Straight back onto the bumpy corrugated road we slowly became immune to the rattle of the car. As long as we kept up our momentum, it lessened the pain. It was almost like being in another country compared to Cairns, blue skies were out and the weather was a constant 31 degrees every day!
First stop off after Isabella was the historic site of Old Laura Station. The remains of this old homestead were very much in tact. Being able to freely walk through the grounds and buildings at no cost was something unusual for us since the east coast! Taking photos of the blacksmith and stable yards in the winter, it was unimaginable of how tough it must of been in summer when Old Laura was flourishing. Especially as it is so remote!
Arriving at Lakefield National Park we detoured past a lagoon blanketed in lilies. Hearing this site had a residential croc, Mark was quick to spot it and we all had a perve on this impressive beast with Stu’s $6 binoculars. Our first choice of a camp site that evening was at Kalpower Crossing. After we were wrecked by the National Park booking system at the Ranger Base, we went for our second favourite spot at Hann River. This was still an unbelievable spot to crank out a fire and relax.
Throughout this northern section of Australia there were copious amounts of termite mounds, majority built by Magnetic Termites. These fascinating creatures build their enormous homes in a North to South direction. After leaving Hann River we drove through the Nifold Plains. Found here was a ridiculous amount of these mounds. Hundreds upon hundreds in all directions. A fine drop of our cask red on the car roofracks while watching a sunset behind these silhouettes would have been incredible.
One last stop in Lakefield for lunch at Sweetwater Creek, we were truly lucky to have great scenery surrounding us. Unfortunately, upon departure a freak accident occured when a stick flung up under Buzz’s side step, smashing into the underside of the car. With a bit of panel beating we were lucky enough to push it back into place!
Burning out of the National Park, we quickly found ourselves at Coen (Stu had been chanting “Co-en the saints!” theme song everytime this town was brought up). After a short pit stop to restock on fuel and groceries we ducked beside a small river only 5km north of the township. Having the 4WD luxury, we drove through the river and set up on the sandy banks. By doing this, we were away from everyone else with our own private freshwater swimming hole.
Relocating to another river camp further along our corrugated nightmare of a road, we arrived at Archer. WikiCamps pulled through with the goods again and lead us down a serious 4WD trail. After hitting a pretty ordinary camp down one path, we decided to venture down the other where we lucked out and hit an amazing, beautiful oasis. Another sandy waterhole that was even better than the one at Coen!
Pulling the hammock out for the first time we tied it to some trees over the river and had a great relaxing afternoon. We even tried catching some small bait fish with a net but didn’t have much luck. Grabbing some firewood and using some red gum previously collected from our last spot, Stu got some coals cranking for dinner. Putting on a delicious mouth watering chicken stew cooked in the camp oven, we were living the dream.
In these past days, we made the most of our freshwater swims to clean ourselves up and escape the blistering heat. As a change of scenery was on the itinerary, we were about to embark on an exploration that was to take us to a saltwater croc haven…
20/08/2016 – 23/08/2016