Adelaide River

 1- 2 July 2022

After leaving Litchfield and stopping for coffee in Batchelor we set off for Adelaide River. We decided to stop there simply because we had never stayed there before. We arrived early - just before lunch - and set up at the showgrounds caravan park. A little way out of town, and far enough from the highway to be quiet. Adelaide River, the township, is not to be confused with  Adelaide River, the river which is home of the various famous jumping crocodile tours. The township is on the river whereas the crocodile tours are on the way into Kakadu.

The weather had not improved much, it was no longer raining, but the wind continued and it was very cold. The temperature didn't go above 18° all day. It was quite funny to see everyone in jumpers and jackets. This was definitely not what you would expect in the Top End, even in winter.

We spent the afternoon catching up on photo editing and online tasks, and had dinner at the on-site bistro. The bar and bistro are run by the Adelaide River Show Society and the menu is typical pub grub, without the inflated prices seen in some places. It was Territory Day, the one day of the year when the lighting of fireworks by citizens is legal, and even encouraged, so of course some iof the locals set off some nice displays later in the evening.

In the morning we packed up and drove back in to the township to fuel up and also buy some fish from the trader at the small market operating in the park. It was still really cold - only 16° - but the forecast looked promising. We were headed back to Kakadu with the promise of high 20s and sunshine!

Along the way we made a short stop in Pine Creek which was crowded with people taking part in the annual Gold Rush Festival. Back into Kakadu we stopped for lunch at the Mary River Ranger Station. This facility seems to be unmanned but does provide clean toilets, information displays and a picnic area.

From Mary River we continued on past Cooinda to one of the National Park campsites not far from Burrunguy - Djaradjin.