Sun, 22nd May, 2022 Shady Creek to Couzens Lookout Campground, Mary River National Park, NT

Heard on the radio that Labour has won the Federal election - oh well.

We headed down early for a flick. It is low tide but the little ones were happy to play with our lures and we both caught a nice size one for a photo even if they are under ‘eating’ size.

Went back to camp for a while. I wrote my blog then we had a cuppa while the birds squawked. Our neighbours have left but we didn’t see them leave as we were fishing.

Back to the barrage again - there are more barrages around the area but this is the only one we can have access too as the rest are on the pastoral lease here. Had fun with the little ones again. My poor orange plastic is getting a bit sad and I have to push the hook through in different places as it is about to fall apart. I caught one that was nearly legal so after a photo he went back in to grow a bit more.

I commented to Steve that there should be one more bigger barra hiding under the grass on the edge when I got a strike and I knew it was a bigger fish. When he showed himself it was big. He put up a bit of a battle then I started working him across to where the lower bit of the concrete so Steve could lift him up but as Steve grabbed the line it broke and the fish disappeared with my orange lure. Everyone saw it so I did a little dance! Oh well at least we know there are bigger ones on this side with all the babies. Steve reckons it would have been 75cm at least - Dash it all!

Steve gave me a new green lure like he had and I got strikes and a couple of small ones on it straight away but no more big ones for either of us. Lucky we have yesterday’s barra for dinner tonight so we don’t feel too bad.

My big fish enthused all the kids as they rushed over to where we are and moved in on our spot! They are all so keen and happy to be catching the little barra too. The tide has come in and the saltwater was just starting to reach the top of the barrage so the mullet extra were doing their mad dashes across the barrage.

We headed back for a late lunch then packed up and headed back out. Stopped at Mistake Billabong for a look. A small tour group was there and parked on the track so we couldn’t get past. We parked at the entrance and walked in. Read the info then did the short walk down to the viewing platform. Wasn’t very exciting.

Back in the truck and down the road to the turn off to Couzens Lookout and Rockhole (19km). A blue-winged kookaburra flew over us then a white-bellied sea eagle slowly rose off the ground and flew into the bush. Are we becoming ‘twitters’!

Travelling through thicker scrub and trees as we reach a Y-intersection. We went right to the Rockhole. Passed the turnoff for the Wildman 4WD track but it is still closed. The Rockhole is part of the Mary River with a boat ramp and day use area. There is a nice grassy area near the toilets that would make a great campsite! Made a cuppa then wandered over to read the info board in the shelter. We aren’t far from Corroboree Billabong that we visited last time.

Great photo of the Heron - he looks like the ‘stealth’ walker we saw at the barrage but without the pretty colours.

The sea-eagle we saw.

I spotted a croc making its way across the water.

A whistling kite was having a good time diving for things in the water but he didn’t seem to get anything to eat.

Walked down to the boat ramp area for some photos. I think this point of rocks is why it is called Rockhole. Two guys we saw at Shady are here and put in their boat for a fish. We can’t fish from the bank here as the big water lilies are all along the bank and too hard to get a lure through.

Back to the Y-intersection then around to Couzens Lookout. We went around a small hill for a lovely view over the river and wetlands. Lots of big lilies with lovely flowers. Might be a good spot for sunset as there is a park bench here facing the west.

We continued around the hill then back to the turn off for the campground which is around another small hill. Chose a spot with a lovely shaded view of the water.

Steve settled in with his book in the shade and I wrote up my blog so we are up-to-date for when we go to Darwin tomorrow and I can upload it all. 

Drinks outside enjoying the view.

The sun was heading down so we walked around to the ‘lookout’. A couple had pulled in near us and put up there tent then driven off. They were at the lookout too set up to enjoy their drinks and nibbles as the sun set. There was a cross next to the lookout sign and seat and it was in memory of Ranger, Ken Couzens - hence the name of the lookout.

Of course we chatted as the big ball dropped. We spotted a crocodile cruising along the river. Lots of other ripples further along which was either ducks or crocs!

The colours were better after the sun had set.

The mozzies moved in so we headed back to the camper. Two birds were calling to each other - I thought it was Mopokes but it sounded more like dogs barking which Steve said he thought there was a barking bird. I looked it up and they were Barking Owls - cute. They have a distinctive double note ‘woof-woof’. The male and female often duet with the male making the lower-pitched call and the female the higher note. We learn things every day. They seemed to follow us as we walked along - bit eerie. When we got into the camper they sat on the tree beside us and ‘woofed’ away. I tried to see them with the torch but they were well hidden. They moved on then later on came back past us. I had fun calling back to them.

Had half the barra for dinner which was yum with roasted vegies.

Unfortunately the little black bugs are here too. Will have to give the camper a good clean out when we get to Darwin.