see was caravans.  It seems there was a line up for the caravan park next to the famous Daly Waters Pub.  We were not staying but stopped to have a look which became lunch and a drink before moving on.  

It really is a place that you must see to appreciate.  Nothing I can say will really give you any idea of what it is like.  Quirky, unique and interesting doesn't really do it justice but we enjoyed our lunch and will definitely call in next time we pass this way.

Back in the car we continued on stopping for the night at a place listed on Wiki camps as Blue Barrel camp.  Just a patch of gravel off the road at Birdum it did the job and two other campers came in as the afternoon wore on.

The next day we stopped for a look at Larrimah where The Pink Panther Hotel is the place to see.  And the Big Stubby.  Why, I'm not sure but here is the picture anyway.  Larrimah Pub's claim to fame is that it was originally the World War 2 Officers Mess.  We had a quick look inside then made our way just a km or so down the road to Fran's Place for coffee.  This is noted in Lonely Planet as a must see when passing through Larrimah!  I really don't know how to explain the experience other than it is something you will only do once.  Hilarious, yes! Raucous, yes!  Unforgettable, yes!  Absolutely and totally politically incorrect, yes!  Certainly one of the characters of the Northern Territory.

And so with another few hundred kms traveled it's time to slow the pace and take some time out at Mataranka

until next time........