Day 23 –Darwin to Cooinda (Kakadu)

Yes, the title is correct, we are in Kakadu again. We loved it so much the first time we stopped there (before Darwin), that we decided to go back in for a night on the way down, and stop at Cooinda. Cooinda is the home of the Yellow Water Cruises – famous for their brilliant wildlife trips on the Yellow Waters wetlands. We decided not to do it on the way up (budget restraints), but after deliberation, decided it was well worth it, so decided to go back and do it on the way down.

So this morning we said goodbye to Darwin (sadly), and headed south. We really enjoyed our six days in Darwin, it is a beautiful, picturesque city with its beautiful sea vistas, lovely tropical gardens everywhere, lots to see and do, and it is so easy to drive around – no traffic!

So we turned off the Stuart Highway, and headed south-east along the Arnhem Highway back into Kakadu National Park. After an hour and half we arrived at Mamakula wetlands, we stopped to stretch our legs and have a look at the huge bird hide built on the wetlands. A great viewing area to see all the birds up close. Sam was a little perturbed at the sign on the way in “Crocodiles have been seen on the main pathways, so please stay aware”.  Nice!

After lunch in the caravan, it was back in the car around to Jabiru to fuel up, then 50km up the road to Cooinda. The caravan park here is great, and attached to the Cooinda Resort which has  lovely lodge accommodation, outdoor bistro, a general store and shop, and lovely tropical gardens.   And the swimming pool is fantastic – huge and just what is needed in this heat!