Love the NT!

We rolled into Daly Waters, which has a pub and a campground directly adjacent.  It was predicably busy given it is well know, and only 4kms off the Stuart Hwy.  Historically, Daly Waters was a significant watering hole for stock, and in the 1930’s a store was setup to service the drovers, which is now the pub.  Strangely, Daly Waters was also Australia’s first international airport, as it was used as a stop-off and refuelling point for planes travelling to England.

We got allocated a camp spot right beside the pub, and the walkway to the campsites.  After all the driving, and given its renowned status, we HAD to have dinner at the pub that night.  The place was jumping, and the girls loved playing in the little kids area provided whilst we sat at the table and drank beers.  We both remarked how we could not have done that even 6 months ago, letting the girls go and play without micro-managing them.  We ‘Cheers’ed, and gave a “Welcome Back to Living!”

After a lovely meal and adequate beer, we left, walked the 10 meters to our camper, and organised the kids for bed.  Whilst putting the kids in bed and getting them to settle, it wasn’t hard to find the whole situation ridiculously funny.  We had just come out of the Gulf, having spent a week in some spectacular country, camping by stunning rivers, typically by ourselves, and surrounded by major peace and quiet.  We now sat in a full on busy campsite, next to a busy pub, trucks and cars were still rolling in, and best of all, the local entertainer had jumped on the microphone and was starting his nightly show of jokes, poems and singing.  Glenn couldn’t stop laughing at it all.  Amazingly, the girls still slept, (they are great travellers).  The entertainer (Chilli) was pretty impressive, us listening from the back-stables.

Leaving Daly Waters, we headed for Mataranka.  Amy had specifically recalled that on a previous trip, we had remarked that the National Park (Elsey) there would be a good place to stay for a few nights.  She was not wrong at all!!!  In Elsey, the Thermal Hot Springs provide a great spot to soak, swim, and just laze around in.  There is also a fantastic camping area with good facilities, and even free firewood.  To add to the options, the Roper river flows through the park, and allows for croc free swimming and fishing.

Our fishing spot at Elsey NP

Swimmingin the Roper River

Mataranka Hot Springs

We spent 3 days trying to fit all the activities in.  The girls were in heaven with so much swimming (especially in warm water this time!!!!).  We even got to bring out Savannah’s birthday fishing rod, and throw in a line.  No fish, but the girls enjoyed it.  We definitely could have spent much longer there, but time was marching on, so must we continue on.