Wed, 7th Aug, 2024 Manyimi Campground, Gove Boat Club, Nhulunbuy, NT (exploring)

Cloudy morning again. We decided to go exploring as the wind has picked up so fishing in small boats isn’t that comfortable. The others hadn’t decided what they were doing so we headed off. I had said to check out the lookout which they did then I called up and said we were heading down to Daliwuy Bay.

We headed back past town and the airport. Back onto the compacted gravel road that we found out had been done up for the Garma Festival. Before that it was very rough so we are lucky.

Turned off onto the realigned road to head to Daliwuy Bay. Rio Tinto are working where the old road went. Nice wide road for a while then back onto the old track - narrow with lots of trees.

Turned off that track to Daliwuy Bay which looks like a river. Lots of potholes. A smashed ute was off the side of the track with a nice big house back in the bush. We pulled up near the campground where a couple were setting up with their big rig and very big boat. They are from the Sunshine Coast. He doesn’t think he will be getting the boat in here as it is only a beach boat access and the waterway is only a couple of metres deep and it is far to windy to get out the front. At least coming to see these places we can tell others what they are like before they book them. The others weren’t far behind us.

Nice view to the mouth then along the waterway. There is a pro boat moored here and his big dinghy here on shore - Steve can tell by the coloured numbers on the side of the boat.

We walked through the camping area. There is a walking trail from here to the two other camping areas. Didn’t look like a well defined track.

We continued along the road track then it got very sandy so glad we are walking! Got to the end but there wasn’t any good areas to flick a lure.

Not sure if these are the poisonous cone shells.

Back to the truck, the others have left. We had a cuppa and chatted with the other couple for a bit.

The pro fisherman came down to collect his dinghy. Steve went over for a chat. He had worked on the tug boats for 40 years, one month on and one month off so he went mackerel fishing on his month off. He has finished work but still does the mackerel. Too windy at the moment but it should improve shortly and the mackerel will be on the run again.

A ute came down with some chaps from NEAL aboriginal corporation. They were collecting pandanus seeds to grow for Rio Tinto rehabilitation. 

We headed back out to the main track then along to the turn off into Macassan Beach. We found a side track that headed down to the bay but it was just a turn around area - no track down to the bay. Nice view back to the island on the other side of the Daliwuy River mouth area then around over the bay and the nice sandy beach.

We continued around the various camping sites - bit windy today but on a calm day it would be perfect. Big sandhill on the other side. Rocky frontage.

Got to the end campsite and it is our neighbours behind us - having a couple of days here. Top spot - only a short walk down to the sandy beach area too. The NEAL guys are down on the beach digging up something.

We walked down onto the rocks and scanned around. Spotted the Seaswift Barge heading somewhere - might be to Groote Island where Lynda works.

Lots of little bauxite marbles everywhere.

Went down a track to check out the stone stories. The grass needs clearing away so you can see the stones. At least they can’t blame the English for giving them alcohol and tobacco as the Macassans were giving it to them years before. Can’t see any tamarind trees which is a shame as I love eating the fruit. We used to raid the trees along the Esplanade when I was a kid.

These are the pretty purple flowers we saw along the Central Arnhem Road.

Found the freshwater mentioned in the info on the other side of the track behind the beach area. Walked further along but it was very mucky on the edge. Maybe the tamarind trees are further along the creek in the trees.

Found what the NEAL chaps were looking at - a turtle had been up and laid eggs. There were holes everywhere.

Walked to the end of the beach and the rocky cliff. Found a perfect hole in a big boulder.

Selfie time.

These look like buffalo tracks - they must walk one foot behind the other.

Back to the truck then continued along the loop track back to the main track. Next turn off heads down to Turtle Beach. A couple of campsites here. Walked down onto the beach for a look - lovely spot. Grey spikey rocks one side and bauxite rocks on the other side of the small bay.

Selfie again - Shane and Doreen had said if we were in the picture we can’t prove we were there!!

Walked back up and said hello to the couple camped under the trees. I asked how much to stay here and it was $33 per night. They have been having a few days at various ones - in roof-top camper so easy to get into these spots. They also stayed at one further south (Cape Arnhem) which is now closed as the turtles nest there. Greg and Deb Cahill are from Colac, Vic and will be heading up to Cahill’s Crossing - as it has their name. We said to watch the crocs. We were having a great time chatting about travelling, detecting etc that I went and got our lunch and stools and joined them as they were just about to have lunch. Chatted for another hour or so. They had stayed aboriginal family place which cost a lot for the night but they said it was worth it in comparison to a Welcome to Country thing they paid more for. Deb showed us the video she took of the chap handfeeding their ‘pet’ croc - have been feeding it since it was little.

Said bye and headed off again to the next area called Little Bondi. They had said it was a sandy track in so we stopped when we saw the sand and parked off the track and walked. The track was ok with the right tyre pressure, just narrow and windy! We need the exercise any case!

Each area has the big warning signs about crocs and stingers.

Bigger beach area and the camp sites are along the edge of the beach. Another selfie.

Got our feet wet here.

Walked to the end - holey rocks.

View back.

This is the travel map we picked up.

Headed back to the main track. The track up to Rocky Point was closed as Rio Tinto are digging up the bauxite on the other side of the trees here. Back out on the potholed track then onto the smooth Rio Tinto road again. Road closed sign shows where the original track came in from the main road before.

Back onto the Central Arnhem Road to the turn off down to Goanna Lagoon. First we crossed the Latram River.

Took the turn off to the lagoon - right goes on to camps by the Latram River (it flows into Melville Bay). A few camp sites here too. Had a cuppa then put our togs on and walked down the track. It is a narrow creek, not a lagoon. There is a big pool with a group of ladies in it who were happy to have a photo taken. They were enjoying facial clay packs from the edge of the creek.

Turned the other way and it is a narrow channel down through the limestone then it opened up to a shallow sandy creek area.

Time to get wet.

I walked further up the creek but didn’t find any other pools.

Found a snapping croc or is it a turtle!

Another couple from the van park are staying here for a couple of nights and got out their goggles. Found a few marron and small catfish hiding under the rocks.

Walked back to the main pool and further along the track so get into the water easily. This end is just a narrow creek too. Walked up to the main pool and chatted with the ladies and two chaps who had worked at the Garma Festival.

Worked our way up the channel. Certainly a special place and the water is lovely and cool.

Continued to the end and Steve got in the ‘spa bath’ area.

There are lots of little fish who like to nibble at your skin and Steve’s hairs.

Back to the main area and then climbed out and dried off. Drove back along the track then down the one to Latram River camping area. Lots of empty sites. There are tracks heading down to the water which is just narrow sandy areas which would be great for kids etc.

The track continues but got narrow and rough so we turned around. Obviously we won’t be casting for barra etc in this river unless we come in from Melville Bay.

Back to camp for drinks and then dinner. Using our Chrome Cast to watch shows and use up some of our excess data.