Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 14:19
Hi Lyn,
Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year and that Santa was kind, LOL. Not an easy question to answer because everyone has different perceptions of of
places. First time I visited
Kakadu and
Litchfield (back in 1990) I came away thinking that
Litchfield was my favourite. However, back then it was a very new NP, with only a handful of visitors and still relatively unknown so I think my impression was influenced by the fact that it was a very pleasant "surprise". On the other hand, I also loved
Kakadu but because of all the the hype and publicity surrounding it (and justifiably so) it didn't have the same "surprise" impact.
Anyway, when we lived in
Darwin we got the chance to explore both NP's extensively and the fact is we loved them both so I don't know how you can pick between them. Both parks are very different.
Kakadu incorporates the North and South Alligator River wetlands which flood during the wet season but by the dry season the water has dried up leaving only billabongs, pools and waterways. This is why visitors at this time get to see such rich birdlife and wildlife - because it is concentrated around these areas.
Kakadu also incorporates fringes of the Arnhemland escarparment with its towering gorges and waterfalls (ie. Jim Jim and
Twin Falls) and dry savannah woodlands. So you see, there is a lot of diversity. As others have said though,
Kakadu incorporates a very large area and depending on what attractions you choose to see, you have to allow for long periods in the car going between them. I think it is this aspect that disappoints some some visitors, particularly if they haven't allowed themselves enough time to explore the park.
I note that others above have recommended a visit to
Jim Jim Falls (at that time of year the falls won't be flowing although the towering cliffs are well worth visiting anyway) and normally I would agree but knowing you have a
young family you might be better off giving it a miss this time around. Reason being that because of the distance from most campsites and the 4WD access you need to allow at least a full day to explore Jim Jim &
Twin Falls (most visitors incorporate both falls into a day trip). Then to access the plunge pool at
Jim Jim Falls (and get the full impression of the magnificent cliffs above you) you have to follow the walking trail along the edge of the creek for a ways...easy except for the last 100-200 metres which involves scrambling over large boulders lining the river bed. This would not be easy with two very
young children in tow. Next up is
Twin Falls...a short easy walk to the creek then you have to swim or paddle several hundred metres up the gorge actually see the falls. Unless you are a confident, strong swimmer many find this challenge a bit too daunting. Ideally, you should take a canoe/kayak or inflatable vessel of some sort (even a tyre tube to hang onto) but again, with
young kids it might be a bit too much. Mind you, it is a delightful place to swim even if you don't bother going up to the base of the falls.
If it was me with limited time and like you, with a
young family, I would definitely do a
Yellow Water cruise (either the dawn or late afternoon one) which is absolutely delightful...great birdlife, great scenery and you WILL see crocs. I know our son would love it (as do we having done the cruise many times). I'd also visit Ubirr and
Nourlangie Rock to see the aboriginal artwork and more great scenery. All are easily accessed on sealed roads. If you have more time available, there are plenty of other great attractions available...just take your pick. BTW, allow at least a few hours to wander around the Bowral visitors centre.
OK, now to
Litchfield. Very different to
Kakadu as it incorporates
sandstone escarpments with very little wetlands. The main attractions are Tolmer, Wangi and
Florence Falls (and Buley Rockholes at the top of
Florence Falls) with swimming at all but the first and of course the magnetic
termite mounds. As the park is quite small and these main attractions linked by sealed road, all can be easily visited in a single day. So basically, you can spend the day in your togs going from one attraction to the other. Only downside is that they will all be very busy at that time of year. If you can afford an extra day or two, camp in the park and get out in your 4WD to explore
The Lost City, Blyth Homestead ruins and Sandy Creek Falls (good campground here not as busy as others because it is 4WD access only) although there is a longish walk from the campground to the falls and the water is absolutely freezing so you need to be brave, LOL. Another option is to drive back a short ways along the access track and
cool off in one of the shallow pools in the creek.
For a
Litchfield wetlands experience you might consider a Reynolds River cruise. This incorporates a short cruise up and down a large landlocked billabong with plenty of birdlife and freshwater crocs to be seen. The cruises are privately operated as the billabong is actually on private property and is not part of the NP (although I wouldn't be surprised if it is annexed at some future point in time). Note, the
Yellow Water cruise in
Kakadu is far better but this cruise is worth doing as an alternative.
Our favourite part of
Litchfield is the southern 4WD access track which heads south from near Sandy Creek, criss-crosses the Reynolds River and eventually exits onto the
Daly River Road. This track can be easily traversed in a day with the main attractions apart from the
4WDriving are getting away from the crowds, magnetic
termite mounds and Surprise Creek Falls (where there is bush
camping and excellent swimming) about halfway along.
Hope my comments are of some help Lyn. I have more details and pics on our website and feel free to email me if you have any other queries.
:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog
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Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 16:12
Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004 at 16:12
Melissa I hope your Christmas and New Year were fun too - not long to go now before the baby arrives....
Thanks very much for all that info, it's great..and has given us stacks of ideas...my main concern has been what we will be able to do with the kids..and you've certainly given us some ideas....
cheers
all the best for the new arrival, hope it all goes well
Lyn
Life - Live it , Love it !
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