1.- Darwin was our next stop. This city, the only big one in the Top End (north centre), was practically destroyed in 1974 by the cyclone Larry, so there’s not much to see in the city itself. Furthermore, it’s not safe to swim in its sandy beaches (jellyfish or crocs can be waiting for you). Where to go then? Fortunately, there are some nice spots like the Lake Alexander, where you can swim and relax under the palms.

2.- Darwin. The other thing to do in Darwin is to go to the Mindl Market (Thursdays and Sundays) where you can choose between a wide range of oriental cuisine (don’t forget that Timor is just around the corner) and then see the nice sunset from the beach.

3.- Litchfield National Park. But people don’t come so far to see cities, but nature. Two National Parks are close to Darwin: Litchfield and Kakadu, where you can find amazing things like this Cathedral Termite Mounds.

4.- Berry Springs. Our Brazilian friend Claudio paid us a visit and has been travelling with us for 3 weeks. In his first day he was more than happy with the change from winter in Sydney to the stinky hot summer up in the Top End. This nice natural pool is thermal, so you can swim in the warm water for ages.

5.- Litchfield National Park. This park is full of creeks and waterfalls where to escape of the summer temperatures.

6.- Litchfield National Park. During our trip we have met several families who are travelling with their kids for months or even for years. In Australia you can take your kids out of school and take them to discover the world, something unimaginable in the Old Europe. In Litchfield one day we managed to catch up with 2 families we met near Uluru and to spend one night together near a bonfire before spreading out again.

7.- Litchfield National Park. Florence falls, another dreaming place to swim.

8.- Kakadu. This National Park is associated with one word: crocodiles! Note that they warn about the creatures and at the same time prepare a picnic table… for you or for the crocs?

9.- Kakadu. And just 50 meters upstream we found this nice saltwater crocodile waiting for the next tourist. The crocs are one of the oldest living animals. They “decided” they were good enough to keep on evolving some 200 millions years ago. (Photo Claudio)

10.- Kakadu. The East Alligator River looks peaceful and quiet but better not to put your finger in the water.

11.- Kakadu. The cruise guide in the East Alligator River told us he could find 3 figures in this rock formation. One is the face of Robocop, the other one is the face of ET and the third one is a famous cartoon character that is sleeping a siesta. Do you guess who? Please leave a comment with your answer. The winner will get a free siesta! 

12.- Kakadu. At the Ubirr rock we could contemplate one of the most spectacular sunsets in Australia. The red sun become violet while descending over the Kakadu wetlands. Unforgettable.

13.- Kakadu. The other reason to go to Kakadu is to admire the aboriginal rock paintings. Some of these are 30.000 years old.

14.- Kakadu. But it’s difficult to know the age, because unlike in Europe, there are not organic elements in the paint to try the C14 test with. One interesting thing is that near paintings thousands years old it can be found recent ones, like this English ship from the 19th century.

15.- Kakadu. Worst than the crocodiles are the millions of mosquitoes that also live here. It was just to open the door of the Manolita and a wild horde would be waiting to have their dinner.

16.- Arhem Land. East from Kakadu extends the biggest aboriginal land in whole Australia (approximately 400 km x 400 km). The access is restricted and usually you need a permit to enter, but luckily we found out that there was an “open day” in Oenpenlli (Gunbalanya) the first local community in Arnhem Land and there we went. The first thing to do was not easy. The East Alligator River (yes, the one with the crocs) is tidal and you have to cross on right time. Go, Manolita, go!

17.- Arhem Land. In the community there were several activities going, like traditional spear throwing, where locals and guest tried to reach this mock kangaroo.

18.- Arhem Land. They had good style but it’s not an easy thing and they barely hit the target. Well, thanks God they have guns now.

19.- Arhem Land. This guy showed Katja how to make the circular breath, but it’s not sure what was exactly Katja looking at.

20.- Arhem Land. One of the best things was the aboriginal dance. Since they were performing for their own people, there was a very good mood around and both artists and public enjoyed a lot.

21.- Arhem Land. Nowadays everybody wants to buy a didgeridoo with traditional paintings but look what the locals really use. A “fragile” adhesive band!!

22.- Arhem Land. Who knows what meat is this? A clue: tastes like chicken, but with a stronger texture.

23.- Arhem Land. One of the sweetest moments of the day: local women curling and playing with a white baby.

24.- Arhem Land. Another opportunity too good to pass up was this wild goose and kangaroo tails cooked in the traditional way: wrapped in paperbark and cooked with hot stones under ground. Yummi!

25.- Arhem Land. Aboriginal flag. Red for the colour of the ground, black for the skin and yellow for the sun.

26.- Kakadu. Before leaving Kakadu, we made our last stop at the Gumlon Falls. This view is from the top of the fall, and down is the plunge pool, another beautiful spot for swimming.

27. Kakadu/Litchfield. Other shots of these gorgeous places.