Headed south east from Darwin City today to explore the wildlife and wetlands around the Adelaide River. Loooong straight roads, red dirt, scruffy bush and then some bright green ferns, mango farms and no-one to be seen. Interesting place names – fave today was Humpty Doo. Very hazy yesterday and today and then we discovered there’s a bushfire down near Litchfield National Park.
Stopped in at the Windows on the Wetlands to view the region from on high. The fierce wind of the day was certainly felt on the outdoor platform- hang onto your hat stuff! The area is a world heritage listed landscape of significance to the Limilngan-Wilna people. The centre sits on one of 3 hills called Ludawei that represent the people’s Turtle Dreaming.
Not a lot of “wet” as the dry season reaches its end. At least it was warm wind but apparently very unusual for wind like this at this time of the year. A gust caught my flat white and the crema ended up my arm and across the cafe floor!
Drove along the wall at the Fogg Dam Conservation area- picturesque with flowering water lilies and some bird life. The area used to be used for a rice growing project in the 1950s. Lots of signage warning not to walk on the wall for fear of crocs! Also Water Pythons and Dusky Rats here but nocturnal so not seen! Both live in furrows and the snakes eat the rats.
We took a boat tour on the Adelaide River to see the jumping crocodiles. Too well fed on buffalo steaks as not much jumping but plenty of sniffing. Saw 3 different crocs- apparently very territorial creatures minding their patches – sightings included a rare white crocodile named Pearl. Plenty of kites ( as in birds) circling the boat and also a white eagle who swooped in for a snack.
A very hot day – got to 36! Checked out the Mindil Beach Sunset Market and favoured the shady sides! Nice looking beach even with the tide out.
Darwin is a sparsely populated area…as is N.T. You’d have to love the heat to live here.
Photos – Darwin Jumping Crocodiles (not)
