Trip to Top End

Submitted: Friday, Oct 03, 2003 at 17:51
ThreadID: 7580 Views:1516 Replies:3 FollowUps:3
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Hello Folks,

Returned last night, from a trip to Kakadu/Darwin, while youngest daughter is home from school. Had 3 days at Cooinda, where 2nd daughter works, and saw as much as we could in the short time we were there. Highlight was a hour or so on Yellow Waters, in a tinny, checking out the lizards and birdlife. Lots more to see next time.

Had 2 nights in Darwin, where we did the Mingel Beach markets, and also fish & chips at Stokes Hill wharf. Can recommend the Aviation Museum to any other Walter Mitty's out there!

Tojo 80 series '97 turbo performed well, with only a blown headlight globe,and 2 blown driving light globes. Economy was good considering average speeds between 110-120kph, and head winds. Best was: 12.3L/100, Worst: 14.98L/100, and average over 5315 kms, was 13.59l/100. Longest day was Daly Waters to the Isa: 1015 kms.

Used the old Jim Jim road on way to Darwin, it was excellent, and suitable for 2WD as well. Only thing we'll change next time will be the quality of mattresses, and maybe leave a bit of gear at home.

Saw 3 accidents while away, all on dead straight sections. Keeps you on the alert, when you're not asleep, that is.

Hooroo...

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Reply By: Member - Bob - Saturday, Oct 04, 2003 at 06:38

Saturday, Oct 04, 2003 at 06:38
Bob
Yellow waters - they wouldn't have been the big lizards would they? It's a pretty special place isn't it? Pity about the cane toads arriving.Bob
AnswerID: 32742

Reply By: Member - Phil [Sunshine Coast] - Saturday, Oct 04, 2003 at 06:52

Saturday, Oct 04, 2003 at 06:52
Hi Bob,
We ret. 3 wks ago from the same trip,it was a great exp. The most enjoyable stay was at Perrys on the Daly river , went to Shady camp also,it would be a maaagic place early in the dry! We will do the trip again, this time as soon as poss. after the 'wet'[ less dust more grass & more fish]
Seeya Phil

AnswerID: 32745

Follow Up By: Lyds - Monday, Oct 06, 2003 at 23:10

Monday, Oct 06, 2003 at 23:10
We were going to stay at Shady Camp but heard it was only good for fishing and had lots of flies (ie more than usual). So we went straight through to Darwin. What was it like?Cheers,
Stuart
- To err is human, to moo bovine -
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FollowupID: 23536

Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Tuesday, Oct 07, 2003 at 13:10

Tuesday, Oct 07, 2003 at 13:10
We lived in Darwin back in 98/99. Had great fun exploring the Top End but never camped at Shady Camp. Heard from a local it was a top barra spot with good camping but when we went to check it out, a croc wandered across the camp ground right in front of the car. Needless to say, we decided then and there that this wasn't a camping spot for us, LOL!

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
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FollowupID: 23573

Reply By: Cobra - Monday, Oct 06, 2003 at 00:49

Monday, Oct 06, 2003 at 00:49
We just got back on the 27th from Darwin. Absolutely brilliant. Litchfield and Kakadu plus the yellow waters cruise. Just stayed the one night at Gagadju (friends are temp staff). Mingel Beach is definately a MUST do (Thursday night is best), Stokes Wharf is also good. Enjoyed it so much, we are heading back next year
AnswerID: 32853

Follow Up By: Member - Phil [Sunshine Coast] - Tuesday, Oct 07, 2003 at 17:06

Tuesday, Oct 07, 2003 at 17:06
Hi Lyds,
Stayed 2 nights at Shady camp,very lge area but very dry! The lizard count was unreal... in the 'fresh' side of the barrage I went fishin twice,& each time I saw about 50+ of the buggers, on the banks or in the water, & at that time of the dry the river was down to about 6 acres in area, & thats only the ones I saw!!
But it would be a great place at the end of the wet, the same with Litchfield & kakadu so we will make sure thats when we go back!
Mindel markets were great, we were there the night the cops raided it & caught heaps of people working there that were on the dole .
Hopeing to get back to the Top End in May o5, might see ya there

Phil
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FollowupID: 23592

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