An Australian couple travelling in Europe (2013+) in a motorhome (Bluey), exploring Australia in a caravan (2009-22) and a self built Isuzu expedition 4 x 4 motorhome (Buster) 2023+
On Thursday morning we drove back out of Dundee Beach.
We took a short 14km detour to have a look at Crab Claw resort.
It had a nice tropical feel to it but definitely no swimming here. As it was all booked out we kept going.
Then we proceeded to Berry Springs located 48km from Darwin City.
During World War II, over 100,000 service personnel were deployed to the Litchfield area. A low weir was built across Berry Creek to provide a swimming pool as part of a rest and recreation camp for the troops, and it is still a popular swimming venue. The Berry Springs Nature Park is a free public recreation area that includes bushwalking trail (closed at the moment) picnic areas and a kiosk where refreshments and ‘noodles’ ($6ea) are available, so we finally bought one! The clear waters of the pools created by the springs are ideal for observing the aquatic life within. Some of the little fish and yabbies nibble your toes. We enjoyed a swim before lunch.
Kangaroo Falls
Berry Creek
Creek from falls to main pool
Lower Pool
Main Pool
Creek between main and lower pool
Noodling time
Then we went to the tavern for lunch. It was quite busy and the meal we chose were ok.
We returned afterwards to have another dip before going to our campsite for tonight at ‘Labush Estate’ ($20unpowered).
The next morning we did the 1.6km loop walk through the rainforest to the top of the Wangi falls. Then back down to the pool for a refreshing dip.
That’s Buster next to the water tank
Water monitor
As we made our back to Buster we bumped into Gavin and Robyn again and enjoyed a chat. Back at camp we got a few jobs done and just whiled away the hot afternoon.
On Wednesday as we left Litchfield National Park we stopped at Walker Creek.
There were plenty of spots to swim in the creek near the day use picnic areas located by the carpark, and also 600 metres along the track at the Rocky Falls day use area.
We continued along the road heading north and then turned westward to Dundee Beach on Fog Bay. The area was originally developed as a weekend retreat for Darwin residents during the 1990’s. The local economy is still largely dependent on tourism, with fishing being the main attraction. As we aren’t into fishing we went to the tavern and enjoyed a pub lunch.
We drove to another part of the beach to a war memorial.
Later we went to our campsite at Dunmatta ($20 unpowered, toilet and shower) about 7km out.
Today we set out to explore more of this National park.
We began with a 1.6km loop walk at Tolmer Falls. Unfortunately there is no access to the gorge or the water as it is home to protected species of bats. The views were lovely from both lookout platforms.
Next we came to Greenant Creek. This 2.7km return walk followed the creek through the Monsoon Forest. Then the track took us through the drier Savanna Woodlands.
We eventually reached the Tjaetaba Falls where we cooled down in the natural ‘infinity’ pool.
Our next adventure took us along a 4wd track to Sandy Creek Falls. It wasn’t a long drive, just 9km from the turnoff, but it was slow going, starting with a deep and long creek crossing. We aired down the tyres and Buster in 4wd… I wasn’t going to get out into the water here with possible salties around.
There was plenty of low branches and narrow sections but we made it to the falls Carpark.
It was a relatively easy 1.7km/30mins walk to the falls and the lovely refreshing pool which certainly brought down the core temperature.
Cycads on the hillside
On our way back out we went to have a look at the Blyth Homestead Ruins. There was once again a fairly long and deep creek crossing to get in there.
The hut was built in 1928 by the Sergeant family and was only abandoned in the 1960’s. It seemed like quite a difficult environment to live in. There was a book with lots of historical stories to read. The March flies were biting so we didn’t stay long.
Spotted some huge termite mounds along the road too
Back on the bitumen it was only another 8km to the Wangi campsite arriving there at 3pm. We have booked #13 for a couple of nights ($30pn). It was time for a cold beer…
later we ventured 500m to the Wangi Falls for a dip in the cool waters…
Trying out some outside cooking due to the heat inside Buster
