Kakadu to Broome

From Darwin my plan now is to head down the west coast of Australia to Perth in anout 4 weeks. I spent the first few days up in the north end in Kakadu national park, a huge area of wetland forest, which at the moment isn't actually that wet as its coming to the end of the dry season. But this was actually an advantage as it meant a lot more of the area was accesable. One of the main sights are two huge water falls, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, in the wet season the only way to see them is by plane but at this time of year it is possible top get to them by a combination of 4 wheel drive tracks, a boat and walking. I had a really nice day on a tour to both of these sights. The drive to tein falls was quite exciting, at one point we had to drive through a river that was nearly 1m deep. This meant there were very few people that could actually get to the place, so it was a nice quiet secluded area. Had a very nice beach at the bottom of the falls but there is a risk of crocodiles there so couldn't get too close to the water. Both of the waterfalls there were still flowing, but Jim Jim falls was little more than a drip, but at the end of a very hot walk (it gets to around 40'C in the day) to reach it, the pool at the bottom made for a very refreshing swim.

I also went on a guided walk and found out a lot about how the indigenous people used the plants and animals to survive. I thought I wouldn't be eating any more strange food after leaving China, but I did end up trying green ants and I have to say they were suprisingly good, taste of citrus fruit, so i'd recommend them. Went on another walk to see some ancient rock art, which was impressive considering how old it is. Also went on a boat trip along one of the main rivers in the park, and finally got to see some crocodiles, whch are meant to be everywhere. From the boat you could actually get quite close up to them, some were up to 4m long. Other than that I spent alot of time at the campsite swimming pool as during the day its too hot to do anything much, everything here is done very early in the morning or at sunset.

From Kakadu it was a couople of long days travelling to reach Broome on the west coast. Arrived here yesterday afternoon, its a nice little town, the biggest place I've been to for a few weeks. It was originally established based on the pearl trade but now the main attraction is the beaches so I've been making good use of them. Leaving tomorrow to head further south.