Sunrise over Kakadu

Last weekend I had the most brilliant time exploring Kakadu National Park. I can understand why it was made a World Heritage Area for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Sophie and I boarded a sunrise boat cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong with our local guide Dennis. I learnt that the billabong is an estuary; meaning a place where saltwater from the coastline meets freshwater from rivers and streams. It is a rich breeding ground for many water species and its diversity attracts many birds and interesting plant life. There were mangroves, paperbark forests, flood plains and savannahs. It was beautiful! There were also loads of saltwater crocodiles discovering the rich menu on offer in the freshwater.  

 

Some of you may be surprised to learn that I have always loved school excursions and learning interesting facts. As such, I had downloaded the “Kakadu Birds App” and done a small amount of research prior to the trip. My study paid off that morning. We saw such an abundance of birds that even someone with no enthusiasm for nature would have been impressed! We saw forest kingfishers, willy wagtails, blue winged kookaburras, egrets, jacanas (Jesus birds), sea eagles, kites, jabirus and my favourites- the azure kingfisher. Now, I know many of you are rolling your eyes at my recent obsession but with over 1/3 of Australia’s birdlife found in Kakadu, it is difficult not to appreciate the diversity.

Jesus bird walking on water, intermediate egret and azure kingfisher

The other highlight of this week was our touch football grand final. Because we’ve had so much rain we are no longer able to drive across Cahill's crossing to Jabiru. The team were looking at forfeiting if Sophie and I weren't able to play; but luckily for us our team is full of pilots! After work a helicopter landed in the field next to the clinic and we were whisked away to the game. The final was thrilling with the game being tied at 6 tries all at full time. We played extra time and with 5 seconds to go the other team got in for a very lucky try. It was a disappointing loss but we came very close to a side who have been undefeated all year. We smiled for the press and made the back page of the Jabiru newspaper the next morning. Sophie and I also enjoyed a VIP helicopter into work the next day- it’s my new preferred method of transport. 

Finally, I want to send a big hello to my Aunty Ro; well known to many of you for her reading at our wedding. She’s spent some of her days this week in Hornsby Hospital and I hope she’s recovering at home being spoilt by her family. Get well soon!

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