5 June to 8 June - Victoria River to Keep River

5 June – early rise & off for a walk up the Escarpment for great views around the area – real Kimberley scenery (even though we are not strictly there yet). A steep but rewarding walk. Then to Timber Creek to set up camp followed by a dip in the pool before heading out for a boat cruise on the Victoria River – lots of crocs (freshies & salties), wallaby’s, kites and our favourite, a white bellied sea eagle – a magnificent creature. The skipper dropped a line & caught a few cat fish which he fed to the eagle & kites.

Victoria River from escarpment walk

White Bellied Sea Eagle

6 June – a slower start after being woken early by a cacophony of birdsong. Headed off to Bullita Homestead down about 50 km of dusty dirt track with a number of creek crossings. A very interesting history at the homestead which was part of a large cattle station. They had some great photos, stories & copies of letters on the walls with stories of the tough times they endured with floods & droughts. Certainly a tough & isolated life. Had a walk along the nearby East Baines River & saw our first Jabiru.

We then drove in to Limestone Gorge along a very rough track followed by a couple of walks – up to the lookout, to the picnic area & billabong & to the “Calcite Flow” (an extraordinary dry waterfall that looked as though it was covered in snow). It was hot walking & the billabong & river were very tempting but we are in croc territory so had to wait for a dip in the pool back at the camp ground. Wandered down to Timber Creek to watch the croc feeding – there were 3 or 4 crocs. A great day.

Roo family on road to Bullita

Big Boab at Bullita

Calcite Flow (there's no water)

7 & 8 June – Travelled to Keep River National Park & set up camp in a magnificent spot with views of the surrounding beehive like mountains. A basic site with pit toilets, no showers or water but open fires allowed. Idyllic! Had some quiet time to read & catch up on blog etc but also managed three walks Jarnem 7km, Gurrandalng 2km & Jinumum 3 km. The scenery is quite spectacular & includes aboriginal middens & art sites plus a view to die for from the Jarnem lookout. Heaps of parrots, red tailed black cockatoos, white cockatoos, galahs, brolgas, egrets, kites, honeyeaters & many smaller birds plus one lonely roo. A lovely quiet camp site.

Our tent at Keep River

Keep River Nat Park

Keep River Nat Park