Tumbling Waters, NT.
We head back north again, but this time instead of going all the way into Darwin, we saying about 30mins out of town at a place called Tumbling Waters - there is not much here apart from a caravan park. Again though, it is an oasis, I know I say that every time, but given the landscape is so harsh in places, when there is a river and some water, there are just these little areas that are so green and lush and it is such a constrast. It is hard not to appreciate the greenery, the shade and the repreive from the hot sun. There is little walking track to the billabong beside the caravan park, which was a nice little walk.
We used this as a base and went exploring. Our first night we went into Palmerston and had dinner with John, Dave and Christine at the fishing club. It was a lovely family atmosphere with kids running around everywhere. Which was good for the kids after a few days with no the kids at Banyan Farm. We enjoyed some Greek inspired meals, but didn't have any luck with the meat raffle. Chris is treasurer of the fishing club so asked the ladies behind the bar to save bottle caps for the kids to make their craft coasters. The kids were so excited.
The next day we just relaxed around the caravan park, walked around the crocodile lagoon, and cooled off with a swim in the pool. The kids found Jackson, a little boy a meet at Timber Creek who is Bridie's age and loved playing with him during the week.
The next evening we went to the Rodeo in Darwin with John, Ian and Abby. The kids had so much fun - Elsie was beside herself watching all the animals and the riders. We patted one of the barrel racing horses who was wearing the sparkly halter and Elsie thought that was amazing. We waited all night for the big bulls and were not disappointed. Remember back to our time in Margaret River and Elsie was obsessed with seeing bulls in the paddock - well, that passion is still very much alive!
We visted Berry Springs which is just 10 minutes drive from the caravan park. It was fairly busy because it was the weekend. It is a popular place for locals and there were a few birthday parties etc happening around the park. Kylie visited here when she was a girl, and it was still as green and lush as she remembers. (Unfortunately forgot to take photos!)
The next few days we had some rest and repair days. Bridie and Zara have now come down with a cold, so no swimming, just hanging out at the van, and bike riding around the caravan park. We also got a record breaking hot day with the temperature reaching 40 degrees celcius, which is the hottest September day for the area in 40 years - not a great day to be sick and unable to swim.
We went for a few day drives in the car - mostly to escape the heat with the car air conditioner (and to let the kids have a nap in the cool car!) We visited Walgait Beach, an old WWII aircraft wreckage, found some geocaches along the way, and had lunch at Dundee Beach with John. We also explored Dundee Beach a little bit - yes it is named after Crocodile Dundee!! We were meant to stay here for a week in a house with Uncle Roger but due to COVID restrictions, unfortunately Roger was unable to fly out of Victoria. We went exploring in prepartion for next time - the ensuite sites at the caravan park are definitely a winner.
Saul and John spent our last day on a fishing charter from Dundee Beach. He caught a large Spanish Mackerel, and lots of other reef fish, coral troat and tuna. Fish and chip for dinner tonight!!
Kylie did a yoga class with the locals - a very peaceful place to practice yoga. A gentle reminder to take more time out for this sort of thing. Especially heading towards the 5 month mark on the road we are all starting to get on each others nerves a bit - a combination of the hot weather, close quarters, and the sick germs bouncing around. The kids are also starting to miss home a bit more - but they are excited to turn the corner and head south.
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