Top End 2016 - Newcastle to Kakadu
TOP END 2016 - FIRST INSTALMENT (NEWCASTLE TO KAKADU): As promised, here is the first instalment in a number of articles to tell you about the recent Dukes trip to the Top End.
As many would know, Week 10 of last term saw 17 intrepid travellers from the St Clare’s Duke of Ed team head north to the promise of adventure and warmer weather. As usual, the Top End didn’t let us down… 30+ degree days and 20 degree nights where the order for our 13 days of fun in the sun.
Wednesday morning saw the group meet for a chilly early morning (not as early as usual thanks to Qantas) start… all students and staff present, we set off for Newcastle airport and the beginning of our adventure. The trip up went off with only a few minor hiccups and we arrived in Darwin on time at 3:30 pm, ready to start the run around getting gear organised in time for a famous Top End sunset over the Arafura Sea. It’s something that really must be seen, as words just don’t do it justice.
The next morning, with the group assembled, it was time to see some of the less pleasant Top End residents at Crocodylus Park. Here some of the guys got to feed and hold a croc as well as taking in the sights of the zoo. After a brief shopping trip in the city, we headed for the Mindil Beach Markets for some great food and entertainment. Our bellies full, we headed back to Kormilda College to get ready for the real adventure… and what an adventure we had, crocs, buffs, wild pigs. You name it, the NT really put on a show for us this year.
Day 3 in the Top End began with an early rise and a 1 hour drive east to Corrobboree Billabong, where we were treated to a 2 hour croc cruise. Here we saw both salt and fresh water crocodiles as well as a huge range of birdlife. Following our first adventure, we were off to Kakadu via the Bark Hut Inn and the Old Jim Jim Road. As a first this year, I decided to take the students in to see the rock art at Nourangie Rock. This is some amazing and very detailed art and well worth the stop. Friday night saw us set up at Merl Campground, in the far north of the park. Here we watched another sunset, this time looking over the Magella Wetlands from Ubir, and saw the crocs by torch light at Cahills Crossing. Amazingly there where very few mosquitos this year (if you have been here before, you would know what I mean).
Upon returning to camp, the students made their final preparations for the first of two three day walks. Stay tuned in over the next few weeks and we will share our stories and photos with you. Thanks for reading.
Bernie Holland, Dukes Coordinator
