Day 175 – 7th July 2018 – Darwin, Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu

We were up really early to finalise the packing and had a half hour drive ahead of us to get to Maccas by 7.30 where we were meeting Kat and Angry.  So it was about 5.30am and still dark when Col was trying to put the Port-a-loo on the roof of his car.  Unfortunately he lost control of it and and it rolled off the roof, hitting his bonnet then bouncing and rolling down the road making an almighty racket!!!  Lights switched on around the caravan park nearby with people wondering what the hell was happening.  Hoping people will still talk to us after this effort.  Unfortunately it made a small dent on Col’s car too so he was not impressed with the start to the day.  On the flip side it was before our trip so the toilet was empty…. could have been a whole lot worse really hahahaha.

We met Kat and Angry at Maccas at 7.30 and then did the 3 hour drive to Barramundi Gorge, Maguk in Kakadu National Park.  We stopped off at a petrol station about an hour out of Darwin to meet up with Lenny who joined our convoy.  My sides were hurting with laughter by the time we got there, there was a lot of very funny banter on the radios during the drive.

We got to Barramundi Gorge and then set up camp.

Our camp at Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT
Our camp at Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT

Once we were unpacked and set up we headed off for a 2km hike to the Gorge.  There were some really tricky parts to navigate but the hike was beautiful and so was the waterhole.  There is a larger part at the bottom where most people go, but we were told about an unsigned turn off half way along to get to the upper waterhole above the main waterfall.  We went swimming in some fresh water plunge pools and swam up to a warm spring waterfall.  Such spectacular scenery.

There are warning signs when hiking about Salt Water Crocs inhabiting the area.  The start of the walk is through a swampy area but you are on a path with rails for most of the way.

Col and Lenny on the hike to Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT
Col and Lenny on the hike to Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT

I really loved this section and the colour of the water.  The water is so clear you could see fish and turtles swimming around.  Again this section is inhabited by crocs, so didn’t get too near the waters edge and definitely no swimming here!

Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT
Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT
Hike to Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT
Hike to Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT

This photo shows a little bit of the upper pool where we were swimming.  You could swim along a narrow section with high walls either side to get to the warm waterfall.  It was just breathtaking scenery.  No Crocs here.  It is so important to only swim in areas in the NT that are clearly marked as safe.

Upper plunge pool, Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT
Upper plunge pool, Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT

This is the view down to the main swimming area below and the waterfall.

Main swimming area and waterfall, Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT
Main swimming area and waterfall, Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT

Afterwards we hiked back to camp and met up with Dan, Chris and Shannon.  We got the fire going and Kat and Angry cooked pulled pork in the camp oven on the fire.  We had a very funny night which included a game of Up/Down, Up/Up, Down/Down that frustrated many people in the group.  There was a palm tree that had grown at a slanted angle out of the ground and the guys all agreed, after a significant amount to drink, that it would be easy to walk up it.  Col was the first one to accept the challenge and ran up the tree only to fall out and land on his knee!  I was freaking out but he was totally fine.  So all the men decided to attempt this challenge.  I am pleased to report that there were no significant injuries sustained to the best of my knowledge and it was definitely entertaining.  It was a great night with a great group of people.

Angry preparing the 'Pulled Pork' for dinner in the camp oven, Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT
Angry preparing the ‘Pulled Pork’ for dinner in the camp oven, Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu National Park NT

8 thoughts on “Day 175 – 7th July 2018 – Darwin, Barramundi Gorge, Maguk, Kakadu”

  1. Two things on the first photo, sitting around the campfire. 1) it looks like Cool has acquired a new talent of being able to balance a beer on his ankle – well done mate. 2) I was wondering if Col was explaining his “perpendicular”? The guy in green looks captivated.
    Enjoying reading and laughing at your stories and adventures. Awesome pics too.

    1. well done Nige, very observant. The beer made me laugh, had to go back and have a closer look.
      I asked Col if he was giving the ‘perpendicular’ explanation, but apparently it was ‘how to turn of traction control’ :)
      Glad to hear you are enjoying the journey with us and liking the pics. You would love it up here Nige, we need to come back with the whole Obnoxious crew sometime!

  2. Tears from the loo story hon ,oh wow ,funny …all dents tell a story ….Photos are amazing ,love the plunge pool .

  3. Soooo funny! Lucky the loo bounced else you’d be in big trouble! Beautiful photos, such a gorgeous place by the look of it. xxx

    1. Very true :) Though the neighbours might not agree with you.
      It really was a beautiful place, worth a visit if you are down (or up) this way xx

  4. Love the whole story thank you. Totally agree with Sam, beautiful photos and scenery.
    …. did you two set the Maccas meeting spot? Wondering if you are trying your luck with new camping buddies !!!!

    1. Thanks Tania.
      Funnily enough, we didn’t suggest Maccas the first time, that was Angry and Kat’s idea (we secretly loved it of course!). We did suggest it the second time though and they were keen. You should try it sometime hahahahaha. x

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