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Northern Terriorty
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Northern Terriorty

The NT covers 1,347,791 square kilometres (520,385 sq mil making it the third-largest Australian federal division, and the 11th-largest country subdivision in the world. It is sparsely populated, with a population of only 249,000. Read more
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  • Trip start
    August 27, 2024
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    Barkly Roadhouse

    August 27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Flys and dust are our life! This place is an oasis in the middle of whop whop , don’t get me wrong it’s hot and you don’t go out in the day useless your in air com and it’s winter, it’s 36degrees and no humidity, how on earth do people live here in the summer?
    We were going to stay for one night but we were that impressed we stayed two , our first day consisted of realising flys where actually part of life? When I say life I mean go for dinner in what can only be described as New England black furniture, metal drop /wall lights, copper/wooden tables, heritage colour scheme, looks like someone flew in an interior designer? You then are greeted with thousands of flys trying to get into your drink, mouth , Paul’s head was a landing pad, oh then the real fun starts, the art is not to look like a complete nutcase waving your hands about, you sit there and injure millions of flys whilst acting if they don’t exist! Why? I have no idea 🤷‍♀️ Anyway we worked out maybe just maybe try eating when the suns gone down it may be a lot more comfortable? Oh and maybe they could shut the door?
    The morning was welcomed by a chill in the air but didn’t last as the sun rose across the red landscape through a yellow haze and blue sky! Beautiful. Just in front of us lay 3500 solar panels socking up the sun’s energy. Barkly roadhouse is self sufficient, energy is provided by 3500 solar panels and sometimes up to 500 litres of diesel to keep travellers homes cool and comfortable and if your really lucky your get to witness a Porsche driver from QLD trying to charge his car in the middle of no where! Water is provided from a bore.

    The following night we did leave it till after the sun went down and the fly situation was a lot better , not actually because we thought we were being smart but the pub had actually closed its door, half way though for some reason just as everyone was ordering food the pub opened the door and a wave of flys burst in like some sort of army manoeuvre , thankfully we were just finishing and left the army to it new civilians and went outside to sit in the uncovered area with live music and much appreciated and gorgeous warm evening after full on air con for most of the day!

    The sun comes up to a slight chill highlighting the red desert, walking Billy you realise what people mean when they say how beautiful this country is, it’s so different to anything you would of seen, felt, hear or smelt from everyday life anywhere around the world 🌍 everything crunches under foot while you walk, the red dust kicks up and the smell of burnt soil from the heat of the sun is so different! Time to move on!    Read more

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    Renner Springs Desert Inn

    Aug 29–30, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    From Barkly Road House we headed West 183km straight on the Barkly Highway 66 , it’s apparent the roads took a bashing from the recent floods, 1m water apparently dropped closing off Barkly Highway for two months.Then you turned right up North to Darwin.
    271km later, one large bush fire burning to the West, numerous 3/4 dolly road trains ,oversized vehicles and over the airways a lorry driver gives a running commentary when part of a vehicle flys off nearly hitting his road train and then we pass a lone cyclist causally biking overland? You get lost out here your in a world of pain! no phone, not even SOS all the way! We stopped at Renner Springs Desert Inn!

    Renner Springs had a really bashing on reviews but we thought we’d give it a go , not only though curiosity $30 for power/water but it was a perfect location to break up the Km’s heading to Larrimah.
    The reviews were pretty harsh in our opinion, ok the toilet pong’s in the heat of the afternoon, you’d pong if sat in the middle of the desert all day!? In the morning the toilet was fine!
    Rest assured Tibet’s toilets still lead the way for the worst open sewage squatting channel which caught by a splash backs will probably land you in the nearest
    If travellers are winging about this place well they aren’t suited to outback travelling and they certainly aren’t suited to travelling other countries that have economic issues!? It’s not the Hilton and it’s not a brand new caravan that the Mrs won’t allow anyone to drop off the kids! Move on guys and find a city, stop trashing hard working people living in butt no in temps the average bloke/Sheila couldn’t handle yet provide you with essentials like water, fuel and a good feed! They even had a sparkling clean 17m swimming pool to cool off in! Peacocks roamed around the servo and the most important a pub with a pool table and all I can say is “I beat the Walkabout champion “ thanks to many nights in the pub after game day for years!
    Only two poms in the desert could have a hot curry for tea!    Read more

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    Larrimah Hotel- Pink panther

    August 31, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Where’s bloody paddy? In the bush, the pies or the croc.
    Put on the map curtsy of Netflix after a bloke called Paddy disappeared on the 12th Dec 2017, 11 now 10 residents at the time were in the spotlight for the murder! No one has ever been charged and Paddy and his dog have never been found.
    The pink panther is a quirky, old outback pub, the hub of the small community, a fresh water croc called agro lay still as an ornament caged up in the corner of the pub and the big salty was apparently outback that made its Netflix debut for the totally wrong reasons and two emu’s out by the dump point! Didn’t like it wouldn’t entertain it, they shouldn’t be caged up in an outback pub! the weather didn’t let up , hot as , we went for a beer and a feed sat outside listening to the live music from Chris , Mick who’s been stuck here for 3 weeks waiting for parts, lit the fire, my god I nearly slipped off me chair, sweat rolling from every cravis possible! a good time was had even though it was cut short from the bonfire and an early night needed anyway!    Read more

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    Bitter Springs - Mataranka

    August 31, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    It had been recommended by a family to stop at Mataranka, Bitter Springs and it didn’t disappoint, crystal clear springs, luck warm that you could float on a noodle down a little river way in the middle of a forest lined with palm and paperbark trees.
    Bitter Springs is one of two natural thermal pools in Elsey National Park. Spring water rises from underground at a rate of 30.5million litres per day.    Read more

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    Katherine - 1st Visit

    Aug 31–Sep 2, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    We had no idea what Katherine would bring obviously we’d heard the stories about how much crime was there, don’t stop drive though but we’d learnt from experience never to listen to people as their interpretation of rough, doggie , isn’t the same as everyone else’s opinion, experiences.
    The camp site Lakeside was located on the outskirts of town next to Katherine river under a canopy of trees and down the path from the springs.
    Adventuring into town for supplies the cops are everywhere, the shopping centre was ok , no hassles just everyone doing there thing, NT has different rules in alcohol consumption, you can’t drink in public areas and the bottle o doesn’t open until 2pm , you also have police checking ID at the bottle o and when you buy your beer you get asked for ID , Why? So they can check if you have any BDO’s -

    If you have a BDO (banned drinker order ) it means you are not allowed to purchase, possess or consume alcohol for the period of your order.
    This includes buying takeaway alcohol.
    You will also be on the banned drinker register.
    Each community has different alcohol restrictions in NT ,

    Funny thing was as soon as 2pm came the queue of vehicle lined up at the bottle o where all white thirsty punters and Paul walked out with 6 bottles of wine and a box of beer?
    We took a trip out to the gorge to see if we could see anything with hiking to mars in the desert heat but saw only cliff faces and lots of bush, found a art gallery of a collection of different aboriginal artists sourced from around Australia which was definitely worth a visit.

    We had no idea we shall be visiting Katherine for the second time further along the trip?    Read more

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    Katherine Hot Springs

    September 1, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    These natural thermal springs are situated on the banks of the Katherine River, within the Katherine township, and comprise of a series of clear pools framed by native vegetation.

    Back at camp we adventured down to the springs as the heat of the day faded , shaded by the trees , crystal clear pools and streams cascaded over small waterfalls down though the bush, we floated down on the noodles and climbed over the waterfalls what a refreshing finish to the day!Read more

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    Darwin - 1st Day Of Spring - 1st Vist

    September 3, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Marrara Gardens Caravan Park
    We pulled into really strange caravan site , all the pitches had ensuite’s!, which actually worked in our favour , instead of tripping up over everything in the bus ,we could lock it away in the bathroom while we went on our supply shop.
    The concrete slabs you park next to on your pitch radiate heat ,they are so hot you have to put a towel down to step out the bus. Hot as hell, stayed two nights just to get supplies.

    We had learnt on the way up that it’s not only a smart idea to get a CB fitted but also get some recovery gear after getting stuck in a sand pit at bitter springs, which entailed a Radom bloke stopping and using his tracks to get us out!.

    Darwin is your typical city , you can get everything , it has an international airport, obviously a harbour (leased to the Chinese) and on the outskirts of the city are the major brand retailers.
    We didn’t know at this point we would be coming back to the hot box later in the trip.    Read more

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    Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge Mary River

    September 4, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Arriving from a stretch of unsealed road with corrugated surfaces we enter Point Stuart , greeted by a lotus pond and fountain, green grass , safari tents , swimming pool and saloon! A complete oasis in the middle of the outback. Red dirt and dust patches from the dry season appear in between the green grass being irrigated every day from the natural spring that provides all the water to the lodge and a huge generator provides the property with power.
    An ex buffalo abattoir which once provided its services for most of Australia’s buffalo trade but now buffaloes are considered a pest, causing damage to land along with the wild pigs.    Read more

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    Mary River Sunset Cruise Part 3

    September 5, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    This became no ordinary cruise as we came across a croc that was 4m long and hadn’t been seen for approximately 15years. Elliot spotted it by its tail ,he manoeuvred the boat so he didn’t cut off the pathway into the water incase he wanted off the embankment and he did, suddenly he decided he was getting into the water and boy did he move! The whole of the boat just moved into the middle and I swear your hairs on your whole body stand in end! What a site and how blessed to photograph this incredible powerful reptile!Read more

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    ‎⁨Point Stuart⁩ - ⁨Sunset 4 x 4 Part 1

    September 6, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    The following evening we went on the sunset safari over the Point Stuart⁩ - ⁨Kakadu Arnhem wet plains and met the owners pet buffaloes, the neighbours 6600acre property ran heads of cattle which get live exported to the Sultan of Brunei. Apparently last year the neighbor lost 200 cattle to crocs! The sunset by 4x4 was epic, setting over the plains ,the noise of the wildlife as the sun went down , a warm glow over the lake of lotus pads of course one had to go to the ladies behind the rocks while the sun went down!
    Sad to leave such an incredible piece of outback but leaving on the high we moved on heading to Humpty Doo hotel.    Read more

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    Giant Termite Nests

    September 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Mastotermes darwiniensis, common names giant northern termite and Darwin termite

    Throughout the forest and across the swathes of open landscape, these magnificent mounds stand up to two metres high, jutting skywards and showcasing an amazing feat of nature.

    The structures around 100 years old, and are unique to this part of Australia. In the national park, you can see hundreds of these mounds.

    The mounds are made using a centuries-old technique by the termites. The outer chambers are created with cut up grass stalks that have been stored. As the forage from underground, the mounds push skywards. When this happens, the outer chambers are abandoned and filled instead with soil to create a stronger structure.

    The soldier caste of termites defends the mound with a sticky saliva-type substance that traps intruders like ants and other critters. Each mound is thought to house one queen termite, who produces all the colony’s eggs.

    As a general rule, the mounds live for around 50 to 100 years – the same amount of time the queen termite is alive. The mounds themselves are the perfect home for the termites, which require a balanced amount of warmth and humidity throughout the year.    Read more

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    Humpty Doo

    September 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Established in 1971, proudly boast the largest Buffalo horns in the southern hemisphere, surviving Cyclone Tracy in 1974. A legendary establishment that has been serving guests since September 11th, 1971. Proudly holding the title of the Northern Territory’s most extended continually licensed premises.

    Humpty Doo is a town in Australia's Northern Territory, situated just south of the Arnhem Highway, approximately 40 km from Darwin. At the 2016 census, Humpty Doo had a population of 4,313 people.[1] Its local government area is Litchfield Municipality. The town is a popular stopping point for tourists travelling between Darwin and Kakadu National Park, and boasts many attractions of its own.

    Another tourist attraction is the Big Boxing Crocodile outside the United Petroleum station (formerly known as the Bush Shop) on the Arnhem Highway. This humorous attraction is a reference to the large crocodile population in the area and is one of the many famous "big things" found around Australia.    Read more

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    Litchfield Safari Park

    September 9, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    The first camp site was one we didn’t really want to stay at but could get into Litchfield Safari Park but managed to get in a day later , we left the tourist park and headed deeper into the NP , then suddenly the sound and smell of rubber! A flat tyre was an understatement, shredded tyre more like, so much for the recovery kit! We again were blessed to recived numerous offers of help at one point 4 blokes who went home to get their gear to get the bloody wheel off! We had a family of women who provided the missing part randomly stop and at one point we had an entourage of people , supporting ,helping ,advising, we even were handing out the beers as we appreciated their help. Our stay was cut short at Litchfield NP Safari park as we now needed to head back up to Darwin ,to get two tyres.Read more

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    Darwin Here We Come Again !

    September 11, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    So we left the Lithfield NP as we had to get two new tyres since the blow out. We reluctantly , made our way back up North , not because Darwin is horrible, just because the heat at the caravan site, we new what we were in for. We killed two birds with one stone and to some more bits and pieces and it was nice to get into the pool at the resort this time, just solely to cool down.Read more

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    Robins Falls

    September 13, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Our first free camp ! Access was a rough track from the main road.
    The only reason we haven’t done these before is because of the heat and we needed the air con. A stunning camp , that nice we stayed two nights.
    We paddled and swam in a fresh water river, Billy went into the water for the first time up to his chest and even started to doggie paddle.
    A beautiful, peaceful place which was interrupted by the locals partying to the early hours of the morning round the bonfire. Fortununtly we happened to be the operate end but a couple we had met Jane & Vincent was right next to them!    Read more

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    Katherine Hello Again!

    Sep 16–22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Well hello again! After the return trip to Darwin for our new wheels, we dropped into Robins Falls then onto Katherine.
    If there was one place we wouldn’t have thought we would be seeing again? It was Katherine!
    We meet up with Vincent and Jane and this is we’re the fun started!
    Just outside the campsite the truck that Vincent and Jane were travelling in had an issue with the diff but that wasn’t it forward nearly 3 weeks and three new tyres , one reconditioned diff that didn’t work , one crap courier, mechanic in hospital and one trip into the desert for a second hand diff, they finally left Katherine on the 3rd Oct! You just couldn’t make this stuff up!
    During this time most nights were filled with laughter and drinks , I’m surprised we don’t get thrown out! We found an excellent Indian which we thought was closed , the outside resembled a war zone, boarded windows, over grown grass, we later find out he has his windows smashed all the time!
    The petrol station was robbed twice while we were there and had the pleasure of the lovely springs again.
    We said our goodbyes after extending our stay and went on our merry way to Victoria Roadhouse , hoping it wouldn’t be long before we meet up again!    Read more

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    Victoria River Roadhouse

    Sep 23–24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Known as Victoria River, Victoria River Crossing and the Victoria River Roadhouse, this tiny settlement is located on the Victoria Highway 194km west of Katherine.

    The settlement itself is little more than a roadhouse and campground, but the scenery along the highway as it winds past immense escarpments split by the mighty Victoria River ranks as some of the most stunning in the Territory. The roadhouse has a small shop and an accommodation complex on the banks of the Victoria River with shady camp sites and amenities.

    Gregory National Park protects the area’s colourful scenery featuring grassy plains, boab trees and majestic gorges carved out of sandstone escarpments. The Victoria River is renowned for great fishing and abundant birdlife.    Read more

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    Kudbarra / Gregory National Park

    September 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Kudbarra / Gregory National Park
    Kudbarra National Park, formerly Gregory National Park and Judbarra / Gregory National Park, is a national park in the Northern Territory of Australia, 359 km (223 mi) south of Darwin.

    The park is the second largest national park in the Northern Territory, after Kakadu National Park, with an area of 13,000 km (8,100 mi).

    The park was formerly known as Gregory National Park, but on 21 October 2011, it was announced that under a joint management plan with the traditional owners, the park would be dual-named "Judbarra / Gregory National Park" for a period of ten years. Since 2021, its official name is Judbarra National Park.

    The park consists of two geographically disjoint sections. The larger section lies to the southwest of the smaller northeastern section.    Read more

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    Timber Creek Travellers Rest

    Sep 24–25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Timber Creek, the only stopping point roughly halfway between Katherine to Kununurra on the Victoria Highway, is a town in transition. It currently has a population of less than 300.

    The explorer Augustus Charles Gregory, who reached the area in 1855, named the site Timber Creek because it was here that his boat was wrecked and it was here that he cut some timber (melaleuca) to repair the hole in the vessel.Read more

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    See ya next time NT

    September 24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    NT you haven’t disappointed, it’s been an absolute pleasure discovering what you had to offer?

    NT- Unforgiving, dry and barron but I mean that with respect ,yes it’s hot no actually boiling and humid, the concrete radiators heat the sun burns into your skin. Air conditioning has been a blessing, some days the heat is so intense you just stay inside and the collection of fans have got us through some nasty hot nights, I now understand the need for a swimming pool especially in the middle of whop whop.

    You hear of the vast landscape of Australia but don’t really understand how vast until you drive it! NT can be unforgiving it’s a perfect example of “if you get lost here your in a world of pain” the roadhouses are the oasis in the outback, you can be in butt no where and get much needed supplies, cooked food , cold beer and a safe nights sleep, roadhouses are an integral part of the logistical makeup of keeping this counties supply chain running and I challenge anyone to work in some of the most remote places within this country.

    Yes it’s dry but when that wet season comes one can only imagine
    how the landscape changes as the water flows, the gorges fill and the creeks flow!
    The crocs are plentiful and protected the wildlife incredible especially within the wetlands. Yes you have to be aware of croc country and keep your distance from the edge and only swim in places on the map, accidents happen and people get taken and particularly dogs!

    Darwin isn’t a busy city like most, the pace is slower and people more friendlier. We have witnessed and received acts of kindness, total strangers stopping & helping us out when we broke down in Licthfield NP.

    The springs have been a high light which I never knew existed becoming our best buddy in the heat of the arvo!
    Katherine was a surprise , even with the local problems it still had surprises to offer.
    There’s a calmness in the NT , a more laid back kind of state, maybe it’s the temps or the remoteness but we can guarantee we will be back!    Read more

    Trip end
    September 24, 2024
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