The NT News rarely prints an edition without a croc story,
so in keeping with that tradition, today’s blog does include a croc adventure,
but before that, some background on Kakadu.
Last year we visited the northern region of Kakadu (Jabiru
and Ubirr) and didn’t see the southern region around Yellow Water. Today we start
the day with a six kilometre bush walk along the Mary River before making the journey
to Cooinda, via Jabiru.
If you’re ever in need of a simple lunch while in Kakadu, the
place to visit is the Jabiru Bakery. We buy a delicious sundried tomato pullapart
and enjoy lunch with the birdlife at a picturesque park adjoining Jabiru’s
impressive lake.
Just another 50kms from Jabiru is Gagudju Lodge and Caravan
Park, Cooinda. This is truly an oasis in the scrub. Tiled bathrooms, a huge
pool, a large bistro/bar and a shady powered site make for very happy campers.
But you are probably wondering about that croc story. Late
in the day we wander down to Yellow Water Billabong, home of Kakadu’s well-known
river cruises. After we checked out the options for tomorrow’s cruise, we walk
1.5 km along a raised metal boardwalk. It follows a creek, which at this stage
of the dry season, is only a few metres wide.
On three separate occasions we spot significantly large
saltwater crocodiles skulking in the reeds and water lilies in shallow water
less than fifteen metres from where we are standing. That distinctive saltwater
croc snout and scary ridge back looks fierce at a distance, but up this close
it’s rather menacing. We are in no real danger, but worry about a family of
ducks within striking range of a hungry croc.
We are reminded that swimming in the top end is best done in
what the Beverly Hillbillies called a ‘Ce-ment pond’.
Let them eat Ducks!!
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