Jalmurark National Park to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park

We arrived in Katherine and consulted our Camps7 book (the bible for travellers like us who like to free camp in great spots or caravan parks that are quiter than usual and have some great characteristics like good scenery or very shady). We found this little place Manbulloo Homestead Stay a few km out of Katherine and loved the shady trees and grassy sites. There were a few permanents here also and some of them were people who had dropped through the cracks of life. We loved it there and stayed 3 nights. 

The Katherine highway bridge and railway bridge give an impressive view of the Katherine River

Railway bridge is now closed

We then journeyed south to Mataranka and found the Jalmurak (Elsey) Nation Park. This magnificent swimming hole is another great place to hang around for a month or so. A 4km canoe ride takes you to Mataranka falls. Kerry took the girls here when they did a road trip from Mt Isa 16 years ago. They were 12 and 10 and from all reports had a great time. Hope they remember some of it.

Our shady camp site

Some of the termite nests are dressed in fine style on this road. This one - mother and child

At this rest area we were on our own so decided a roof top sleep was the safest. Kerry just getting the roof organised.

The view was quite something - you could see 180 deg of the horizon from the roof

Sunrise the next day

Alison under mossie net lookìng a bit dishevelled next morning after a beautiful sleep under the stars.

These finches came  for water the next day but the tank was dry so we organised a good drink for them

When the rivers are not suitable for swimming cos of the "snappy handbags" the next best way to keep cool and shower at the same time!!

Another lovely rest area that. night with sunset through the trees

We were having starter motor probs so this camp at Kingfisher Camp on the Nicholson River offered flat sites on a small hill - perfect if we need a clutch start.

The croc infested Nicholson River - this is the boat ramp

Looking down the river

Even though the starter was still playing up we decided to come to Lawn Hill as it was a bit of a turnaround to come back here from Mt Isa. It is as beautiful as we remember perhaps even more with more lush vegetation and fish, crocs(freshies), turtles and amazing bird life. I am sure the kids will remember Indarri Falls - just as breathtaking as before - wish you were all here to have that amazing swim. Remember the falls being like a thousand fingers on your back and the pool at the bottom like the best spa ever - still the same you will be pleased to know. From 50m away you wouldn't even know it is there except for the palm trees and the sound of rushing water.

Then the view!!!

While we were there we learnt how to feed the Archer fish. You put an ant or march fly on your finger and they spot them and spit a spray of water at it to knock it off you finger. It then falls into the water and they have lunch!! They do this to the ants on the pandanus leaves that grow along the edge of the gorge.

Kerry in the spa

A good view of the first and second gorge

The Cascades - another beautiful area of the park

We met old school friend of Kerrys - Fran van Gilst and her husband Pepe - had a ukelele jam session.