Bar room NT style

Heading down the main highway out of Darwin we camped at Edith Falls before spending a couple of days in Mataranka Springs. We were heading towards the gulf and some big days in the car were required. After hitting Daly Waters we headed east towards Heart Break Hotel. This place had a chequered history, being one of the biggest brothels in the top end only twenty years ago. Sitting at the crossroads we got to share a beer with many characters, including tourists, fisherman truckies, stockman and the indigenous. We were well looked after and they allowed us to leave our caravan there so we could travel to the more remote regions with our swags.

Don’t you love this place!!

Edith Falls

Mataranka Springs

Bitter springs

First top was Lorella Springs, a large station on the edge of the gulf. This property was very remote and we virtually had it to ourselves. Because it was the end of the dry there was not much water around and the temperatures were now in the mid-thirties. Nevertheless we had a great time visiting the points of interest and vowed to come back again one day just after the wet. The next place we visited was King Ash Bay on the Macarthur River just north of Boorooloola. Amongst the heat and dust we were very surprised at the facilities available in this little oasis. Not only was there fresh cheap fruit and vegetables available, but the remote camping on the river and the fishing were second to none. Adding to that the fishing club had cold beers, great pizzas and internet (the kids liked this one). Chris went fishing down the islands with a local and bought back enough fish to keep the tribe happy for a while. There were enough waterways here to keep any fisherman happy, but the heat was telling us it was time to start moving on.

The Lost city

King Ash Bay

The club

After a couple of days driving and overnight free camping, we finally crossed the border into QLD. Although we had only spent about a month in NT it was good to be able to revisit places, as well as find some new ones. No matter when you visit the top end, the crocs, the back burning, the people and the culture surrounding the area (even in the 21^st century) always makes you feel like you are on an adventure. With eight and a half months of the trip completed the remainder of the trip would be in QLD and what better way to start than the mining town of Mount Isa. Apart from visiting a mine-shaft and “School of the Air” Aimee and Dylan got to celebrate fathers day with their daddy. Mum reckons everyday is fathers day in the Walsh household (caravan!).

Swagmans Hall of Fame (Cammoweal)

Lovely Mt Isa?

Going underground

School of the air

Happy Fathers day

Happy Fathers day