MIRIMA NP / the mini-bungles for mini-adventurers

     

  

KUNUNURRA TOWN / pretending like we're in the big smoke

  

  

  

Our last night in NT was spent at the Victoria River Roadhouse. We picked a spot away from the highway, amongst some trees, and made use of the good facilities. Heading towards WA we had a time change ahead. It would be Saturday morning so we decided to use the time change to our advantage and head to the markets in Kununurra before setting up camp there for a couple of nights. 

The temperature was definitely warming up for us, but Kununurra looked so green and vibrant, the markets held under the trees in a park in town. We browsed, brought fruit and veg, ate fruit ice cream and then headed to a cafe we had heard about - Wild Mango. The coffee was good (even the decaf!), as was the food, and we were happy to be here. 

About the photos - 
/ Wild Mango coffee
/ The appearance of a tiny baby bump and brunch
/ Time at the beautiful park by the Lily pond, birdwatching (beware the poo!)
/ The Lily pond has a huge, old Boab
/ Time spent drawing, this is a Double Barred Finch. 

Things to note:
- Crossing the border there is a quarantine - no fresh fruit or veg, seeds or some nuts. Make sure you've eaten your food! They will make you open up things. 
- We camped at Hidden Valley Caravan Park. The shady sites are cool but some are teeny, tiny. The vibe is a little bit strange with the mix of grey nomads and long-termers. Next time we'd stay by the Lily pond.
- Mirima NP (Hidden Valley) is described as the mini-bungles. It has beautiful rock formations, is right next to town and is 'mini' so easy walks and bird-watching. This is where we first spotted the finches I was drawing.
- Kununurra has a decent Coles, a good cafe, a pool, Target, several options for camping, and good asian next to the visitors centre. El Questro has their own centre in between the visitors and asian.
- The Pump House is a restaurant just out of town, on the Ord River. DON'T GO ON TAPAS NIGHT (Sunday)! It's much better any other night of the week with the full menu. 
- Like most places in the Kimberley, things get quiet in the 'wet', the markets have finished now and I think El Questro is closed for the season. 
- We also went out to the Zebra Rock Cafe for a change of scenery. Fresh mango smoothie was good, menu fairly basic and straightforward.

GREGORY NP

One magical afternoon spent wandering up and around the escarpment at Gregory NP. Spying bright flowers and a little rock wallaby. Funny attempts at self-timer photos. Gav looking like he's about to hop off the rocks. Late afternoon sun in the grass. 

We stayed the night at the roadhouse just 5 km's before the Escarpment Walk. The NP can be explored by 4wd and looks like it would be pretty amazing. 
 

NITMILUK NP / Katherine

Highlights: 
- Cool water swim 
- Sunset overlooking the gorge
- Canoeing up the second gorge
- Spotting a freshwater crocodile

Not-so-high-lights:
- Bed hair and ridiculous selfies (me, not Gav - I think he is a spunk!)
- Large crowds and noisy boats on tour down the gorge
- Overnight canoe trips being booked out
- Being part of the dusty towing line up at the camp ground

Nitmiluk is a beautiful and sacred place. This beauty is a bit compromised by the touristy set up here. If we had been able to get away on an overnight canoe then I'm sure we would've had a different experience but we were glad to at least canoe the second gorge - it was stunning and much more peaceful. 

Gav was hoping to spot a Freshie and had just about given up when I glanced back over my shoulder to see quite a big one sunning itself on the rocks. Sadly, it looked like it had some fishing line coming out of its mouth and something attached to it's foot too...I hope it was ok.