a Top End holiday…
It feels nostalgic sitting in an aircraft again, however gazing out the window caused me to reflect on the array of flights I’ve taken over decades. But, this was a first wearing a mask. To view the Australian landscape from the air was a wonderful distraction!
Virgin Australia over outback Australia
With covid restrictions easing it was time to have six glorious days exploring the Top End, the Northern Territory. Landing in Darwin, the day temperature is 32 degrees. We adapt and take joy in a slower pace as we walk the streets. But driving? The highway speed can have you at 130km per hour! Its end of April end of the wet season. This is a quiet time before many visitors come to explore the tracks we are about to embrace.
Enjoy this little video… Litchfield National Park – Greenant Creek & Tjaetaba Falls
Two nights in Darwin include an ANZAC dawn service (not intential but it was moving), sunset dinner cruise, a gin bar, art galleries and more. A friend in from Nhulunbuy takes us exploring and swimming in freshwater creeks with waterfalls at Litchfield National Park. Next day is early start. We pick up the 4WD hire car and head towards Kakadu National Park. A straight forward 3hour drive out along the Arnhem Hwy. This is a self-drive holiday to Kakadu in the Northern Territory. And yes, we stopped at the Bark Hut Inn – roadhouse on the way.
Ubirr sunset, Kakadu National Park – Northern Territory
I get why people want to take-time to explore this region of Kakadu and Arnhem land, there’s plenty of walking tracks and camping sites. But, time is of the essence, therefore two nights and three days allows us to appreciate another wonderful part of Australia.
After a night at Jabiru we headed south to Cooinda for the night. A safari tent for our accommodation, a stunningly warm day, an evening terrential down pour, a toad frog and dingo sighting and a refreshing beer with our evening nibble made for a very satisfying day. Another early rise to watch the sunrise over the Yellow Water Billabong. The Captain’s narrative on the cruise, the wild life and scenery had us all on board just watching and contemplating, because it was so peaceful. Of course the local yarns enticed a giggle.
Yellow Water Billabong Cruise – Kakadu – Travel With A Difference
Now, travelling from Darwin via Brisbane to the Byron region took a day. A shuttle bus, a delayed flight, a delayed train only to arrive at the Gold Coast to climb into a thumping 4WD and head south over the border.
It was time to hang out with friends who I have known for decades and it was wonderful to see them. Four days leisurely blending into their world. It brought emotion to the forefront. Being void of contact due to state border closures (thanks covid-19!) highlighted I really missed contact with friends. Sometimes a phone call or text just doesn’t cut it. So, here’s to future travels and holidays with friends and loved ones or simply visiting them. Enjoy!
If this has evoked emotion or the need for a holiday, simply contact Travel With A Difference via phone or Enquiry at www.travelwithadifference.com.au
