Monday, 14th June
Another glorious day, we even removed one of the blankets from our bed this morning and put it into storage. This morning we lined up with the other tourists to watch the barramundi being fed in the caravan park’s billabong, which was covered in gorgeous pink water lilies. The owner of the park actually got into the water (on a ramp) and explained how the barramundi have to be trained to eat bait fish. He even hand fed them, but was unable to actually catch one in his hands today so we could have a closer look. We were also shown a cane toad, one of the 120+ caught in the park last night. We were encouraged to collect them at night and place in the disposal bin – they are not to be squished and left on the ground!
We then drove to the Mataranka Homestead, the site of the replica homestead of Mrs Aeneous Gunn (or Jeannie), the author of “We of the Never Never.” The original homestead was only a short distance away, but no longer exists. The current structure is an exact replica and was built for the movie. What a tough life the pioneer women lived.
Not far away were the Mataranka Thermal Springs, which flow into the Roper River. These particular springs are very popular and have been tiled to make access easier. Unfortunately, they are also very popular with the local flying foxes. We also drove to the Bitter Thermal Springs, which are quite close to the caravan park, very natural and not as many people.
This afternoon we returned to the Bitter Springs, with our bathers and a couple of noodles hired from the caravan park reception. A very pleasant afternoon was spent floating in the springs (only 34 degrees), under a clear, blue sky, with palm trees and gums overhanging the water, listening to the birds and watching the butterflies and birds flitting about. Also of interest were the ENORMOUS golden orb spiders in their webs strung right across the water. A tough life, but someone has to do it!!! The 30 degree air temperature did feel a bit cold, though, when we left the water.
Another glorious day, we even removed one of the blankets from our bed this morning and put it into storage. This morning we lined up with the other tourists to watch the barramundi being fed in the caravan park’s billabong, which was covered in gorgeous pink water lilies. The owner of the park actually got into the water (on a ramp) and explained how the barramundi have to be trained to eat bait fish. He even hand fed them, but was unable to actually catch one in his hands today so we could have a closer look. We were also shown a cane toad, one of the 120+ caught in the park last night. We were encouraged to collect them at night and place in the disposal bin – they are not to be squished and left on the ground!
We then drove to the Mataranka Homestead, the site of the replica homestead of Mrs Aeneous Gunn (or Jeannie), the author of “We of the Never Never.” The original homestead was only a short distance away, but no longer exists. The current structure is an exact replica and was built for the movie. What a tough life the pioneer women lived.
Not far away were the Mataranka Thermal Springs, which flow into the Roper River. These particular springs are very popular and have been tiled to make access easier. Unfortunately, they are also very popular with the local flying foxes. We also drove to the Bitter Thermal Springs, which are quite close to the caravan park, very natural and not as many people.
This afternoon we returned to the Bitter Springs, with our bathers and a couple of noodles hired from the caravan park reception. A very pleasant afternoon was spent floating in the springs (only 34 degrees), under a clear, blue sky, with palm trees and gums overhanging the water, listening to the birds and watching the butterflies and birds flitting about. Also of interest were the ENORMOUS golden orb spiders in their webs strung right across the water. A tough life, but someone has to do it!!! The 30 degree air temperature did feel a bit cold, though, when we left the water.
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