July 30 - Mt Isa

We finally completed the mammoth trip from Tennant Creek to Mt Isa - there's just a whole lot of nothing (I was quite nervous about this part of the trip - there are no service stations for approx 200kms, twice)! See pic below to prove it. However I did see 2 snakes and 3 lizards and basically the horizon - sorry not much to report today - just to say that the kids were great - travelled from 8am - 4pm with 2 short stops - we did spelling and maths competitions and we purchased a boxed set of Modern Family so that keeps them entertained in between the school work and an hour or two of sing-a-longs. Tomorrow we have another long day in the car (probably an hour less than today) - we will spend the night at Hughenden - then Monday we will arrive in Townsville.

Daly Waters Pub

The view all day today from the car - just nothing not even a tree to see!

July 27 - Bachelor (Litchfield Park), NT

We all enjoyed a lazy morning and then headed into Florence Falls and then Blueys Rockpools for an afternoon of swimming - it was great! Although I can't believe you are driving along these dessert roads not really seeing anyone, then you pull into the carpark of the waterhole (still not really siting humans) - and then, OMG - there are so many people swimming - it still amazes me - you'd swear there was no-one out here!

July 26 Darwin to Litchfield Park

Girls at the nail bar in Darwin having a pedicure - very spoilt!

Yesterday at Wangi Falls, Litchfield Park. We only made it to Wangi Falls, had lunch at a gourmet cafe out in the middle of nowhere and then spent the afternoon at Bluey's Rockpools swimming - it was so hot! Will take some photos there today.

We're all feeling very chilaxed this morning - Em in the pool, Phil reading and Jack and Bridge playing mini golf. We had a cook up of the fish the boys caught on the fishing trip last night so quite a big night! Today we are going to Florence Falls and back to the rockpools and that might just about do us - early night on the agenda I think. Tomorrow back to Mataranka for one night (looking forward to that) and then a couple of big days driving - destination - East Coast!

July 25 - Darwin

The boys had a great day fishing today - Jack caught a shark! (see pics below). Bridge, Em and I had a lovely day shopping, lunch and finishing the day off with a spa pedicure - very pleasant indeed. Have enjoyed very short stay in Darwin but really keen to get back to the outdoors - not interested in the big towns - the small places, especially within National Parks are by far the most enjoyable - country chic at heart!

See below pics of our Hunting and Gathering tour with our aboriginal tour guide, Patsy.

July 24 - Darwin

Arrived Darwin early afternoon. Set up camp and then went to the Wave Pool and WW2 tunnels, then Mindil Market. Mindil Market is a twilight market - we got there around 4pm and ate our way through it - there is every cuisine you can think of - even fresh oysters/kilpatrick etc! We met up with our travelling buddies and all sat on the beach with our dinner and watched the most amazing sunset (can't upload any pics today as Phil has the camera but watch this space!) We had a lovely night roaming around the market - I purchased a few sun dresses and we bought a family holiday reminder - a didgerdoo - Jack hasn't stopped playing it since - you may see him sitting on street corners in Hampton in the coming months doing a bit of busking! He loves it and is actually quite good - the two lessons he had have really helped!

Phil and Jack and some of the other boys and dads have gone deep sea fishing today off Darwin - they left at 5am and won't be back until 3pm - which gives us girls plenty of time for a bit of shopping, lunching and a pedicure could also be on the agenda - a nice girlie day sounds great - mind you have to fit in the grocery shopping as tomorrow morning we head off to Litchfield Park and then commence our journey south again to Three Ways where we will head to the East Coast - hopefully arriving Townsville 1 August. Remember - will post current pics on my next post - until then, Ciao

July 21-22 Jabiru, Kakadu

Kakadu is beautiful! Yesterday morning we went on a river cruise up the East Alligator River and got to have a short walk around Arnhem Land. We saw heaps of crocs - salties and freshies - our aboriginal tour guide, Terry gave us a demonstration on spear throwing - Jack thoroughly enjoyed himself (see pics below).

We then went to Ubirr rock for an amazing view of the wetlands and saw lots of aboriginal art on the rock walls.

After lunch and a quick dip we drove about 1/2 hour to a Billabong where we did the 'Kakadu by Night' cultural experience - this included information about crocs and the dangers, basket making by an aboriginal lady, spear throwing and digerdoo playing. We then got in a boat and went croc/animal spotting down the billabong - I was just a tinsy bit scared - but we didn't see any crocs, just some beautiful birds and the stars were amazing.

Today we are doing a cultural tour, 1-8pm where we drive in open air jeep looking for wildlife including buffalo - we collect ingredients for bush tucker and then dig in! This tour is also run by aboriginals so should be very informative - looking forward to it very much.

July 21- Katherine - Jabiru, Kakadu

Katherine was something else - Phil was commenting on it being a town he liked until we headed in early afternoon to do our big shop at Woolies - it was pension day and you've never seen so many Aboriginies and police in your life - it was a little daunting to say the least - couldn't get out of there quick enough (Phil thought Katherine was a s---- h--- after that experience!

This morning we were up bright and early, packed up the van and were out at the gorge for the 9am 2 gorge tour. It was really beautiful. Can't believe how lucky we are - everyday we see something new and are truly amazed - especially in terms of the ever changing landscapes. See pics below.

We then got in the car and drove 3 hours to Jabiru, Kakadu. On the way we ran over some road kill. Every time we stopped we could smell something gross - I said to Phil have a look under the car - sure enough there was 1/2 a something and it absolutely stunk - so there Phil was scrapping it off, hosing of the car and we dumped it in a bin nowhere near our camp thank you very much!

We have booked 3 tours (almost sent us broke) but you have to do them - 2 are river cruises, one by night, the other by day and the other tour is a 1-8pm outback adventure where we travel in open jeep and have bush tucker (um, I wonder what that will be???? - will keep you posted - Bridget tells me she is going to try everything (believe that when I see it, my fussy eater) - even kangaroo and witchety grubs (hope I spelt that right). Anyway, early night as big couple of days ahead. Cheers from the Top End, The Chads xxxxx

July 19 - Mataranka

Phil caught a whopper barra!

The bitter springs was a huge hit - 5 hours of swimming today!

So we meet again - dinner at the Manor - we met up again today with our travelling friends that we first met in Coober Pedy - we've collected two since then, Laurent and Adrian from Paris - we met them in Tennant Creek - they are travelling around Australia for about 2 months.

July 18 - Mataranka (Heaven)

Well we have finally hit great weather - 30 degrees today and no heater on tonight - yay! We arrived at about 3.30pm after getting two new rear tyres for the car and a very long day in the car leaving Tennant Creek about 9am (won't be rushing back there - what a hole!) Not far into our drive I could see something on the road ahead - it was about a 6m snake right across the road - obviously no choice but to run over it - it freaked me out - those of you who know me know that snakes are my biggest fear - I hadn't seen such a whopper in a long time and hope not to again in an even longer time!

So here we are at Territory Manor, Mataranka - and it's heaven - lots of green grass - the biggest front yard you could imagine - hot mineral springs - we had dinner in the outdoor restaurant (yummy fresh barramundi) and then Jack and Em went cane toad hunting. The park owners gave them a black garbage bag and a pair of long handled tongs - Em thought all her Christmas' had come at once when she caught one - that is until when she asked what they were going to do with it - they told her they dispose of them - well, hello, you are talking to the world's greatest animal lover - with this news she fell to pieces and was only consoled when they told her that they'd let it go!!!!

Anyway after yummy dinner, all tired after hot spring swim and lots of dinner/dessert.

Here's a shot of the bitter springs at Mataranka - lots of fun - very invigorating!
Just took the girls to do their teeth/toilet before bed - good on Em she dropped her entire toothbrush case including brush, toothpaste and holder down the toilet along with the pooh she'd just done - good one! So good old Mum had to fish it out - the things you do for your kids! Good night all, J x

July 17 - Alice Springs to Tennant Creek

The day started off well with free pancakes at the camp kitchen at Alice, we packed up and were on the road by 9am. We had a fuel stop at Ti Tree about 190kms from Alice, had a cuppa and headed off again. Driving along I was just saying to Phil how nice the car trip was - very comfy car to travel in and the distances weren't a problem - we just talk and the kids watch a movie - very pleasant indeed - until BANG - "what the hell was that?" Phil was hanging on to the wheel for grim death, car skidding all over the road - we finally managed to pull up and had burst the rear tyre on the car - absolutely totalled it! Great, so we put on the spare but were very nervous about travelling the rest of our designated trip (300kms). So we drove back to Ti Tree to try and buy another tyre but of course they didn't have any. So our options were to head back to Alice or attempt Tennant Creek but sit on 80kms - as a result we made it to Tennant Creek (thank God - I have never been more relieved to make it to a dumpy town with shocking camp facilities than I am - the choice was camp by the highway with the road trains zooming passed at 130kms per hour! Glad we are only here for the night - bit rugged for my liking!

One dodgy stop we had for fuel we made Jack's day - he finally got to purchase an Aboriginal painting direct from the artist - he can't stop admiring it!

Photos are of Devil's Marbles - 100kms south of Tennant - very spectacular! - By Jane

I was almost looking forward to having some quiet time in the car for 5 1/2 hour, but then BOOM! A tyre is distroyed and we're swiveling in both lanes! When dad got more control and we pulled over we found bits of tyre everywhere!

It took a while to get the new tyre in, but our drive was now going to be a long boring drive as the new one can only go 80 kph! We finally got to our destination at 5pm!

From Bridget x

July 16 - Camels in Alice

It was the best day we've had today - temp got to high 20s and we even doned the shorts after the  camel ride - we all loved it - it was lots of fun!

July 16 - Alice Springs

Yesterday we woke up to another drizzily day so we thought it was a good day to check out the Mall. We went to a free digerdoo lesson and ended up booking in for the digerdoo outback show last night. It was really good - Jack and Em participated in the concert - both on drums - however, Jack did a solo on digerdoo and now wants to get his own! Here are a few pics of our budding young stars!

Today we have woken up at it's beautiful and sunny - thank goodness! We are all going on a camel ride today which should be an experience! Then we'll do a bit of restocking and get ready to head off again tomorrow for Tennant Creek. Em's friend Em has arrived again so she is very happy and playing with her on the monkey bars. Phil and Jack kicking the footy, me and Bridge reading and Blogging! Until next time - ciao x

July 14 - Alice Springs

Arrived here about 1.30pm after approx 5 hour drive from Kings Canyon. We had a good last day at the Canyon yesterday - we did two more walks and then met up with the Haig's and had happy hour, dinner and then met back at the Roadies show for some more outback country entertainment - yi haa! Richard and Sonya gave us heaps of tips on places to visit so we pretty much have the remainder of r NT adventure mapped out, hoping to reach Townsville on 1 August where we will meet up with Foxy who runs the ferry out to Magnetic Island so we'll head out there for a bit of island relaxation.

We have heard about a mice plague up this way - we saw a few in Kings Canyon but the road houses we stopped at today were something else. You could smell the mice as soon as you walked in so of course we got petrol and that was it - but eventually we got hungry and had to buy lunch (except Bridge - she was disgusted at mice running around the food areas). Hot chips were the safest bet - unhealthy but at least you saw them come straight from the boiling oil into the pack! This afternoon we did a big replenish of supplies and did laundry. Tomorrow we hope to go on camel rides, check out the mall for some aboriginal art and take it easy for the rest of it. The weather has been wet the last few days so looking forward to some sunny days ahead.

Our living arrangements - since the weather has been wet and cold we really have needed the table in use inside so therefore we have put Em and Bridge together on the back bed - its working well surprisingly! We have decided we love this camping thing and as the kids are only getting bigger we are going to upgrade the Eagle to a Swan when we get home as the beds are twice the size. So we are on the look out for a new Jayco - Cath and Michael - make us an offer!

A variety of photos from the last few days!

July 11 - Kings Canyon

We arrived at Kings Canyon today – lovely and sunny. We set up and just decided to have an easy afternoon – it’s been pretty go go go – I think I’m ready to slow the pace down for a day or two. We met up with the Gawlers (Sharon, Kent, Cam and Jared). We all went up to see the ‘Roadies’ show at 6.30pm. Great night – it was your real deal country entertainment with the ‘Roadies’ a husband and wife team who, hubby on the guitar singing and wife getting the crowd involved. The kids all got up on stage – Jack played a digerdoo type instrument and Bridge some clapper thing. Then it was the dad’s turn to get up and dance – Phil feeling right at home here gave everyone a show they’ll never forget (I have it on video – think it will be sent into Funniest Home Videos) – it was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. The partners of the dads then had to get up and sing – great, I knew that was coming and there was nowhere to hide! All in all a very entertaining night finishing off with the Macarena, Chicken Dance, Congo line and the YMCA – we had an absolute ball – think we’ll be back again tomorrow night!

When Phil headed out to bathroom just after we got back he saw a dingo – the toilets here have gates you have to shut so the dingos don’t come in – he was really amazed at how quiet the dingo was!

July 12

After a very slow paced morning (which we all desperately needed) – we headed up to Kings Canyon to do the rim walk. It was a 500m vertical climb and then a 5.5km walk in and around the canyon. It was unbelievable – so beautiful. The Garden of Eden was my favourite part – the scenery just gorgeous. The walk took us 3 hours and everyone did very well – it was fairly challenging at times – lots of climbing and forever watching where you put your feet – lots of sheer rock faces – had to keep the crazy kids away from the edge – it was a little hairy in spots.

On our return we all veged – had happy hour with the Gawlers, then came back to our camp had dinner and watched a movie. It rained most of the night – very glad we got the walk in as the weather has deteriorated.

July 13 - Kings Canyon

Hi all,
We are in Kings Canyon and have no contact with the world - phones/internet don't work here - I am sitting at the pub using the internet. Just letting you know that we are fine (Mum if you're worried) - we've had a great time here at the Canyon - we head to Alice Springs in the morning and I will update Blog then. We met up with the Haig's earlier and are having happy hour with them tonight. Watch this space for full update tomorrow.
Love the Chaddies xxxxx

Happy Birthday Emmy - July 10 Uluru (Yulara)

Another awesome day - starting with watching the sunrise at Uluru - pretty amazing - we then gave Emmy her presents and had a hot brekky to warm us up after freezing our butts off up at the lookout at 6.30am! We then headed into 'the rock' - Jack conquered all feats and made it to the top - bloody legend! Bridget about 90% of the way, Phil and Em about 1/3 of the way - me about 1% (OMG) - very scarry!!!! We then did part of the base walk which was so fascinating - I can't believe it's taken nearly 43 years to get here - it's so special!

All day Em kept saying "can we have lunch at the cafe?" So we did - best ever spaghetti marinara ever! Then we caught up with friends while all the kids watched a movie and recovered - we are now sitting outside around outdoor heater about to have birthday cake and sparkles!

Coober Pedy to Ayers Rock (Uluru)

 OMG we are here! After many hours, kids just awesome in the car - I'm shocked at how good they are - DVD players helping heaps!

Day Seven - Coober Pedy

Well we've made it to Coober Pedy (bloody long way!) although they tell us the next stretch to Uluru is even further - goodie! Great caravan park - have met quite a few families from Melbourne and a really nice family from Canberra who we are really following all the way to Darwin. Three families all had pizza at the caravan park pizza bar - best pizza ever but enormous - very embarrassed to say how many pieces I had - Miss Piggy! We met up with a family we met in Flinders Rangers again here - we are all off on a Coober Pedy tour tomorrow afternoon after we've checked out some underground sites including an opal shop that sells Pandora beads (with opals - may have to get one of those)!

Weather now approx 17 and lovely and sunny - apparently getting cold overnight, but that's ok - the Chadwicks have heating!

It was Jack's turn to have a hoot today - everyone we've met today have boys so he is in heaven - Em close in toe! The kids have been fantastic - everyone getting along very well - the car trip a dream - I'm very impressed with them. Hope all is well with our lovely family and friends back home.

Day Six

Day Six - Flinders Rangers

Today we did another two walks within the Flinders Rangers where we saw Aboriginal artworks - it was really interesting - the three walks we've done have all been different, one with an amazing view, one with Aboriginal an cave and the last through a rocky canyon. We saw lots of Emus, one with about 9 chicks, and also quite a few kangaroos.

We've met some interesting people so far - Em made friends with a family of 3 little girls from South Australia who were staying in the Hawker Caravan Park with us - she had an absolute ball playing with them at the playground.

We had a few drinks and a game of pool at the pub tonight before heading back to camp - we discovered a T.V in the camp kitchen so we watched the Block earlier and now Phil, Jack and Em are watching the Rugby - not my scene so that's why I thought I'd update the Blog!

Tomorrow is a big day - we plan to get up early (although roosters start crowing at 2am!) not that early, say around 6am, quick shower and pack up and be on the road to Port Augusta by 7am for a brekky stop. Then it's the long haul up to Cooper Pedy (well that's our plan, it's a bloody long way apparently) - if we don't get that far we'll probably do an overnighter in a motel because there is nothing between Port Augusta and Cooper Pedy other than roadhouses. Anyway, here are the photos from today - I hope you get some idea of the amazing sights we've experienced!

Day Five - Flinders Rangers

Hi from Wilpena Pound, Flinders Rangers! What an amazing day! We've had a great day seeing the sights of the Flinders Rangers - it's absolutely spectacular! We did a 7.8km hike (500m straight up hill - very challenging) it was awesome scenery - like nothing we've seen before - it has been a real eye opener - you've got to live life and get out there and see it - life's too short to not do it -it's just fantastic! We really are living the dream - very lucky people!