Day 10
At 9:30 am we were on 2.5-hour (somewhat delayed) Jetstar flight to Darwin where we picked-up (near the airport) our next rental (Nissan 2WD Standard SUV) from ☞ Bargain Car. Everything went quite smooth, but now we were in a hurry to make it to ☞ Corroboree Tavern (in Marrakai) by 4 pm to catch shuttle for sunset Corroboree Billabong ☞ Wetland Cruise (recommended) and still stop in Humpty Doo to pick-up supplies at Woolworth and for cup of coffee at the Tavern. The cruise was confirmed only the day before when enough people signed-on. We had enough time to check-in at Corroboree Tavern, conveniently located crossroads-type accommodation and busy restaurant (we had beef curry for dinner after the cruise). Two-hour cruise (ending just after sunset) on billabong near Mary River (outside Kakadu NP) was worth to do thanks to abundant wildlife (mostly birds, but also a few small crocodiles and turtles) and very good involved guide.
Corroboree bilabong
Day 11
We drove (all day) from Marrakai to Jabiru on Arnhem Hwy stopping along the way. First stop was at Mary River Wilderness Retreat, just off the highway, for very slow 1:45 hr river-bamboo-billabong walk. $5 pp day-use fee was well worth it. We got good advice where to go, cold drinking water. We also used swimming pool and shower after the walk. Hiking temp reached 37℃. Nice view on Mary River.
Mary River
Next, we stoped briefly at South Alligator River boat ramp (plus 15-min anty-sleep nap for driver) and Kakadu NP info board (lunch). We spent 1:45 hr at Mamukala Wetlands (recommended) observation deck and walk, great bird-watching experience. From small Paperbark flycatcher to large Magpie goose flock and many others in between.Temp reached 39℃, 40℃ was recorded in Kakadu – couple degrees higher than average for the day. We checked-in at ☞ Kakadu Lodge in Jabiru around 5 pm.
Mamukala Wetlands
Paperbark flycatcher, Magpie goose flock
Paperbark flycatcher at Mamukala Wetlands
Magpie goose flock at Mamukala Wetlands
