One of the disadvantages in getting to Kakadu early in the season is that Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are closed, they are cleaning out the crocs and getting facilities ready after the wet. There was a late wet season this year which meant there was no chance of them being open when we were there.  So we didn’t get there. There is always next time!  However, the big advantage is there is hardly anyone around in all the other places. And so we found it at Gumlon Falls which is reached along a 37 k gravel road the last 10 or so k being particularly rough, rocky and washed out in places. But it is worth the drive. Took an hour and half to travel the 37 k, so we were not rushing.

This was one of the larger termite mounds we encountered on the trip

Allthego dealing with some wood for the BBQ.

The campground here at Gumlon is wide spaced, no sites just set up where you like. No power, but the showers are solar heated. Rather dark at night as there is no moon at the moment, dingoes can be heard barking and growling in the distance.

The plunge pool at the base of the Falls is very clear with a great sandy bottom near the shore but it drops away deeply on the swim out to the base of the Falls. No crocs.

This is the plunge pool below Gumlon Falls. Quite a steep walk up to the pools at the top of Falls.

Pools at the top of Gunlom Falls.They cascade over the edge to the large plunge pool below. Allthego had a great swim here.

This pool is right on the edge of the drop over the Gunlom Falls.

A water dragon sunned itself on the rocks beside the Gunlom pools.

Allthego did the rather steep walk to the top of the Falls for a swim, along with a group of tourists from all parts of Europe. They were gob-smacked by the views from the top and the water in the pools. Interesting to observe their reactions and reluctance to leave when their guide called time.

This is the bright orange flower of the Woolly Butt tree. When the tree flowers it is a sign to the aborigines (and also white fellas) that it is time to start the annual cool burn of the landscape. Which was happening all around us.

This was quite a big donkey defiantly standing his ground on the road to Gunlom.

We had 2 nights here at Gumlon before leaving to head to Brisbane on the return trip.

We are now revisiting the Daly Waters Pub for the night, having moved on from Katherine.

On leaving Kakadu I thought I might quote from one of f Kakadu Man’s poems:

“White European can’t say,

‘Oh, that Aborigine no good.’

Might be that Aborigine alright.

Man can’t growl at Aborigine,

Aborigine can’t growl at white European.

Because both ways.

Might be both good men,

might be both no good.

You never know.

So you should get understand yourself.

No matter Aborigine or white European.”

Interesting words from a wise Old Man.