On 20th July, after refueling and restocking the larder (and cellar), we headed south to Litchfield National Park. First was a stop at the magnetic termite mounds (they all line up Nth – Sth) before heading on to find a campsite.
There are just two options for camping here, and as always with National Parks, the rule is simple – first in best dressed. As we arrived well after midday, we knew our chances were slim. So after circumnavigating the park, and noting all designated spots were taken, we opted to park the van across a few car spots next to a lovely shady grassed area complete with BBQ’s. And whilst Kris and I were worried we might be asked to relocate by any surly ranger, we weren’t, and this ended up being a fabulous spot for our three nights here. The grass gave us a chance to play frisbee and watch the boys play with their newly acquired second-hand light-sabres (bought from Rohan and Kieran!)
Our Wangi campsite – perfect to spread out and complete iMaths projects.
After setting up, we walked down to Wangi Falls (pronounced wong-guy). Kris and Sam opted to relax on a board walk bench overlooking the falls plunge pool, whilst James and I swam over to the falls to explore. To our delight, we discovered a very deep rock pool near the base of the falls that was well over 30 degrees. The water is heated by the sunlit rocks as it makes its way down the falls, simply perfect. That night we listened to a ranger talk on Litchfield. Whilst not brilliantly presented, this gave us some ideas on what to see and do.
Wangi Falls and plunge pool.
Next morning we drove to the Lost City, a groovy collection of interesting sandstone stacks, some perched precariously on top of each other, accessible via a short but rough 4WD track. It was also the perfect backdrop for the boys to unleash their inner Jedi, with several light-sabre duels ensuing.
Rock formations abounded!
No – just James and Julian and tricky photography.
Luckily we had the boys and their light-sabres to protect us from this huge stone fellow.
Next stop was a pretty picnic spot along Shady Creek before walking to a secluded swimming hole amongst the many available along Buley Water Holes.
Our beautiful lunch spot – the babbling stream was a bit noisy for Sam so he moved away to read in peace!
The very crowded upper holes at Buley.
Less crowded waterholes further downstream.
Like father like son.
We walked past the twin cascades at the impressive Florence falls before calling it day.
Next morning, with the temperature climbing towards 35C, we visited the derelict Bamboo Creek Tin Mine before finding a little water fall and swimming hole along Walker Creek, perfect for lunch and an extended dip.
Bush walking along Walker Creek.
Worth the effort to make it to Campsite No. 6 Waterhole.
More playing and rock jumping.
All too soon it was time to pack up and move back towards Katherine, and our rendezvous with our ‘Walking With Spirits’ booking near the isolated indigenous community of Beswick.
The termite mounds are located on the north – south line for maximum exposure to the sun, although it sounds more tricky to say the mounds are lying along a magnetic N – S line. When we were at Litchfield we observed a chap jumping from the first ledge of the Wangi falls – without harming himself. Cheers, Dad
Now that you have seen the Wangi Falls in July you should save your pennies and see them in the Wet!!!