Day 59 Tuesday 21st August. Kakadu

Lazy morning at our campsite as we didn’t even unhitch the night before due to late arrival. We left at 10.30am and headed to the Bowali Visitor Centre in Jabiru to get some info and our National Park Permits. We headed off to the East Alligator River boat ramp ( near Merl camping ground)  where we spotted about 4 crocs making their way downstream to the nearby causeway!! The causeway separates Kakadu from neighbouring Arnhemland  (We had been told the causeway was a great spot to view crocs “surfing” over as they catch all the mullet coming across at high tide) We stood on the viewing platform and watched in absolute amazement with others as the crocs launched themselves over the causeway in quite shallow water (about  70cm) in order to catch the fish!!! Several boats came from downstream to view this also. After this we went to the basket weaving demonstration which was held at nearby Merl campgrounds by the ranger and two local Aboriginal women. We all tried to split the Pagdanus leaves which proved far more difficult than what it looked! Once the leaves were split they needed to be dried and then could be used for weaving. They showed us a basket that sells for over $400 as it takes them 100 hours to complete. We then headed to Ubirr Rock to walk around the amazing Indigenous Artwork on the rock faces, most dating back 2000 years ago. We climbed up to the top of Ubirr Rock and looked over the at the amazing 360 degree view of Kakadu. We arrived back at the caravan park and enjoyed a much needed swim.

 This gives an idea of the amount of crocs in a small area, top left of the picture you can see a one as well as bottom left. Was was on the bank as well just out of the picture. And plenty others in the water.

 One catching dinner.

 Girls attempting weaving

 Ubirr Rock

 From the top, we will view the sunset from here one night hopefully!!

Hard to believe some of these paintings are 2000 years old.