We visited Em & Jon in Perth for Christmas – it was so good to be able to swim in the sea…
No crocodiles – just Keith!
Back in the NT, the crocodiles abound…
We did the tourist thing with the Jumping Crocodiles on the Adelaide River.
This sea eagle was huge…
A cold and misty day at Manly (Sydney) with Pippa and Xavier.
Xavier is just about to start school – doesn’t time fly!
We took a flying visit to Tasmania – a view of Hobart from Mount Wellington.
Hobart has a wonderful harbour and we enjoyed fresh fish & chips served straight from the local trawlers.
In Richmond this beautiful bridge was built using convict labour…
Abel Tasman first landed in Australia here at Dunalley.
Abel Tasman first landed in Australia here at Dunalley.
But the town was devastated by bush fires just before our visit…
The coastline is just stunning…
Looking down on the Tessellated Pavement.
At ground level, the pavement is so regular it looks man-made.
Port Arthur was both a town and a prison…
…built by convict labourers.
We took a cruise out to the head of the harbour and to the island of the dead.
With such a good harbour, it is obvious why they chose this location.
Ghostly tales abound in Port Arthur…
We were so lucky with the weather on our first day – the quality of the light was amazing.
… but normally Tasmania is much wetter – note the moss on the fence!
Where possible they have photos of the actual convicts – very poignant.
One of the isolation cells…
… but all the comforts of home for the guards.
A natural arch at Eaglehawk Neck.
The Huon River valley was beautiful.
Tasmania is famous for its apples and this museum was unusual.
Tasmania is also famous for its salmon and there were a lot of farms.
Cockle Creek is the southern-most road in Australia – so, of course, we had to drive there!
This full-size statue of a baby Right Whale pays tribute to the whaling history.
We enjoyed the Hartz Mountains – a spectacular change of scenery from northern Australia…
… and it was great to feel cold!
We visited the Wooden Boat Centre and thought this photo typified this beautiful corner of the world.
And the wooden boats made another lovely photo.
The Museum of Old and New Art is a controversial new museum…
This waterfall cleverly spelled out headlines from the latest internet news – but difficult to capture in a photo.
One gallery featured this multi-faceted snake by Sidney Nolan.
But the museum also had this fine collection of Polynesian tapa cloth – oddly displayed with an Egyptian mummy case!
Off to complete our circumnavigation of Australia – by car and tent – driving from Darwin to Broome, WA!
Keith still had to finish writing a report for the NT Government – so set up office in the camp kitchen.
Pink and grey galahs roosting in a tree…
One of the vast rivers in the Northern Territory – rather short of water after our dry ‘wet season’.
And a typical small township…
After living in Western Australia for many years, this was Christine’s first visit to the Kimberleys – a vast area in NW Australia.
A sulphur crested cockatoo taking an acrobatic drink – regardless of the sign!
Keith tried to photograph this frog which was flushed from the toilet rim – a big surprise to both of them!
We took a flight over Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles – you can just see the Ord River Dam.
The escarpments are incredible.
The escarpments are incredible.
The Bungle Bungles are huge beehive shaped lumps – appreciated much better from the air.
The Bungle Bungles are huge beehive shaped lumps – appreciated much better from the air.
The Bungle Bungles are huge beehive shaped lumps – appreciated much better from the air.
The Bungle Bungles are huge beehive shaped lumps – appreciated much better from the air.
The Bungle Bungles are huge beehive shaped lumps – appreciated much better from the air.
The Argyle Diamond mine produces amazing rare pink and yellow diamonds.
Lake Argle is just huge!
The Ord River irrigation scheme in action – just outside Kununurra.
We camped at some free off road campsites – along with lots of ‘grey nomads’!
At sunset the cockatoos came down for a drink before roosting in the surrounding gum trees.
We did a hike along the Geikie Gorge…
… and were delighted to see this bower bird nest…
… and this spider with the zig-zag web!
Fitzroy Crossing – no wonder the highway was closed during the wet when the river rises 6-8 meters.
… they have now built a bridge so generally the highway is open all year round.
We visited Derby and its infamous Boab Tree – used to hold prisoners overnight as they were marched to gaol.
An impressive termite mound…
Broome’s famous Cable Beach…
The sunset camel ride is a popular tourist attraction – we didn’t indulge…
… we enjoyed a celebratory meal instead!
Still, the sunset over the Indian Ocean is impressive.
Boab trees and termite mounds abound on the plains to the south of the Kimberley region.
Then the escarpments start to change the landscape.
Brahman cattle are ideal for the tropical climate.
We returned to Lake Argyle for a couple of days R&R after all that driving!
And hiked up one of the escarpments…
Keith’s hiking boots finally died altogether – but they have done a lot of miles!
The infinity pool at the Lake Argyle camping resort made a lovely setting for sunset.
Moonrise at Lake Argyle.
Slide
Back in Darwin the dry season fun activities are well underway.
Notice the beer can crocodile along the roof of this float!
Another creative use of cans.
Finally Poco Andante is back at anchor in Fannie Bay, Darwin, and we can enjoy the spectacular sunsets. – ready to resume cruising again!
