Kakadu

Kakadu is a large, world famous national park a few hours drive from Darwin. We just had a day trip, so really only saw a small part...but what we saw was certainly spectacular. 

The sun wasn't up when we left Darwin...

By the town of Humpty Doo, the sun was well and truly up so we saw the famous Boxing Crocodile statue...

The magnificent Adelaide River...

On the way to Kakadu, our bus stopped at a small airfield as an option was to fly over this vast area in a small plane. There were 14 places available on this flight and the rest of us would continue by road. 

By the time the bus got to where the Wetlands Cruise departed, those who 'took flight' would meet us. 

We did stop on the way at a rather impressive Aboriginal Culture Centre...

Our cruise was to the Yellow Water Billabong...a absolutely beautiful wetlands' area.

Our captain went through the safety talk...but knowing that the water contained crocodiles, I just hoped we wouldn't need to use those lifejackets! 😥

There were a few of these boats taking tourists out...

What a magnificent waterway!

As we sailed from the river into what looked like a small tributary, the captain informed us that we were actually sailing on what would be walking tracks in the dry season. 

He told us that the Wet would finish in a few weeks at the end of April. He also commented that in the previous month, the water levels had gone down already by 2 metres. 

A nest high up in a tree was pointed out to us...it was the nest of a White-bellied sea eagle...

Then the countryside 'opened up' as we sailed into the Yellowwater Billabong area...

This next photo shows a big stand of Pandanus Palm...beautiful trunks with spiral markings on this variety...

Lush grasses, wildflowers and even sacred lotus plants. And of course, there would have been crocodiles lurking just below the surface too! 😳

DH had hoped to see at least one crocodile in the wild, but he had to be content with seeing some wonderful birdlife...

And it was DH that first saw the water buffalo...the captain quickly slowed and turned the boat and drifted in towards the bank as cameras 'worked overtime' ! 😃

Our guide told us that much of the area that we had sailed through had been once working cattle properties, but once the area had been designated as a national park, the natural vegetation has regenerated andthe wildlife has thrived. It is interesting  to note though that some non native flora and fauna ( e.g. the lotus, water creepers and the buffalo) have been retained. 

The last photo shows a landscape that I thought was maybe my favourite...

By the time we got back to Darwin it was 7.30, so it had been a long day...but oh so worth it!