Jabiru, Northern Territory, AustraliaBowali Visitor Center -- Paid park fee $25 each. Good displays describing the two kinds of areas that make up Kakadu--Anbehbeberrk (savanna woodlands) consisting of eucalypts and tall grasses and Guwarddehwardde (stone country). Film about different areas of park--quite a bit that are unaccessible for tourists. No ranger talks or walks at this time of year. Ranger gave us suggestions about what to see since so much is closed because of rain.
Today it has been raining all day. Category One Cyclone is making its way to Darwin, and we are in the fringes of the massive rain area. Found out later that today was the coldest temperature in the Darwin area in 75 years.
Nourlangie Rock (now called Burrungui) -- Drove down Kakadu Hwy to see some of Kakadu's best rock art, which represents one of the longest historical records of any group of people in the world. The loop trail is both a rough path and boardwalks. "There are a number of shelters among this large outcrop that contain amazing paintings representing the Aboriginal Dreaming, with depictions of Namandi spirits. There are even depictions of Thylacines (Tasmanian Tigers), known to have been extinct in the area for at least 3,500 years." The placards at each gallery give good explanations of this very impressive rock art.
Gunwarrdehwarrdeh Lookout has great views of the Arnhem Escarpment and placards about creation stories. Love seeing the wildlife--sulphur-crested cockatoo along the path, and wallaby along the road edge while driving back.
Raining even more now. Lois coughing constantly; all stuffed up.
Dinner at hotel -- Porterhouse steak (very good) and smoked kangaroo (very tender; mild flavor; not a strong game taste).
Now the rain is torrential. The night manager said the road to Ubirr is impassible--three feet of water across it. Very disappointing not getting to see this, but not much anyone can do about the weather.
April 12: Morning in Kadadu
Got our wish; it's not raining. Be careful what to wish for because the humidity is almost unbearable.
Drove South on Kakdu Hwy to Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center.
The circular design of the building represents a Warradjan (pig-nosed turtle). The Aboriginal traditional land owners (Bininj) of Kakadu National Park tell the story of their culture through displays and exhibitions. Walking through is a great way to gain an understanding of the Bininj and their connection with family and land. No photos allowed.
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Continued driving south to Katherine; rain on/off; almost no cars on road. Scenery the same as the Arnahem Hwy.
To pass the time, Randy keeps coming up with Kangaroo jokes:
--What kind of music does a kangaroo like? (hip, hop)
--Kangaroo's favorite cowboy? (Hop Along Cassidy)
--Kangaroo's favorite movie? (Jumpin Jack Flash)
--Roo's favorite game? (Pocket Billiards)
--Joey's favorite game? (hop scotch)
At the intersection of Kakadu and Stuart Highways lots of rain! Always amazed at the "Road Trains," which are such an unique feature of the Northern Territory Highways.
2025-05-22