Yesterday, we left Dunmarra bright and early to travel to Materanka. I read somewhere that Dunmarra marked the division between desert Australia and tropical Australia. Well, I don't know about that but we did notice a distinct change in the vegetation as we drove along. The trees became much more numerous and taller.
The weather is also changing. At last it has become warm. Today the temperature reached 29 degrees and we can now wear summer clothing, at least in the afternoon.
The trip up, was quite uneventful. Before I forget however, I should point out that we were passed by a road train, the second one in the whole trip (the first one passed us on the way up to Dunmarra). We have seen a few travelling south but only two in two days going north.
Again before I forget, I think I should say something about termites, or to be more specific, termite nests. Shortly, after crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, we began to notice small nests. They have been getting bigger the further north we come. This is what they look like around Materanka.
You may remember a post or two ago I wrote about Australian towns having Big things. Well, we found out today that Materanka has a Big thing. Yes, you've guested it, Materanka has the Big Termite Nest. Here it is.
We are staying in a caravan park that rejoices in the name of The Territory Manor. Before the name deceives you, I should point out that, at first glance, it appears to be just another outback rough and ready caravan park. Well, it is an outback rough and ready caravan park, but a park with a lot of charm and character. You just have to overlook the fact that the amenities block has seen better days and the better days were a long time ago, and the fact that the laundry has just one washing machine to service the whole park.
Looking on the bright side, it has lots of shade trees and a colourful and entertaining bird life. It also has a bush bar and restaurant under a broad, shady verandah. It is a place where you could while away the hottest afternoon in cool contentment looking out over a wide grassy area to a large ornamental pond that is home to several fat barramundi and the few turtles.
Here are some photos of the park.
Last night was Pizza Night at the Restaurant, so along we went. It was a really great night out. The place was packed, the Pizza was first-rate and the live music was beaut. I also learned something really surprising. Territorians like to drink their red wine at the same temperature as their beer. Fancy that.
This morning I was engaged in secret men's business i.e. emptying the caravan toilet cassette, washing most of the mud and dust off the car and giving the caravan a wash as well.
This afternoon we visited Materanka's main claim to fame which, apart from the Big Termite Nest, is the nearby thermal springs at Bitter Springs, just a couple of k's up the road from here.
These springs of warm water flow fast enough and abundantly enough to create a good sized pool and little river. I have to say that the pool is edged by a wide fringe of green weed and slime that does not look too inviting. However the middle of the pool is quite clean and there we found many people enjoying themselves. The river part flows gently away from the pool and people hang on to noodles or other flotation devices and allow themselves to be carried along by the current for about 200 metres or so, to a spot where they climb out and walk back to the starting point and do it all over again. The place was packed when we got there and we had trouble finding a car parking space. So I think the message is, visit in the mornings. Here are the pic's.
Unless, something interesting happens tomorrow or overmorrow I think I will give the blog a rest and post something from Darwin. Cheers
No comments:
Post a Comment