Litchfield

Florence Falls

I rose in good time to prepare myself for today's excursion which I had managed to eventually confirm last night.

An 'interesting' sartorial statement!

With instructions to wear good walking shoes and being aware of the expected temperature, I attired myself in a cotton summer dress and my walking boots. Not a look I would generally aspire to but one to make a teenage girl proud. Although I suspect to do that, they would need to be Doc Martens with platform soles. 

Dragonfly on the path to  Wangi Falls

It had been raining and while the forecast suggested otherwise it looked as if it might continue and we did in fact have a few short sharp showers during the morning and later in the afternoon.

Upon pickup I was allocated the seat next to the driver which suited me beautifully.

With a complement of nine passengers the tour set off and it was not long before we reached our first destination, Berry Springs.

The hot springs raise the water temperature of the creek to 28° and most comfortable temperature for our first swim. The website advice had been. If you have it, bring mask and snorkel and I did and I was quite delighted by the fish life, in particular by a few  longtom (at least that is what the guide said they were) 

We were all given a pool noodle for old swimming. I suspect as much for our guide's peace of mind as anything. He did later say that he'd helped rescue a person at a water hole with the aid of a noodle, not one of his own passengers. 

While the noodle did impede efforts to swim efficiently, it was rather delightful for just floating down creek with the current. As we floated along there were a few raindrops falling upon us and the contrast between the warm water and the cool raindrops was very noticeable.

Morning tea followed and consisted of a hot drink and cake. I settled for hot chocolate and no cake. 

Cathedral Termite mound at the park entrance

We proceeded on our way stopping at the boundary of Litchfield national Park for photos at the sign, but also to admire a very large cathedral termite mound. 

Rosella Plants - bush tucker!

We proceeded into the park and did a quick roadside stop to look at, and sample, some Bush Tucker. Quite a few Rosella plants were in flower and our guide showed us how to peel back the petals and consume them. The prospect of making jam from it certainly would not appeal as it would be an enormous effort to peel sufficient petals.

Wangi Falls

The other cascade at Wangi Falls

Our next stop was Wangi waterfall and swimming hole and it was most beautiful. The water entering the pool included a gentle trickle from a hot spring.

It was only as we were driving away that our guide shared with us the crocodile in Wangi waterfall story. 

From time to time along the way, we're spotted kapok trees in flower, their bright yellow flowers standing out clearly.

Tabletop Swamp

Our lunch stop was at Tabletop Swamp, a less visited section of the park, with picnic tables and an absolutely beautiful swamp. We were advised not to go too close to the water's edge. 

Apparently the traditional Territory approach for checking for crocodiles, going for a swim with your dog and putting the dog in first, is no longer in vogue.

On the approach to Florence Falls

From there it was on to Florence Falls and another swim.  The location again was beautiful and the noodle made it very difficult to swim against the reasonably strong current that the waterfalls were creating. Apparently it's only in the last week or so that a couple of the places that we visited, and at which we swam, have been opened to the public for the year - they have to be deemed safe before they open birth in terms of the water flow and the presence of big munchy reptiles. 

Florence Falls

One little niche at this location had a rather magnificent tree, the roots of which reminded me incredibly of mandrake. 

The walk to this location was the longest of any, about 700 m, and this was the section of terrain that was deemed uneven due to the effect of recent flooding washing up part of the path. It wasn't too bad. I just walked it carefully in my sandals. 

Builey Waterhole

From there it was just 5 minutes up the road to our final water destination, Builey waterhole. This was less a place to swim than just to relax in the water, and with a warning of slippery rocks, I chose to approach very carefully, sit down, and ease myself into the water where I had spotted a potential little spot in the underwater rock formations that might make a nice 'bath'.

Builey Waterhole

Magnetic termite mounds

Then it was on to our last stop. The magnetic termite mounds. This was rather incredible with a swampy area of quite a few acres with an extensive array of these north-south oriented termite mounds. It did look a little like a graveyard. 

From there it was back to Darwin and I was very glad that I had not booked to go to Kakadu because that would have been 3 hours drive back. 

I was also very glad that I chose to go on a small group tour rather than hiring and driving myself. I didn't have to drive. I didn't have to navigate. I learnt all sorts of interesting extra bits and pieces along the way, probably saw places that I would not have otherwise seen, and generally had a great day. 

Pre Sunset colour

Back in my apartment I set myself up on the balcony to watch for colours of sunset. Feeling that maybe a good sunset wouldn't happen because it had been cloudy most of the day. After a few minutes I retreated back inside and rearranged a chair so I could sit and look in the same direction. The wind was cool. 

And the sun sinks to the horizon 

To my surprise, the colour came quite nicely and the sun appeared for a few minutes as it sank towards the Horizon. It appeared to have a really red corona, I can  only assume that was due to the amount of smoke around - there is much burning off happening at the moment.

It is evidently Friday night in downtown Darwin and there is music from a nearby bar, but I don't think it's going to impact my sleeping. I'm fairly tired after a big day.