aka out back of Batchelor and Rum Jungle
We set off for our big adventure down the track a little late, departing at 10.45am, but we were all pretty excited to spend a day in the bush. We had decided, on Uncle Bert's advice, to visit the relatively close and easy Litchfield National Park, which did not actually exist when Mama and Uncle Bert were kids. When we got there, Mama realised that it was just the bush out back of Batchelor and Rum Jungle, which was a popular visit in those days.
Now, the park is very popular with tourists, really well sign posted and with very good roads, and the attractions have been made much more accessible and attractive.
Katy fell asleep when we turned off for Batchelor, so we ended up going all the way deep into the park before stopping for lunch. Although it was a little crowded with a couple of tour buses, it was a good choice. We had lunch at Wangi Falls (pronounced One-Guy), which were beautiful.
Dada was first to swim out to the larger waterfall.
OK, keep your eye on the man in the red swim shirt!
The falls are spectacular and create a lot of large and mini rainbows when you get closer to them. They create a lot of noise and a very strong current as you get closer. At this point of the year, they are about mid strength. In a few months, the water flow will be a lot less, and in the Wet Season (Christmas), the falls become even more spectacular and powerful.
Everyone was shocked by the cold water. It was very refreshing but not really that bad at all, especially once you started swimming around in it. The waterfalls create a lot of negative ions and everyone was very jolly.
The water was very clear, and the bottom was rocky and clean.
Unfortunately, Katy was pretty groggy still from her nap and was not very keen to get wet and cold. The waterhole is actually pretty deep in most places with a sandy island that is shallower, but Katy was not keen to swim to the falls or play in the water.
Next it was Mama's turn, and I decided to check out the little waterfall first. People were saying there was a natural jacuzzi with very warm water, just to the right of the falls.
They were right!
What Katy really wanted to do was go for a bushwalk. She was determined to find some bush fairies.
The area around the waterfalls is monsoonal rainforest, and really pretty. Even Dada was impressed with the forest.
It's funny how Katy really loved the walk and wanted to wander around by herself, but she was quite unimpressed by the spectacular waterfalls.
After our walk, Mama decided that it was her turn to go out to the big waterfall.
While I was out there, Dada took lots of pictures and read the accompanying signage, which helpfully informs that there are freshwater crocodiles who live in the waterhole all the time, but the dangerous saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles really only get into the waterhole in the Wet Season when the waters come up high. Wangi Falls is part of a "crocodile management programme", which means that the Rangers will come and "remove" any crocodiles that are spotted. They politely ask that you inform them if you spot any crocodiles. It's all quite calm, but a bit of a worry that you might be the one who spots the crocodile before it is "managed" out of the waterhole!!!
Perhaps that's why clever, cautious Katy was not keen on swimming (although of course she did not know any of this).
The whole experience left us feeling refreshed, invigorated, enjoying nature, and keen for even more adventure!
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