May 2023 – Month 4 – Temp 25/34 degrees – distance traveled 4,200km

Arriving in Croydon we enjoyed the vibe of this lovely outback town. it’s friendly salt of the earth people, the welcoming atmosphere and especially the hearty meals at the local country pub.

Now back on Savannah Way with seemingly infinite straight roads and almost no traffic over the following 220 km stretch. 

We interspersed the desolate drive with a stop at Leichhardt Lagoon (named after Ludwig Leichhardt a German explorer). We got a ‘wunderbar’ surprise with the lake bursting with masses of flowering water lillies and an abundance of migrating bird life.. what a find!

Then we followed Matilda Way to reach Karumba a hidden gem on the Gulf of Carpentaria. The nights are cool here but the days red hot at 34degree+ temperatures.

Our camp site is meters away from the mighty Norman River. Overhead there are hundreds of birds of prey. There are Black kites, Whistling Kites and eagles all eyeing of their next catch. 

Early morning breakfasts at the river’s water edge reveal huge stingrays beaching themselves to feast on masses of small Popeye fish jumping above the waves, trying to escape.

There are plenty of fishermen hoping to catch the famous barramundi, bream or salmon. We saw mostly catfish and small sharks being pulled out.

Locals confirmed that there are plenty of crocs in the water as well, but not too worry they are always keeping an eye out for them.

Due to that fact there was no barramundi for any of our dinners, as I didn’t want to temp the crocs with foreign food.

We reluctantly continued our journey after four amazing nights in Karumba the ‘outback by the sea’.

On our way to Cloncurry (or ‘the curry’ to the locals) we revisited Leichhardt Lagoon for an overnight stop. We watched a beautiful sunset and an early morning sunrise. It was a truly amazing experience as the lagoon came to life. A wonderland of birds and blooming water lilies, which felt like ‘the Garden of Eden’.

Then traveled on to Mount Isa, ‘the mining town in Oz’ to regroup for the journey to Darwin. Essentials like hair appointment, massage and ok…. some food shopping.