Southern Lost City, Limmen National Park

Monday 3rd July

It rained on and off all night, and we were so cool that we actually thought of putting on the diesel heater! In the Northern Territory! We had the doona and the extra blanket on the bed and we were very cozy and warm all night, but we woke to an overcast, grey morning of 14 degrees, and it drizzled on and off while we were packing up camp.

Said our goodbyes to Lynlee and Pete. Lynlee was very keen to know how we liked Gove as they may do it next year. Exchanged phone numbers so we can let them know.

Short drive on dirt, then the rest on bitumen to Borroloola where we topped up the fuel tank ($36) before continuing, heading west, then turning off before Cape Crawford to the Limmen National Park where we will spend some time.
We have 11 days before we need to start on the road to East Arnhem Land.

Checked our emails in Borroloola and our travel permit for East Arnhem Land had been approved. The online application said to allow 10 days, and I only applied for it yesterday. 24 hours. Very quick service.

We travelled on the Nathan River Road for a few hours before passing the turnoff to Lorella Springs. We would have loved to have gone there, but it is closed for the 2023 season. Hopefully we will get there another time. The road was in fair condition, not as bad as the Savannah Way from Hells Gate to Borroloola, but it did have many corrugated sections, however the rain from last night had settled most of the dust.

The National Park entry sign said that camping sites had to be booked online, but we have no internet reception, so will just chance it. Everyone we have spoken to said just rock up, and they have not booked, and no-one checks. Fingers crossed.

Our first camp in the Limmen National Park is the Southern Lost City campground, where there are 5 campsites and a toilet block. We pulled into Site No. 3, hoping that no-one will arrive saying that they have booked this site.
We did not unhitch, but did a quick set up then went for the 2 and half km walk around the impressive rock formations that are named the Lost City. Massive pillars and rocks perched on top of each other, some on an angle and fallen, which were created and shaped by weathering about 1500 million years ago.

Saw a black headed python on the side of the walking track, which was not bothered by us. It was a lovely walk in the late afternoon.
Would look impressive at sunrise, but not so sure we will be awake that early to see it. No-one arrived with a booking on our site, and we noticed that there was one other site also vacant.Read more