Northern Territory – The Hidden Panorama

Top Destinations and Attractions – Northern Territory Traveler’s Panorama Guide

Planning to explore Northern Territory? Wanted to make it full and lasting holiday in this federal territory of Australia called as the country’s outback? You are in the right place to check and see what this full of desert landscapes has to offer.

This post will give some insights what places to see and visit in Northern Territory using some questions to know your travel preference.

1. Are you an Adventure Seeker?

I can truly say that people visited Northern Territory are adventurers. Why? Because most of the places to visit in this part of Australia requires physical activities like walking, trekking, climbing, swimming or combination. It means that you cannot see the awesome places without doing an effort to see or experience it unless you wanted to see wonderful places from above through flying with helicopter which is different. The lists below are a must-see.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Bush Walking, Walking, Trekking

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) – Trekking

Kings Canyon – Trekking

Litchfield National Park – Walking, Trekking, Swimming

Nitmiluk National Park – Trekking, Swimming

2. Are you a Scenic View Lover?

Northern Territory offers a lot of fascinating natural wonders, that sometimes even myself thinking how on earth these nature wonders ever created? The list below should not be missed.

Nitmiluk National Park

Litchfield National Park

Mount Conner Lookout

Uluru / Ayers Rock Lookout

Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing Area

Kings Canyon

3. Are you a History and a Culture Buff?

Have you ever wondered that Northern Territory also offers its part of its history and culture based on the nature wonders that it offers? Yes, it is still correlated to each other and visitors like me wondered that the aboriginals that lives in this part of Australia are being proud of their own identity and community. Below list are recommended places for it.

Uluru (Ayers) Rock

Judbarra (Gregory) National Park

Strauss Airfield

4. Are you a Shopaholic?

If you are still tend to buying stuff while in Northern Territory, I think the shopping experience you will have in this part of Australia will be a bit different compared when you are into buying things in the city, as most of the things you can buy around Northern Territory will reflect the culture of the Aboriginals or their local products which can be found in markets across the territory. Since both of my tour in the said territory are more on adventure tour, I do not have experience in doing shopping aside from basic needs like food and drinks. But I had visited and seen aboriginal arts stores across the territory.

5. Are you Just Chilling Out?

Do you want to travel in Northern Territory without exerting too much physical adventures just to reach amazing places in this part of Australia? And you just wanted to rest to unwind and become a bit of lazy? Here are some options for you to do that.

Alice Spring

Darwin

Notes :

Coming to Northern Territory for me is not a typical or ordinary travel that people usually does. Traveling in this part of Australia means, a great love for nature and willing to go beyond the comfort zone. And wanted to have an extraordinary travel or adventure. For people who are not adventurous enough and does not want to exhaust itself from lots of physical activities to reach the wonderful places in Northern Territory has a choice to do sightseeing in luxurious ways like bus tour or fly tour. And people like me who just had enough to do adventures chose to go in affordable way. I can’t afford luxury travel therefore I came in this part of Australia in most economical way that I can. I joined adventure tours where the cost was lower compared to other tour offerings, but these kind of tours has requirements, you must be up for adventures. If you are not, then, either you spend fortunes to travel in most comfortable way possible. In the end, everybody can still visit Northern Territory and enjoy it no matter how different ways it is.

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Northern Territory

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Travel Diary 101 : Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure

While living in Australia for more than 1.5 years, most of the cities and places that I visited are located in the eastern side and southern part of the country. I also got a chance to visit even the middle part of Australia. What does this mean? It means that I never got a chance to be at the northern part and western part of this huge continent country. Therefore, before my visa ended last February 2017, I planned for my last adventure in Down Under last October 2016. The said adventure was not like the first part of my tour. The suppose to be Kakadu National Park day tour became Litchfield National Park day tour. The whole story of what happened in the first part of my adventure were explained in my post here and here. The second part of my adventure started from Darwin at Northern Territory and ended at Broome in Western Australia.

After my tour in Litchfield National Park, the bus tour dropped me off near my hotel accommodation (The Cavenagh Hotel) that I booked for 1-night since the next day was the start of my 4WD Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure in 9 Days. In my travel and adventures, the tour was the longest multiple day tours that I experienced. The tour company also offers longer days such as 21 Days that will end in Perth, but unfortunately, I cannot afford to be in 21 Days straight travel even I wanted to as I have other personal matters to attend even I was in vacation.

From the hotel, I picked-up my Telstra sim card that I reserved even before I arrived in my accommodation, then setup my phone. I had my dinner at the hotel and tried the steak that it was offering since The Cavenagh Hotel is famous for their steak. I had a great dinner that time inside my room since a lot of people were outside having dinner while drinking on Friday night. It was a typical Aussie ambiance in a pub restaurant. Before I slept that night, I prepared my stuff and my luggage so it will be easy for my early morning checkout.

Here are the 9 Days 4WD Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure itinerary that we had:

Day 1: Darwin to Katherine Region

From Darwin, the group drove towards Nitmiluk National Park in Northern Territory to enjoy Edith Falls and Katherine Gorge.

Edith Falls and Upper Pool

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Nitmiluk National Park with Katherine River at Baruwei Lookout

Day 2: Victoria River, Judbarra National Park and Lake Argyle

The first stop of the group was a quick look of Victoria River along Victoria Highway. Next, the group had trekking adventure in Judbarra or Gregory National Park which still located in Northern Territory. Here we enjoyed fascinating scenery of the valley and the thousand years of aboriginal drawings and paintings created in rocks, boulders and escarpments.

“The Vic” or Victoria River

Trekking Escarpment Walls of Judbarra

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At Judbarra (Gregory) National Park

Then, we drove to cross the border of Northern Territory and Western Australia where we experienced to adjust time as the two states has different timezone. The second adventure of the group for the day were cruising some part of the 700 square kilometre man-made spectacular Lake Argyle and swimming.

Sunset at Lake Argyle

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At Lake Argyle

Day 3: Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Ranges)

The following adventure we did after we drove towards Purnululu National Park, were quick viewing of Osmond Range from the ground and trekking Echidna Chasm. We also had a sunset viewing at lookout ridge to witness sunset towards some part of Osmond Range and Escarpment Walls of Bungle Bungle Range.

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Osmond Range

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Echidna Chasm

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Sunset with Escarpment Walls (West of Bungle Bungle Range and Osmond Range)

Day 4: The Bungle Bungle and El Questro Station

Since we camped within Purnululu National Park, we trekked “The Bungle Bungles”. The walked includes “The Domes” and “Cathedral Gorge” Walk. After we left Purnululu National Park, we passed Warmun (Turkey Creek) and Durack Range. We took the famous Gibb River Road to continue adventuring Kimberley. Our first stop along Gibb River Road was El Questro. We arrived at El Questro Station before it gets dark that day.

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A Walk in Purnululu Range from Picaninny

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The Domes

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Cathedral Gorge

Day 5: El Questro Station and Zebedee Springs (plus Champagne Springs Trail)

The following day was spent in a relaxing bath time in Zebedee Springs. When we returned to El Questro Station, we played around and swam in Pentecost River just beside the group’s camping site inside the station. In the afternoon, I joined few people from the group to walk along Champagne Springs Trail.

Zebedee Springs

At Champagne Springs Trail (unofficial itinerary)

Thousand Year Old Boab Tree along Champagne Springs Trail

Related Travel Post(s) :
El Questro Station and Surround

Day 6: El Questro Wilderness Park, Gibb River Road and Manning Creek

After leaving El Questro Station that day, we went straight to El Questro Wilderness Park which can be found within Cockburn Range. We trekked towards the waterhole of Emma Gorge and had great time in the water. It was the same day where we spent longest hours driving in Gibb River Road for the day. We passed Pentecost River which cross each other with Gibb River Road, we enjoyed the scenic view of Cockburn Range from a distance and we took lunch in one of the resting point that located along Gibb River Road. Then, we had been in the same road for hours until we reached Manning Gorge Campsite just near Manning Creek before sunset.

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Emma Gorge

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Cockburn Range

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At Manning Creek

Related Travel Post(s) :
Emma Gorge and Cockburn Range – El Questro Wilderness

Day 7: Manning Gorge

The day’s adventure was focused only in Manning Gorge, as we trekked hours towards and from the gorge and swimming on its waterhole. Then, a relaxing time again in Manning Creek before ending the day.

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Manning Gorge

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Near at Manning Gorge Campsite

Related Travel Post(s) :
Manning Gorge – A Picturesque Gorge In Gibb River Road

Day 8 : Bell Gorge and Windjana Gorge

A busy time for the group as we visited two gorges in one day which both includes easy to medium walk towards the beautiful gorges. A great time spent in a picturesque Bell Gorge. A great experience in Windjana Gorge to witness sunset, freshwater crocodiles in Lennard River and thousand fruit-bats flying away from the gorge for feeding time in one seating.

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Bell Gorge

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Windjana Gorge

Day 9: Tunnel Creek National Park, Derby and Broome

Before heading to Broome, we had our last adventure in Tunnel Creek National Park in the morning where we explored a historical and ancient cave where the Tunnel Creek flows through it. We had lunch near Derby Wharf, stopped in Prison Boab Tree, Willare Bridge Roadhouse and Willare Bridge before hitting the road again to reached Broome. When we reached Broome, it was the end of the 9 Days Overland Adventure from Darwin to Broome.

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Tunnel Creek Cave

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Derby

Prison Boab Tree

At Willare Bridge, Fitzroy River

Related Travel Post(s) :
Tunnel Creek National Park, Derby and Broome

It’s the end of my adventure tour with the group and the beginning of my solo trip and tour of the rest of my stay in Western Australia.

Until then.

Chromatic Outlook : Little Bungle Bungles at Kings Canyon (NT, Australia)

Chromatic Outlook (Post#45) : Little Bungle Bungles at Kings Canyon (NT, Australia)

When I had a chance to do a walk or trek in Kings Canyon in Northern Territory, Australia along the trail we found something which they usually called as “Little Bungle Bungles”. It resembles “The Bungle Bungles” in Purnululu National Park if you are looking into it from the top or from the air. Honestly when I saw it, I had been curious what its like for real. And I got my interest to see it one day. After three years that I had been in Red Centre, I returned to Australia in 2016 and got a chance to see this amazing landmarks. I featured these photos since I haven’t taken the flight tour over the park to be able to see it from the top. These photos are part of Day 3 (Kings Canyon) of 3 Days Red Centre Adventure Tour April 2013.

25 Reasons Why You Must Visit Northern Territory

Visiting or exploring Northern Territory in Australia is one of the best thing to do if you are in this continent country down under. The said territory offers variety of national parks with distinct characters on its own. Though I haven’t seen all of national parks such as Kakadu which I initially planned to explore but failed because of some unforeseen reason but the other parks that I got a chance to see did not fail me to amaze me and I truly admired them. There are so many reasons why people visiting Australia should try to explore this part of the country.

Below are the list of reasons which all of them I got a chance to see, visit, explore and experience while touring around Northern Territory.

1. Camel Farm (Camel Australia)

This camel farm was not too far from Alice Spring, anyone who haven’t experience camel ride adventure, on this farm everyone will get the chance the camel ride challenge of a lifetime.

2. Erldunda

This place in Northern Territory is a homestead which is a great stopover station from a long drive either in Stuart Highway or Lasseter Highway. It offers accommodations, fuel refill and even shops in the middle of the remote desert.

3. Yulara

This is an isolated town where our group had spent overnight sleeping in a swag in an open camp site. A great outback experience for the night where you can enjoy stars before sleeping tight. This is also the town where most of the expensive accommodations located in Red Centre.

4. Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Uluru is an island mountain rock with sacred significance to Aboriginal People lives in the area. Also called Ayers Rocks is commonly uses as Australia’s Outback landmark. Try to do the base walk instead of climbing the rock as respect to aboriginals request.

5. Uluru Sunset Viewing Area

If you are not into walking at the base of Ayers Rock, then the Uluru Sunset Viewing area is for you which offers scenic view of Uluru from a distance. It gives the visitor a chance to take photos of the whole island mountain rock stands in the middle of remote wilderness.

6. Mount Conner Lookout (Mount Conner View With Sand Dunes and Lake Across)

Along Lasseter Highway there is Mount Conner Lookout to appreciate the scenic view of the Mount Conner itself. Then, across the lookout, there is sand dunes where anyone can play and the lake view to enjoy beside it.

7. Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing Area

This lookout area is positioned in a good location to see both Uluru and Kata Tjuta in different times of the day to appreciate these two natural wonders exist in Red Centre.

8. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Trekking “The Olgas” was one of a kind of journey that I had while at the Red Centre. Experiencing these amazing rock formations that grown like hills and mountains made me think how such things happened in this part of the world that made these rocks became wonderful on its own.

9. George Gill Range

Coming from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and using Lasseter Highway, the George Gill is a long mountain range which said to be purely sandstone but while we were on the road this mountain range offers scenic views to anyone who passed the road. The mountain range also used by tourism for scenic flight adventure.

10. Kings Creek Station

This is the station where we stayed for an overnight before we trek Kings Canyon. Anybody who plan to adventure in the outback, this station offers accommodations, camping, even basic supplies to survive in remote wilderness, food and tours.

11. Kings Canyon at Wattarka National Park

We had a trek within the Canyon Walk where we reached Cotterrils Lookout, crossed “Garden of Eden”, saw Rock Domes, Kings Creek and Lost City. We also experienced the Canyon Rim Walk with a breath-taking scenery to enjoy.

12. Alice Springs

It is a town in Northern Territory located almost at the center of Australia and said to have equidistant between Darwin and Adelaide. When I got a chance be in the city, I had few hours spent here which mostly because of my accommodation before the Red Centre adventure and before flying back to Melbourne. For me this town is an interesting one since the common job within the town are related to tourism, I am wondering how such small community able to survive in the middle of the desert

13. Darwin and The Cav

I haven’t had a picture of tourist spot in Darwin because I only slept few hours in the city, as I was not really able to explore this city at the top end. But I will not forget the food that I tasted in “The Cav” (Cavenagh Hotel) where I stayed for an overnight before the overland adventure took place. The restaurant is famous for its steak menu and popular in Darwin which proven to be true.

14. Strauss Airfield

Along Stuart Highway in Noonamah, Northern Territory, Strauss Airfield is situated just beside the highway. The historical airfield was built in 1942 during World War II. Only remnants can be found in the site as reminders of the airfield and its story since it was decommissioned after the war in 1945.

15. Batchelor Town

Batcher Town is a small town to see in Batchelor Road. The town keeps and maintain the Replica of Karlstejn Castle at Havlik Park which named after Bernie Havlik whom made the huge rock into castle. Batchelor town is considered as the gateway to Litchfield National Park.

16. Banyan Tree Caravan Park

Banyan Tree Caravan Park offers accommodations and has shop or store for a quick break or snack before doing the adventures in Litchfield National Park.

17. Cathedral Termite (Nasutitermes Triodiae) Mounds

Everyone driving near or within Litchfield National Park will witness lots of termite mounds around the area. But two of gigantic termite mounts can be found here and called as Cathedral Termite Mounds

18. Magnetic Termite or Compass Termite (Amitermes Meridionalis) Mounds

Another termite mound that will amaze visitors is a cemetery look-alike termite mounds called Magnetic Termite Mounds where the termites able to create a perfectly flat mound upward.

19. Florence Falls (Karrimura)

Florence Falls is said to be a spiritual place in a sense that it is exclusive to individual no matter you are near or far from people.

20. Tolmer Falls

Tomer Falls is a spectacular falls within Litchfield National Park with high distant and deep plunge pool.

21. Litchfield Cafe

Litchfield Cafe was the place where a cold buffet lunch is being offered but need to check if advance booking is a must. This restaurant is famous of their mango cheesecake desert.

22. Wangi Falls

Wangi Falls is the most popular pool to visitors and the most accessible falls within Litchfield National Park.

23. Edith Falls (Leliyn Falls)

Edith Falls or Leliyn Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls and pools on the Edith River in Nitmiluk National Park. With limited time in the waterfall, everyone can enjoy either in the base pool or main pool and the upper pool. For more adventurous one, a day trek to Sweetwater pool is a great one.

24. Katherine Gorge

A quick hike to Baruwei Lookout offers stunning scenery of Nitmiluk National Park with Katherine River.

25. Judbarra (Gregory) National Park

A site rich of aboriginal cultures which depicts in the arts found along the escarpment walls in Judbarra National Park.

The above 25 reasons are my list and there are more reasons aside from above, to think that I haven’t visited the World Heritage Site Kakadu National Park. If I were you, I will plan to explore this part of Australia and you will not disappoint because you will enjoy the top end.

Lake Argyle – Where People, Birds, Fishes, Wallabies and Freshies Meet

The previous post described the adventures that we had in the Day 2 morning in Judbarra (Gregory) National Park where we did a trek following the Nawilbinbin Walking Trail. After doing such an eventful activity, we were back in the road and drove hours towards the border of Northern Territory and Western Australia. After few hours in the road, we reached the checkpoint of the border, an experience as it was like moving to another country though it was just moving to another state. Before crossing to Western Australia, our adventure tour guide Scotty made arrangement at the DAFWA Kununurra Checkpoint Charlie and while we were waiting, we grabbed our chance to take photos at the border.

Looking towards Northern Territory

Looking towards Western Australia

The East Kimberley Rough Map at Western Australia

The Kimberley (which mostly at the northern part of Australia)

After Scotty completed his tasks in the border quarantine checkpoint, we crossed the border and we adjusted the time because of timezone difference between the state and the territory. From Victoria Highway we drove towards Lake Argyle Resort where the group had lunch and rested for a while. The resort itself was the campsite that the group used for the night that day which was really great at it offer facilities such showers and toilets. While we were resting a bit in the resort, some of the group went to swimming in Infinity Pool while I myself took my chance to take photos of Lake Argyle from the resort which located at the elevated location and a great spot to enjoy the scenic lake views.

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The group traveled in the direction of the lake. First we stopped by at the office within Lake Argyle Resort where we paid for cruising fee. Next, we descended to the jetty of the lake where Lake Argyle Cruises is located, the tour company that the group joined for cruising and swimming adventures in the second largest man-made lake or reservoir in Australia which said to have Freshie (freshwater crocodiles). Exciting right?

When the boat was ready, the group boarded and I chose my seat at side. Then I prepared my camera for photo shoot adventure in the lake. Before we left the port, I saw archerfish at the shallow part of the lake.

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Archerfish at the shallow part of Lake Argyle

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Leaving the jetty port

Lake Argyle Dam Wall

Lake Argyle Dam Wall and Lake Argyle Cruises Jetty

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Within Lake Argyle

We departed the port and started exploring the huge Lake Argyle. While cruising, it felt like we were in the middle of the sea because wherever we directed our boat it seems that water is what we see and felt like we are moving like no ending even it was within Carr Boyd Ranges. The first stop of the group was part of the lake that was near in cliffs where we spotted a short eared rock wallaby playing on its edges.

First stop at Lake Argyle for Short Eared Rock Wallaby – First Sighting

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Can you see the Short Eared Rock Wallaby in the photos?

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Short Eared Rock Wallaby

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Had you seen 3 Wallabies in the above photos?

We left the rocky cliff spot, we moved to another area of the lake and on the way, I took snapshots of the lake scenery again. Then, we stopped for second time, to see more of wallabies. We found them both in the edges of the cliffs and at the ground.

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Within Lake Argyle

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Short Eared Rock Wallabies (at the cliff and at the ground)

After second sightings of wallabies, the next adventure that our group did was swimming in the lake. We went to the spot where according to our guides was safe for swimming since the Freshie were far away from that area. It was a thrilling thought that we swam in the lake where there were possibilities that Freshie may appear. During the swimming activity, some of my group went and climb the edges of the cliff until they reached the top. They did a plunge from top of the cliff or took an adventurous dive. While I myself joined the group in swimming with the help of pool noodles or woggles and still had fun in the water.

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On our way to swimming spot within Lake Argyle

After swimming, the group continued exploring the lake. While going around the lake, I sensed that our cruising guide was up into something. After sometime, I realized what it was. Before we found what we were looking for, we saw flying Magpie Geese from a distance and then we spotted a “Freshie”. Our boat slowly approached the freshwater crocodile and we were quiet so we can enjoy the sighting of it. It was a thrilling experience to see crocodiles in their natural habitat. We knew that “Freshie” is safe to people but it was mentioned to us that it also bite people for self-defense if they sense danger.

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Within Lake Argyle

Magpie Geese

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Freshie

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Dam Wall

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Archerfish with forktail catfish during feeding

During the sightings of Freshie, the group also fed fishes and all enjoyed it. Our cruising guide also emphasized the branches of trees where lots of spider web can be found. And before leaving the same great spot, we enjoyed sunset viewing in the lake.

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Spider Web

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Sunset Viewing within the lake

Returning to the Jetty

We returned to our truck and went back to our campsite in Lake Argyle Resort at the Caravan Park area. Second night of the adventure tour still comfortable as it can be. It was like the first night, facilities in the campsite are still complete. Everyone still enjoyed the facilities that the resort has to offer.

Before we started dinner preparation, most of us in the group setup the tent for the night and we used our own swag that served as our bed. That night, I was still by myself which was still not a problem to me.

In an adventure tour I already understand that even we paid for the tour, it was not meant that visitor or tourist will be pampered. It is different from a day tour wherein if the food is included, it will be served to you or will be given to you as much as comfortable it can be. In an adventure tour, the group has to participate in almost everything. Both preparing the food and cleaning up after. I had learned this when I joined my first outback camping tour in Red Centre. With that, it was not new to me that I have to volunteer on tasks even I am a tourist or guest. Everyone understood that the guide will not be able to do all the things. And for me, it was fun activity too while I was talking to other adventure mates.

That night, it was the same as first night where we prepared our food and cleaned it up after we finished our dinner. I did remember that we have in the group, a Swiss guy who was very helpful in everything. And the whole group recognized his help for all he did. He actually the most helpful and industrious compared to anyone in our group, he joined the group with his girlfriend. I saluted him because he contributed a lot that it became easier for Scotty and to the whole group.

The night was quiet again as we rested in the middle of wilderness just beside the Lake Argyle.

Until then.

Name Of The Place : Northern Territory and Western Australia

Name Of The Place (Post#44) : Northern Territory and Western Australia

A border is a division between two places but for me it has significant meaning. Being in a border means being in two place at a point in time whether its international or state border. I experienced crossing the border during the second day of our adventure when we reached the border of Northern Territory and Western Australia. And aside from crossing the border, we change our timezone as the state and territory are in different timezone. The photo is part of Day 2 (Judbarra/Lake Argyle) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour October 2016.

Top 5 National Parks of Northern Territory Visited

For the two times that I had a chance to visit Northern Territory in Australia, I got a chance to visit and experience some of its best national parks. I knew for myself that I haven’t seen all the national parks that Northern Territory has to offer but if I will have another chance to come back, I definitely plan to visit the other parks. But for now, I had visited five national parks and I described in the post my experiences as my reasons how I rate them. I truly recommend all of them to visit and other parks to be found at top end of Australia.

Top 1 – Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon)

My most favorite national park that I visited in Northen Territory is Watarrka National Park where Kings Canyon in Australia is located. The main reason why I like it the most is because it is a canyon. I really like canyon. And the best about this one was the chance to trek within the canyon where we took Canyon Rim Walk track. Following the track gave us the chance to reached Cotterrils Lookout, to cross Garden of Eden, to see Rock Domes, Kings Creek and Lost City where all of it can be found within Kings Canyon. I consider it wonders of our world.

Top 2 – Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) National Park

Uluru or Ayers Rock was the main reason I planned to join my first adventure in the outback of Australia. Uluru itself is the most popular symbol used for the outback of the country down under. And I had a chance to experience the walk for Lungkata Trail that goes around at the base of the sacred mountain rock for Anangu Aboriginal People. And we experienced rain which very seldom to happen at the Red Centre.

Then, the next day was another fulfilling experience where the group trekked the “Valley of the Winds” trail within “The Olgas” or Kata-Tjuta where we reached two lookouts called Karu Lookout and Karingana Lookout that gives different views of “The Olgas”.

Top 3 – Judbarra (Gregory) National Park

I love this national park because of the trekking we did following the Nawilbinbin Trail that goes up to the base escarpment walls where we found lots of aboriginal arts drawn in the rock shelters and cliff. We had a great scenery of the valley as well while ascending and descending the trail.

Top 4 – Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park consist of stunning gorges. And some of the great waterfalls can be found here because of the rivers connected to other rivers that made wonderful falls within the park. We had a chance to swim in Edith Falls (Leliyn for Aboriginals) and witness the amazing Katherine Gorge through trekking to Baruwei Lookout.

Top 5 – Litchfield National Park

This park offers a lot of things during my day tour and I knew for a fact that what I had seen are not the only things to see and there are still more but a day was not enough to see it all. But even it was just one day, I discovered two nature wonders that involve termites. First was about Cathedral Termite Mounds and second was Magnetic Termite Mounds. Then, the park also offers wonderful waterfalls that so great to swim even sometimes park rangers caught some crocs.

Judbarra (Gregory) National Park – “One of the Most Prolific Sites in Australia”

The second day adventure were combination of two states activity within the whole day. In the morning, we traveled around 3 hours from Katherine to Judbarra or Gregory National Park where we did a trek. The group followed the 1.7 km loop of Nawilbinbin Walk as our last adventure activity within Northern Territory. Then, later afternoon we crossed the border to Western Australia to reach the first place of adventure which was cruising and swimming in huge man-made lake called Lake Argyle.

I woke up early in the morning so I can still pack again some of my stuff back to my luggage while inside my permanent tent. Then, I checked if I can do something to help for breakfast with the group. Some had boiled the water, some prepared bread spread, some took off the fresh milk for the cereals. Everyone has something to do. After the breakfast, we took care as well the cleaning of the mess we made and returned everything back to the truck.

After everything were finished, everyone returned to our tents to put all our stuff back to the truck. We arranged everything at the compartments at the back of the truck where all the group’s luggage, tables, chairs, gas tanks, fresh goods, groceries, seasonings for cooking and others stuff that we used every time we eat in middle of remote wilderness for the group’s survival. When the group was ready, we left the tent village to continue the second day adventure. My excitement spikes again as I was wondering what kind of adventure we were going to do for the day and what kind of place we were going to discover and experience.

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Victoria River

From Katherine, we drove along Victoria Highway towards Gregory or now called as Judbarra National Park. We stopped for few minutes in Victoria River Crossing where we had a chance to see the famous river itself which became so important in the region. Then we returned to our truck and drove straight to our destination. From sealed road of national highway, we drove a bit to unsealed road which called Joe Creek which still good for 2WD vehicle. Then, the group got off from our truck and we had at least 2 hours of trekking following the Nawilbinbin Walking Trail.

Along Joe Creek to Parking Area

Nawilbinbin Walking Trail starts from the parking area, then goes up to its slope until it reaches the base of the cliff and continues to the trail near the escarpment walls where most of the aboriginal arts painted, drawn and printed in the rocks can be found. Then, the walk goes down back to the car park in the valley.

Judbarra (Gregory) National Park is the second largest national park in Northern Territory after Kakadu National Park and according to Wikipedia, the name will be permanently called as Judbarra National Park on 2021. The hike we did along Nawilbinbin Walk was discovering the aboriginal rock arts that can be found along the escarpment walls and rock shelters. The area is considered the largest site in Australia for having large number of composite engrave and painted figures.

Along Nawilbinbin Walking Trail towards Escarpment

The Valley Views

Within the walking trail when we reach the elevated slope, it gave the group a birds view of the valley of Judbarra. And when I saw it with my own eyes I felt relief that the trail was an enjoyable one.

With Livistona Palm Trees

When we were so near in the escarpment walls, the Livistona Palm Trees are wide-spread in the area that makes that part of the plateau so fascinating. It is one of the reason that I liked the walking trail because of these trees which partially covers the group half of its trail from direct sunlight.

Along the escarpment walls trail of Nawilbinbin Walk

We reached the Escarpment Walls where we found mostly the aboriginal arts created in the rocks which depicts the richness of the aboriginal cultures in that part of the park. We stopped many times in different point along the Escarpment Walls to see and discover the many arts that was drawn, painted, stenciled and printed in the wall rocks. Scotty our guide emphasized some of the aboriginal drawings and paintings for the group to see, to appreciate and to be able to take photos of it. And the amazing thing of these arts is the thousand of years of its existence, which a wonderful discovery. Judbarra is sacred place for the aboriginal people, therefore this place are still visited by their community as religious site.

Aboriginal Arts in the Escarpment Walls

The Group near Escarpment Walls

After enjoying our time with the arts in the ridge walls, we decended back to the ground where our truck was park to end our adventure in this “One of the Most Prolific Sites in Australia”.

Descending along the Nawilbinbin Walking Trail

Escarpment Walls from the ground

Discovery : Victoria River (aka “The Vic”)

Discovery (Post#39) : Victoria River (aka “The Vic”)

“The Vic”, the passionate name of Victoria River is the backbone of the region was explored by European Captain J.C. Wickham in 1839 when he arrived at the mouth of the river with HMS Beagle. And he was the one that name the river after Queen Victoria. It was said to be the longest river in Northern Territory but in international standards, it was only second from Katherine/Daly River. These photos are part of Day 2 (Judbarra/Lake Argyle) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour October 2016.

View At My Window : Valley of Judbarra

View At My Window (Post#34) : Valley of Judbarra

Along the base of the ridges or escarpments, seeing the park’s valley was amazing and enjoying the scenery while hiking or even resting helps us to get going and enjoy what we were doing at that time. Nature viewing is a great way to chill in wilderness. These photos are part of Day 2 (Judbarra/Lake Argyle) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour Oct 2016.

Still Expression : Judbarra, NT – Trekking

Still Expression (Post#9) : Judbarra, NT – Trekking

Even trekking sometimes difficult for me as I am not expert on such kind of physical activity but its the activity that I love to do as it always makes me feel that I am living the world because of the nature that I experience and passed on. Trekking brings back all the memories that I had from the past mountains that I climbed and add more memories for myself. These photos are part of Day 2 (Judbarra/Lake Argyle) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour Oct 2016.

Arts and Craft : Aboriginal Arts at Judbarra

Arts and Craft (Post#18) : Aboriginal Arts at Judbarra

Trekking Nawilbinbin Walk towards the ridges made the trek not only worthy as physical adventure activities within Judbarra (Gregory) National Park but also worthy as discovery adventure of aboriginal rich cultures for Australian history. An extensive amount of rock arts, variously created by painting, stencilling, drawing, printing, and “pecking and pounding”. These photos are part of Day 2 (Judbarra/Lake Argyle) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour Oct 2016.

Featuring Our World : Red Escarpment of Judbarra

Featuring Our World (Post#10) : Red Escarpment of Judbarra

Another thing to appreciate within Judbarra (Gregory) National Park from the ground are the red color of its escarpment where the richness of aboriginal arts in the rocks can be found. Ridges itself offers photographic scenery for visitors. These photos are part of Day 2 (Judbarra/Lake Argyle) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour Oct 2016.

Name Of The Place : Judbarra (Gregory) National Park

Name Of The Place (Post#43) : Judbarra (Gregory) National Park

Australia or let’s be specific, Northern Territory boasted many of its huge national parks and one of them to enjoy is Judbarra or Gregory National Park. The park still considered religious place even up to this moment for Australian aboriginal people who own and protects the said park. And the park itself showcases the amazing arts stenciled in almost all parts of the escarpment walls. The photo is part of Day 2 (Judbarra/Lake Argyle) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour October 2016.

Nitmiluk National Park : Sandstone Country Full of Stunning Gorges

It was Day 1 of the 9-Days adventure tour that I joined and I felt excited while waiting for my tour that will pick me up in the hotel that I stayed the night before. I was still early on the scheduled time after I checked-out in the hotel.

The Cavenagh Hotel

And when there was a huge 4WD vehicle stopped at the front of the hotel, I knew that it was my tour but still I waited for the tour guide to get-off the vehicle and waited if he will asked for my name. And that was what happened. He asked if I was the person he is looking for and I responded to him that I was that person. Then, he checked my luggage and asking if that was my only luggage and I confirmed that it was. Then, he introduced himself and his named was Scotty. The look of him was rugged tour guide which definitely fit for adventure tour. He was wearing the typical tour guide uniform that I usually saw in Australia which was colored khaki polo and short.

Then I hopped inside the vehicle and there I found another joiner of the tour. The greetings happened after. The next thing happened was picking up all the tourist that will join the tour and this happened until all of us 20 were complete and all of the seat has been occupied.

Before totally leaving the city, we stopped by in the gas station to fill-up our tank as our preparation for our long journey in remote places called Kimberly Region which located mostly in Western Australia.

Then we hit the road towards our first destination for our first day of adventure. But few minutes that we were on the road, our tour guide introduced himself again to the whole group while he was driving and then he instructed us to play games so that all of us inside the vehicle which still strangers to each other that time and will be together for the next nine days, he said to us to introduce ourselves to the next person in our seat. And then after five minutes, we have to change our designated seats and repeat the same thing, it happened until almost all of us know each other our first names, the country we came from and what we do for the living. It was a fun activity while inside the 4WD vehicle.

Edith Falls (Leliyn Falls)

After few hours that we were on the road, we reached the first destination based on the itinerary plan for that day which located in Katherine Region. It was Edith Falls or Leliyn for the Jawoyn people (Australian aboriginals in the park) that can be found within Nitmiluk National Park.

Everybody prepared themselves for a swimming since its falls that we were targeting to enjoy. I was a bit of nervous because I was not really good in swimming specially if it’s very deep water. From the parking lot of the falls, we took Leliyn Trail towards Upper Pool. But before we move straight to the Upper Pool, we stopped a bit in Leliyn Lookout to see the base pool which accessible few meters from the parking and very popular to all visitors.

At Leliyn Lookout

Edith Falls base pool or main pool from Leliyn Lookout

After seeing the view of the base pool or lower pool of Edith Falls, we continued our walk towards the Upper Pool, a pool where our group spent hours to enjoy the falls itself and had our first swimming adventure in a natural pool coming from the water falls of Edith River.

When we reached the pool, all of us prepared to get wet in the pool. My group went straight in the hole, but because it was deep, I was not able to come with them. I soaked myself with the water but, I felt that the rock was a bit of slippery. Because of that I stayed just beside the rocks, steadied myself to be in balance and just soaking myself. My group looked at me and calling my name and I told them I was not good in swimming. Then my group move to the other where Edith falls is. And I just stayed where I was. Then, Scotty approached me and asked me to join them at the other side of the pool and I told him, I was not really good in swimming. Therefore, he helped me while I was trying myself to move at the side of the rock. I was able to join the group at the other side and everyone was helping me and assisting me. When I was stable myself and was able to sit with the group, I had a bit of fun even I was not able to be under the falls since that part of the pool was very deep for me to take. We stayed in that part of the pool for a while. While others in the group keep going back and forth enjoying swimming to and from the falls.

After spending time with Upper Pool, the group decided to end our adventure with Edith Falls. I just wore my shoes and then we trekked back to our vehicle.

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Edith Falls in Upper Pool

Upper Pool

Looking towards the ground

Katherine Gorge

Before we ended our first day adventure, we drove towards Katherine Gorge which at least an hour drive from Edith Falls. When we reached the parking lot, Scotty, our tour guide, told us just to follow the trail and we will not get lost. We had a bit of trekking to reach Baruwei Lookout. Even the hike was a bit of assault, when we reach the lookout, a wonderful scenery greeted us. We saw how vast the national park is and how amazing the Katherine River down below which said to be croc-filled waters. We spent time taking photos from the lookout and then we decided to return to the parking lot as it begins to get dark.

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Accommodation

We stayed in a tent village for the night and because the season was almost over, only our group seems to be the visitor in the tent village and some in the group had a chance to have one permanent tent and I am one them who got a chance to slept by myself. I didn’t knew the name of the accommodation where the tent village belong but based on our tour guide, its one of his favorite accommodation because the caretaker of the tent village was one of his favorites.

After we reached the tent village, the group helped to prepare our dinner that night and that night made me remembered my experience in my 3 days adventure tours in Red Centre where our guide was really good in food and menus. And it seems Scotty was the same. And I thought that knowing how to cook is one of the qualifications to become an adventure tour guide.

It rained a bit that night, that’s why after the dinner and cleaning up dishes, everybody immediately chose the tents we have to take. It was a strange night for me. Because the tent village that night was unpowered tents. Meaning, it was totally dark in our surroundings. The funny things was everything will be heard like, individual steps or even the cricket sounds. After I took a bath that night, I returned to my tent and had a good rest.

Until then the next day adventure.

Transportation : Nitmiluk, NT – Narrated Cruising Boat

Transportation (Post#12) : Nitmiluk, NT – Narrated Boat Tour

One of the things to enjoy within Nitmiluk National Park is cruising in a boat along Katherine River learning historical facts of different gorges around the park. In our group, we trekked towards Baruwei Lookout to witness the fascinating scenery of Katherine Gorge. The boat here was captured cruising Katherine River from the lookout. These photos are part of Day 1 (Darwin to the Katherine Region) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour October 2016.

Panoramic View : Katherine Gorge

Panoramic View (Post#35) : Katherine Gorge

After enjoying the Edith Falls, we drove towards Katherine Gorge. When we reach the park, we trekked to Baruwei Lookout where we had a chance to see and appreciate the beauty of Katherine Gorge. According to records, Nitmiluk National Park has 12 stunning gorges and some of its gorges can be seen when cruising the Katherine River which flows even from Kakadu National Park. These photos are part of Day 1 (Darwin to the Katherine Region) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour October 2016.

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Katherine Gorge with Katherine River

Transportation : Nitmiluk, NT – ARB 4×4 Vehicle

Transportation (Post#11) : Nitmiluk, NT – ARB 4×4 Vehicle

In this photo, the background scenery is awesome looking towards the ground of the park, but at the side of this snapshot was the ARB 4X4 vehicle. Honestly, I love this kind of jeep or wagon because of its ability to go further even with rough road or dirt tracks. The photo is part of Day 1 (Darwin to the Katherine Region) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour October 2016.

Picture Frame : Edith (Leliyn) Falls

Picture Frame (Post#8) : Edith (Leliyn) Falls

As part of the adventure tour where it always involve trekking and hiking, our group went to the Upper Pools of Edith Falls via Leliyn Trail which used to be the same trail to take to reach Sweetwater Pool, the farthest pool that can enjoy where Edith Falls flows into but need the whole day time to reach it. Edith Falls or Leliyn Falls for Jawoyn people, is a cascading falls which offers different pools that adventurer can enjoy. Edith Falls is also connected to Katherine Gorge which are all within Nitmiluk National Park. These photos are part of Day 1 (Darwin to the Katherine Region) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour October 2016.

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View At My Window : Edith (Leliyn) Falls Lower Pool

View At My Window (Post#33) : Edith (Leliyn) Falls Lower Pool

Visiting Edith Falls (or Leliyn Falls for Jawoyn People – one of the aboriginals taking care of the park) to enjoy natural pool for swimming adventure, even you don’t like trekking to reach the Upper Pool, the falls also has Lower Pool or Base Pool which just few steps from parking area. The said pool is just one of the holes that the waterfalls is offering. These photos are part of Day 1 (Darwin to the Katherine Region) of 9 Days Darwin to Broome Overland Adventure Tour October 2016.