Kings Canyon, Uluru and The Olgas

The George Gill Range of which Kings Canyon is a part.

"You want me to climb up there?"

We did make it to the top and Kings Canyon is ahead of us to conquer.

From the western rim of the canyon looking south.

The sheer face at the end of the Canyon

Sturt Desert Pea, the most striking of the thousands of wildflowers which are in full bloom right across the Outback at the moment.

Sunset on the Range.

A "Wicked" van popular with young backpackers. If you can't make out what it says on the tailgate, it says, "I think I love you. Now lay down".  Crass, very crass.

  In the background is Mount Connor, which is passed on the way to Uluru and is often mistaken for Uluru (Ayers Rock). 

Uluru at Sunset

One of the many caves at the base of Uluru used by aborigines for thousands of years as dwellings and for use in various forms of ritual.

The Olgas west of Uluru.

Alice Springs

The town of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill

The dry Todd River, the scene of the famous "boat races".

A Whistling Kite waiting to perform at the excellent Desert Park in Alice Springs.

The rare Princess Parrot

A GIANT leap forward for Clare in overcoming her fear of snakes and allowing a python to be wrapped around her neck.

Pull on a khaki shirt and instantly you're a Steve Irwin.  With him gone and now with Malcolm Douglas's sad departure, there's an opening for someone.

"Frank", the Spencer Goanna

Leaving the Top End

The Devils Marbles 110 kms south of Tennant Creek NT

More of the "Marbles"

A wild dingo at the Devil's Marbles

Part of the old Barrow Creek Telegraph Station

A roadsign near Wycliffe Well, reportedly the centre of UFO activity in NT

Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls

The Upper Pool at Edith Falls north of Katherine NT

One of the most peaceful, beautiful places in the Territory.

Is that a "freshie" or a "saltie" behind me?

Sunrise breakfast cruise in Katherine Gorge

No.2 Gorge at Katherine Gorge.  There are 13 Gorges all together.  Cruise boats can only take in the first three.  The rest have to be walked.

A Crocodile (freshwater) nesting area with sign prohibiting entry.

A Saltwater Crocodile trap to catch the "occasional" saltie that may slip into the Gorge undetected.

The Northern Territory

Termite mounds at the ghost town of Newcastle Waters.  8.30am and it's already in the mid 30's.

On the Stuart Highway heading north.

 

The entrance of the Daly Waters Pub.

Inside the Daly Waters Pub and a small part of the collection of items adorning the walls and ceiling.  They include bras, knickers, thongs, ID's, currency from all countries, vehicle number plates, T-shirts and hats. Note the "Territory" spelling.

Enlarge this pic to read the script.

A quiet beer under a branch of the "thong tree".

One of two resident Peacocks at the Mataranka Homestead van park putting on a display for several of his harem.

A good lookin' guy.

Thermal Pool at Mataranka Springs.

Stevie's Hole near Mataranka and .....

....the sign near the hole. I, for one was not prepared to take the plunge.

 

So back to swimming in the thermal pool.

Crystal clear, fresh water bubbling up out of the ground from a couple of hundred metres below. Water temp...about 32 degrees C.

Cullen Bay Marina, Darwin.

Free Camping

You might have to drive off the highway in some places looking for that elusive camping area.....

......but the search is worth it to find a magic place like this one at Corella Dam between Cloncurry and Mount Isa.  No crowds, no screamin' kids on skateboards....

....and wake up in the morning to the sounds of the water birds on the dam. Heaven!

This free camp at the Georgina River billabong just outside the town of Camooweal, 25 kms east of the NT border.  No one there but us, so we had our own happy hour 'round the fire prior to putting the camp oven on the coals.

Or this camp at 41 Mile Bore in the NT east of the Three Ways where the road from the east meets the Stuart Hwy.  The sunsets and the clear, star filled, night skies take your breath away.