We made the decision, that Darwin doesn’t agree with us. It’s a fun place for a visit for sure, but not to live, at least not for us. We prefer blue croc free water, white sand and ocean fishing. We got told all that exists in the NT as well, we just failed to find it.
Our last day at Lee Point we spent with a long walk along the coast, a visit to our favourite pub in Nightcliff – even got to catch up with our mate again – and tacos for dinner. We came up with an ingenious idea of how you can sit the taco shell in a holder to have both hands free to load it up.
Later we got to see a beautiful orange moon and a Plover chick, which is very rare as you usually get attacked by the parents before you get close enough.
Mid April 2026 we dropped our van off to be trucked to Broome, while we towed our boat Malu 1870km to Broome.
We re-visited Litchfield National Park on the way south, I will do a separate blog about that one day. We left the National Park at the north end and called in at the Darwin River Tavern, a beautiful pub with a caravan park next door and a petting zoo.
Since we were in no rush and so close to the track we haven’t explored yet, we decided to head north towards Wagait Beach. When we came across Keswick Boatramp we almost reconsidered our decision leaving the NT. Incredible views from the camp – right opposite Crab Claw Island – a boat ramp and apparently plenty of fishing spots off there. Everytime we move on there is still so much to see and explore – can always come back for a holiday.
The next day we explored a bit more around the tracks, found some communities we didn’t know of and experienced the start of the back-burn season, when fires are lit in good weather conditions to burn the tinderbox undergrowth.
saying goodbye to the nice camp 
and exploring a bit more of the tracks around 
found another community, this time of white fellas 
the back burns are in full swing 
by burning all the dry grass, there is less fuel for the wildfire season 
a grass fire moves quick and doesnt get as hot, animals can flee or hide. soon after such a fire green growth appears
Heading south we came across a camp we’ve never stayed at: Bundy Station stay.
An absolutely brilliant set up they have there. That’s where you want to stay on your way to Darwin. Just 1hr drive from the big city, there is an operating station that shares the homestead area with billabongs and young cattle, goats, geese, pigs etc with the travellers.
a vast area all to ourselves 
right on the river 
a Rainbow Pitta 
Had to use a photo from the internet as I didnt have my camera on me on our walk https://ebird.org/species/raipit1 
a bunny 
calves of cattle and buffalo, as well as some sheep 
Guinea Fowls, they were very funny to watch 
what a beauty! 
a pig 
a communal firepit outside the bar 
both of which were not open yet
The next day we stopped at Edith Falls where we cooked our lunch in the parking lot. Then we went for a short walk to have a look at the falls. Swimming was not allowed this time. It’s been a very wet wet season, and the crocodiles were still everywhere. Coming from Darwin, Edith Falls is just before Katherine.
In Katherine we got a new intake hose for our turbo who’s been playing up.
Some parts of our journey are already online, such as our stay at Victoria River past Katherine, the attempt to get to the Berkley River and the destroyed propeller in the Ord.
A few hundred kilometres past Kununurra we found a bush camp near Mosquito Creek – thanks to WikiCamps app – and enjoyed the night with a bright moon and great views. We stayed a bit away from the creek itself, mainly because the track was in bad shape, and didn’t get to many biteys.
Another 800km later we booked into Willare Roadhouse for the night. Love this place from all our trips to the Fitzroy River. It felt as if we’re already back home. They are under a new management, the kitchen is still great.
Last day driving! We got to Broome and checked in at the Bali Hai Resort – thanks to the parting gift of my former workplace! Perfect timing to use that voucher, after that long trip on the road, we were due for a proper bed and a relaxing weekend.
We got our own villa next to the pool with a generous outdoor seating area. We dropped everything off and went to the beach for sunset. Oh, how we missed the Broome sunsets! Darwin’s are pretty good too, just not the same vibe.
our own villa 
with an outdoor bathroom 
a big living and bedroom 
the dragonflies are here, must be dry season 
view to the packed Gantheaume Beach, since north of the rocks is closed due to forshore upgrades there are even more people at that end for the sunset 
sunset from the top of the dune 
the star gazing up here is amazing 
After sunset we got ready to dine at the Bali Hais exquisite restaurant.
The next day we allowed ourselves a lazy day. We went for a nice walk in the morning and enjoyed a coffee from the kiosk. We went to the markets – nothing better than a curry for late breakfast!! We cooked burgers at Gantheaume Beach and felt very much at home and relaxed.
Time to move in at the caravan park – our home for a while. After dropping the boat off at the park we stopped at our trusted mechanic. He checked the turbo and agreed – its just a valve, not a kaput turbo.
Happy about the good news we went to pick up our caravan from the truck depot. We struggled with the hydraulic jack, until we realised it was bent beyond repair!
We are back home.
Explored May 2026, written July 2026