Day 20 Cooinda to Ubirr

The kids are up early again. They have experienced some of the best scenery in the country, been to places many only dream of. What gets them excited and out of bed early? A swimming pool in the caravan park, of course. After the swim we visit the Aboriginal Culture Centre and the Kakadu Visitor’s Centre. Both are well presented and informative but, unfortunately, neither are staffed by actual Aboriginal people and so are somewhat lacking. Next, we drive to our next camping spot at Ubirr near the edge of the park and the East Alligator River, which forms the boundary between the park and Arnhem Land. We drive around the area quickly because we want to attend a ranger’s talk on Aboriginal society at the nearby rock area. We have just enough time to stop at a lookout across the river. A quick scan of the area reveals only a few large rocks on either side. As we turn to leave, we notice the ‘rocks’ move. Crocs, about four, are sunning themselves in full view. The talk at the rocks is given by a seemingly knowledgeable ranger but, again, it’s a white girl telling us all about Aboriginal society. That talk is followed by two more covering the rock art and the ‘Dream Time’ stories about the area. The same ranger gives all three talks. The top of the rocks provides views across an estuary and to the West for a stunning sunset over water in the distance. A ranger talk tomorrow promises a lesson on Aboriginal painting given by a, gasp, actual Aboriginal person. We plan an early morning trip to the viewing area to look for more of our sharp toothed neighbors.