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Magnetic termite mounds in front with
Cathedral ones behind |
More bushwalking today interspersed with swims in freshwater
creeks as we explored the parts of Litchfield National Park that were open. We
made sure that when we entered the water is was well and truly above a large
waterfall that no crocodile unless he was crossed with Spiderman would get up.
This did generally mean that we had to walk up to an appropriate swimming spot
in the first place so quite a bit of climbing.
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| Florence Falls |
We
started the day by driving back to the edge of the park to the Magnetic Termite
Mounds – doesn’t sound all that exciting but the clever little, blind critters
that inhabit these mounds align them north-south to provide the coolest
possible home. Compare these with the Cathedral Termite mounds – who just build
them big (very big – up to 6m) to keep cool.
Then on to Florence Falls and the walk to Buley Rockhole
when we actually didn’t have a swim, mainly due to the number of people already
there. These are the popular swimming places as the pools are close to the
road. Someone did mention that a croc was trapped at Florence Falls last week
which did not engender confidence, however we’re not sure if that was correct
or just a rumour. We did get our first look at the amount of water that flows
down the waterfalls and this is after they really haven’t had a wet season this
year.
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| Tolmer Falls - can just see the natural arch above the falls |
We walked around the top of Tolmer Falls before heading to
the lookout. Tolmer falls has the longest fall of the waterfalls and it was
quite amazing to follow the creek above the falls. Apparently it is possible to
cross over the creek and see the natural bridge that is formed but only with a
ranger to guide you. Still quite an amazing opportunity not behind fences – not
that I would be doing it.
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| Elizabeth cooling off at the Cascades |
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| Upper Cascades |
We had worked up an appetite so we headed to the Cascades
for lunch and then a walk up to the Upper Cascades for a swim. The walk up was
nearly 2km and very hot and dusty. Even though the lower Cascades were still
closed after the wet season, we joined all the others in walking back down the
creek to the car. This was certainly much shorter and cooler and we all charged
across the creek together – safety in numbers a bit like all the small fish.
Seriously the water was very clear and we could see everything around so no
dramas.
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| Tjaeaba Falls hiding behind the trees |
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| Stephen in the red shirt hiding at Tjaeaba falls |
The final walk for the day was from Greenant creek up to Tjaeaba
falls where again we cooled off in the crystal clear, cool water. Another great
walk and waterfall. The pool was right at the edge of the waterfall with other
cascades above it, but we were careful not to get too close to the edge of the
waterfall.
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| Wangi Falls and plunge pool - still flowing strong |
Our day concluded with a visit to Wangi falls which is the
most popular venue at Litchfield – mainly because again it is a 2 minute walk
from the car. Swimming is not allowed currently due to the height of the water.
The water level needs to fall to such a degree that they are confident crocs
won’t come upstream and last year it did not open until the end of June. It is
a huge swimming hole also so anything could be in there at the moment and you
would have no idea.
Tomorrow we head to Darwin and will be able to post the last
couple of days.
Love to all
S&E
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