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AUSSIE ADVENTURE

This started out as a retirement dream.
After months of planning and thousands of dollars, we were ready for the adventure with a new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain Ute with several custom mods and a Retreat Fraser 216 R-Rev off road caravan.
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  • Hugh - Free Camping

    September 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    Today, we have a long drive ahead of us. We left Barkly Homestead at the crack of dawn.

    This country of ours is amazing, from the changing colours of the landscape and vegetation to the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and the crystal-clear night skies. We have seen some pretty strange and unusual things during our travels.

    We bypassed Alice Springs; we have plans to stop over for a couple of days on our way to Darwin. After many long hours, we pulled into Hugh, a free camping area for the night. We will soon be in Uluru.
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  • Arrived

    September 8, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    After our long journey, we have finally arrived at Ayers Rock Resort. Time for a beer o'clock, we quickly set up camp and made our way to the Uluru viewing platform to take in the surroundings. What an amazing place! The outback was not as dry as we had imagined; most areas are covered by beautiful short vegetation.Read more

  • Uluru

    September 9, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Uluru is a mesmerizing natural wonder situated in the heart of Australia's Red Centre. Its sheer size and rich red hue create a breathtaking sight, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the rock undergoes a striking colour transformation.

    I never understood the fascination with Uluru. To me, it was just a giant rock in the middle of the desert. However, since riding our bicycles around the base, I can see why it is so captivating. The beauty and the ever-changing colors, one minute it's chocolate brown, the next it's fiery red, are truly breathtaking.
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  • Walpa Gorge

    September 10, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) - Walpa Gorge. What an amazing place! The entire area feels like you're on another planet! It's a gradual uphill climb, not strenuous, on a path that is very rocky and uneven. Just over halfway there is a very small stream, and seats are scattered along the walk in case a rest spot is needed or to take in the tranquillity of the scenery along the way.

    The colours were amazing, sometimes giving a view of green and blue. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Photos don't do justice to the feel of these large boulders and the gorge.
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  • Out Back Way

    September 10, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 30 °C

    Today we went for a drive to the Western Australian border just for the hell of it. This journey was approximately 500 kilometres round trip, mostly on red dirt roads and passing through several small communities.

    Along the way, we took a detour to Lasseter's Cave, came across wild desert camels and horses in the middle of the road, and managed to capture a desert rainbow. I believe not many people would consider taking this trip, but this little journey of ours was awesome!
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  • Yulara - Uluru

    September 12, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    This is our last day here at Ayers Rock Resort. The weather today is a bit windy and wet. Although it does rain in the desert, who would have thought that we would be the ones to witness this?

    In this post, I would like to share some beautiful sunrises and the many colour changes of Uluru.Read more

  • Kings Canyon - Creek Walk

    September 13, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Kings Canyon Creek Walk is an amazing experience with ample fauna and wildlife to see. There is seating along the walk and at the end for you to take in the beautiful surroundings.

    The huge rocky cliffs enclosing your small self generate the feeling of vastness, a step back in time with its ancient sandstone cliffs and rock formations.

    The view and echo sound when you reach the end of the trail are fantastic! This short walk was definitely worth it.
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  • Kings Canyon

    September 14, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Kings Canyon hike was an unforgettable experience. I was able to walk up the 500 steps of Heart Attack Hill at the start. It is rocky and quite steep, a little daunting, but definitely worth the challenge.

    The 6 km rim walk was amazing. Every step offered scenic views of rock wall formations, plants, the sounds of birds, and the smell of beautiful flora. The orange-colored rock that looks a bit like a beehive and the red pancakes stacked on each other were particularly striking. There are also rippled rocks up there from when part of Australia was underwater, which were very mesmerizing.

    These incredible rock formations will blow you away! Nevertheless, it is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever experienced; a memory I’ll always treasure.
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  • Garden of Eden

    September 14, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    The Garden of Eden is located in the heart of Kings Canyon. It is an oasis in the middle of this massive rock formation and is magical as well as enchanting. The scenery, with the weathered sandstone domes surrounding the canyon, is equally overwhelming and fascinating.

    The Garden of Eden provides a safe haven for many birds and animals and is a water source for the vast array of trees and fauna. It was pure serenity and a highlight of the hike, a memory I’ll always treasure as a beautiful hidden gem.
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  • Kathleen Springs

    September 14, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    What a great way to end the afternoon: an easy walk on a sealed pathway with beautiful wildflowers, the sound of birds singing, incredibly coloured rock and cliff formations, and fascinating remnants of a previous cattle station on this rugged landscape. The path leads you to a pretty "water hole" formed by the rains running along the rocks that never dries up; this is another surprising desert oasis.Read more

  • National Road Transport Museum

    September 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Visited the National Road Transport Museum today. It was amazing to see the many different types of transportation on display. The exhibits included the history of the Ghan, the State and its development, the war era, trains in the Northern Territory, and very detailed information about truck driving.

    It was fascinating to read about the building of railways in Australia. They have the taxi from the movie Last Cab to Darwin and Lasseter's family exploration 4WD. The museum was very well laid out, and yes, there were plenty of old, rusty specimens to admire.
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  • Standley Chasm

    September 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    It was a perfect day for a visit to this wonderful place. It's one of the highlights of this region.

    The Chasm is only a short walk through the forest on a mixture of smooth and rough tracks. There are information boards along the walk about the geology, history, and significance of native flora and fauna, ancient gum trees, and native wildlife.

    A little pool of water at the end made for some beautiful reflections in the amazingly tranquil setting! A real jewel in the Northern Territory.
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  • Devil's Marbles

    September 17, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Karlu Karlu, or the Devils Marbles, was one of several overnight camp stops on our way to Kakadu.

    These rocks are amazing, with their different formations and shapes. You have to be among them to truly appreciate their size and wonder. The rising and setting of the sun bring out the orange and red in the rocks. We were fortunate to be camping right in the heart of these amazing formations.

    Geologically, the marbles were formed from an upsurge of molten rock that cooled and became solid beneath a layer of sandstone. The solidifying granite caused vertical and horizontal fractures, creating rectangular blocks to form. Over time, water infiltrated the cracks, breaking down the sandstone and then the granite. As a result, rounded granite boulders perched on top of each other have been revealed.
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  • Daly Waters Pub

    September 18, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Daly Waters has a sensational outback pub. The atmosphere is "eclectic," and it was a brilliant stopover for the night. This quirky pub is clad in corrugated iron and crammed with decades of memorabilia.

    Happy hours is from 4 pm to 6 pm. The food was great, the staff were friendly and have a good sense of humor, and there were lots of free-roaming animals (donkeys, goats, chickens).

    It's one of those places that has a little bit of everything. Definitely worth the stop.
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  • Mataranka Thermal Pool & Bitter Springs

    September 20, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Mataranka Thermal Springs is beautiful, with many peacocks roaming around the park. I could not visit Rainbow Springs because it was closed for construction work. I went there late in the afternoon and dipped my feet in the water. It was so warm and clear, and the hot springs were surrounded by palm trees, which made it very private. On my way back from the pool, I came across some sulphur-crested cockatoos drinking water from the sprinklers.

    Bitter Springs was a beautiful place and left natural, unlike Mataranka. The water is crystal clear, it’s like an oasis in the desert. Springs has a gentle continuous flow allowing you to float from one end to the other. The water is warm, there are lots of birds singing and plenty of butterflies. The one-kilometre walk around the springs was like being in another world.
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  • Yellow Water River Cruise

    September 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We went on the sunrise cruise, and it was magnificent. We spent two fabulous hours exploring the wetlands. There was an abundance of birds, crocodiles, and wildlife to see.

    Dennis, our guide, shared his knowledge and culture on a number and variety of birds, trees, and wildlife that he pointed out along the way. He gave us an insight into the area. He was impressive and authentic, had a great sense of humour, and got the guests involved. He took his time to slow the boat down and get up close for photographs.

    It was a very peaceful tour with lots of wildlife. Cold spring water and a toilet on board made for a comfortable two hours.
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  • Cahill Crossing

    September 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Cahill Crossing is a beautiful place to visit early in the morning, just after sunrise. It is calm and quiet. It is also a good place to go fishing, but at your own risk. When the tide reaches its peak, it is a spectacular sight. We returned the next day and arrived at high tide. We were fortunate enough to see several crocodiles, including a few very large ones.

    When the tide turns, the water suddenly stops rushing and becomes deathly quiet and still, like a sheet of muddy brown glass. During the few hours we stayed, we saw several cars, trucks, and utes crossing, and quite a few people standing, assessing the river.

    Yes, we did make several crossings.
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  • Ubirr Rock Art

    September 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    An amazing range of indigenous rock art paintings in a fairly small area, and the rock formations are incredible. The beautiful area features an easy walk around a mostly sheltered track to numerous rock art locations with informative signage.

    Viewing some of the art requires a challenging climb, which is rewarded by a beautiful view of the wetlands. The lookout was steep and rocky but easy for those who are sure-footed—it's really worth it up there!!
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  • Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall

    September 24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Maguk is a pristine natural waterfall and plunge pool at the base of steep gorge walls.

    The walk through the gorge is beautiful and runs parallel to the river, but it does include some challenging scrambling over rocks. We also saw a golden tree snake while walking along the path.

    Then you arrive at this huge, gorgeous, clear plunge pool with a pretty waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The water hole is clear, refreshing, and even more beautiful than the photos!

    Absolutely worth the trip!
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  • Kakadu Air Sunset Flight

    September 25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    What a way to finish our stay, with a beautiful sunset flight over Kakadu National Park!

    Kakadu is a heritage-listed and culturally significant national park that covers 20,000 square kilometres.

    This was one of the highlights of our trip and an amazing way to appreciate the diverse and beautiful landscape of this wonderful place in the Northern Territory.

    We took a 60-minute sunset flight from Jabiru. The pilot gave a well-narrated and informative commentary on the historical and geographical significance of the stone country, the Uranium mine, Jabiru, and the wetlands and riverways. The scenery was spectacular from the air and made us realise how special the area is.
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  • Dundee Beach Holiday Park

    September 26, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Today, we are heading to Dundee Beach Holiday Park, where we will be staying for the next three nights. No being tourists or sightseeing, we are just sitting back, having a beer, relaxing, and possibly having a swim in their pool.

    We went for a walk on the beach in the late afternoon and captured two beautiful birds, a Kingfisher and a Rainbow Bee-eater. I was looking for unique shells for my collection, and I managed to pick up two that had hermit crabs inside—they were not pleased.

    Our stay at Dundee Beach was very peaceful and relaxing.
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  • Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise

    October 2, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Stunning night on Darwin Harbour—an experience I won't soon forget. From start to finish, everything about the experience was top-notch.

    We booked the buffet dinner cruise, and it was awesome. The peaceful, smooth boat ride made for an excellent evening. The variety of food on offer was impressive, and it was all so delicious and plentiful, especially the oysters and prawns, which were absolutely amazing. Phil & Belinda enjoyed a few beers and a couple of cocktails. The staff were professional and friendly, and the captain's knowledgeable commentary provided the perfect additional insights into the Top End's history.

    To cap off our perfect evening, we were treated to a stunning sunset.
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  • Berry Springs

    October 5, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Berry Springs, set in beautiful natural surroundings, is a divine freshwater spring. There are three areas: the Main Pool, the Lower Pool, and the Waterfalls. The water was approximately 26 degrees and so refreshing that you could spend all day here.

    No photo can truly capture the beauty of this place: beautiful blue water, dense green tropical vegetation surrounding the swimming holes, and aquatic life, making for a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
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  • Manton Dam

    October 5, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Completed in 1942, Manton Dam was built to supply Darwin with water. Although its water is still designated for use in emergencies, the dam's primary purpose today is as a valuable conservation area.

    The dam is now a pleasant destination for an easy day trip and is a popular recreation spot that is accessible year-round, with picnic tables and barbecue facilities. It is a great place to see water birds and other wildlife that inhabit this area.
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