DAY 44 – UBIIR – WINDOW TO ARNHEM LAND

We were able to have a bit of a leisurely start today as we only had 60kms to go down the road to Jabiru.  We had decided to head here overnight so that we could go to Cahill’s Crossing to see the crocodiles cross over the road at the change of tide…. We had heard that it was worth seeing, as some folk had seen up to 13 crocs come across the road.  We also wanted to go and see Ubiir, and climb up to the lookout to look across Arnhem Land.  We were told it was quite spectacular and definitely worth the climb….

We were very fortunate when we got to Jabiru, as we hadn’t booked any accommodation ahead thinking that there would be plenty there but in fact the caravan park we started in only had 15 powered sites, and they were and had been booked out all week.  It just so happened that they only had two powered sites left (side by side, I might add) and they were only available for the one night we needed them.  Think that might have been a GOD thing….

The other amazing thing was that each powered site had their own en-suites which was great for us…  So much nicer than where we had stayed the previous couple of nights and where we had had to walk 300-400metres just to go to the toilet or have a shower…  We were loving it…

By the time we had unhitched, had lunch and got ready it was after 1.30pm.  We had to hurry, as the tide change was 2.30pm and we still had a good half hour drive to get to Cahill’s Crossing.  

Cahill's Crossings to see the Crocs cross the road..

We weren’t the only ones there to see the Crocs cross, there would have been 50-60 other folk there as well, some very fishing right on the river’s edge with their feet in the water.  There is no way you would have caught me doing that.  I was up high at the lookout.  Steve was lower down sitting on some rocks, but still far enough out of harms way.

Coming over the crossing

They were big fellas

Can't believe they would attempt this crossing with so much water running over it...

By the time we got there, three large crocs had already crossed over the crossing, but we managed to witness another 10 swim across in the time we were there. 

Coming over the crossing

Another one crosses over

They were interesting to watch as they swam across and just congregated just below the crossing.  One of the men fishing there told me, that they just hang around that area until the tide goes down and then catch all the fish that are left there as they can’t swim back downstream because they get caught below the crossing…. 

Hanging around waiting for their feed..

We were fascintated by the way they swam with their claws up out of the water.

 We did watch a couple of the Crocs catch fish and flip them up and in one case onto the bank where he than ate it.  The other Croc caught his fish in his mouth.  We watched another Croc lunge out to catch a fish and heard his jaw snap.  It was very loud, but I don’t think he actually caught anything, but it did show us how powerful their jaws are…  One think I know for sure, and that is I would not want to be anywhere near where one of those monsters could nab you…

This rock formation at the entrance to Ubirr really was fascinating

 From the crossing, we continued on to Ubiir, which was only another 8-10 kms down the road.   There are some amazing rock formations as you enter the park, one even looking like a giant mushroom.  

Exploring the art galleries

  There is a loop track around Ubiir, which takes in about three or four Aboriginal Art sites, all very interesting, but probably not as prominent as the art at Nourlangie Rock.  

In one of the rock caves

The walking tracks were easy walks, most being accessible by wheel chair.  To actually see the art thought required you to climb up some rock or stair cases, but they weren’t too hard to get into.  One of the very interesting art sites thought had a drawing of a Tasmanian Tiger.  

Rock art of an Tasmanian Tiger

 This was fascinating, as the Tasmanian Tiger was only ever known to be in Tasmania and they have been extinct for a very long time.  This drawing would indicate that at some stage these Tasmanian Tigers, roamed the flood plains of Arnhem Land…
 

Climbing up to the lookout at Ubirr

Some of the amazing views from about 2/3 of the way up.

 The climb up to the lookout at Ubiir was up over sheer rock, and as my back and hip were very sore,  I decided that I wouldn’t do it, that is until an elderly local came down and told me it was a must to at least climb up the first level of rock and look out.  He assured me that it was the prettiest view in the Northern Territory, and he regularly came out here to enjoy it and sit and reflect and contemplate life as he sat up there on the rock.

I decided to attempt the very first part of the rock.  By this stage Ian and Kathy had arrived from their loop walk, and I thought I could at least join them for part of the climb.  I had only just got up on the first stage of the rock when I saw Steve coming back.  He assured me that the view was stunning, and he was coming back for me because he knew that I wouldn’t want to miss it.  

Views from the Lookout at Ubirr

Photos don't really do it justice

I am so thankful, as he helped me considerably to climb two thirds of the way up, and as everyone had said, the views were not only stunning, they were breathtakingly beautiful and I am so glad that I made the effort to get up there and see it all.  They will be forever etched in my memory.

Views from the Lookout at Ubirr

Views from the very top of the Lookout..

Steve at the very top of Ubirr

 Just had to capture these photos of Steve, Ian and Kathy all at the top of the Lookout at Ubirr.  A magnificent effort rewarded with a life time memory of the amazing landscape of Arnhem Land. 

Ian and Kathy at the very top of the lookout..

Getting a wave from them..

Time to contemplate....

A record of the fact that I really did manage to climb up there...

By the time we got down it was just before sunset.  We had decided not to wait until sunset as they lock the park gates at7pm, and as sunset was only half an hour before gate locking time, and I knew I was a slow climber, we wanted to make sure we were down and out fo the park before it was locked for the night    

Fern leaf Grevillea found at Ubirr

I am beginning to wonder about the gate locking time now though, as there were busloads of tourists arriving as we were leaving, obviously there to witness the sunset over Ubiir.

Still we were pretty tired,  we’d had a couple of very full on days, so heading home for n early dinner and early night was good.  
 

The Crocodile shaped hotel and resort in Jabiru

 We drove back into Jabiru on sunset, had a drive around town, and noticed the main hotel in Jabiru, which was built in the shape of a large crocodile.  We were looking for a post office to post some post cards home to family.  We never did find one, so our postcards came back to Darwin with us.

We really enjoyed our time out in Kakadu,  it was totally different to what I expected it to be, but will hold some very special memories of a wonderful few days there,,,