Day 209 – 10th August 2018 – Darwin, Humpty Doo and Berry Springs

Mum and I had planned to go for a drive to Litchfield to see the replica house from ‘We of the Never Never’ today.  I had a day off and Col had to work, so Mum and I both wanted to go for a drive and see this together.  I did a bit of research online the night before and realised that this is actually in Mataranka, near Katherine, and not in Litchfield!  So a quick change of plans was needed.

We agreed to go to lunch at the Humpty Doo Pub and then go to the Berry Hot Springs.  Shaw and Smith Sav Blanc by the glass for $8 and great food in a quintessential Ozzie outback pub!  We jumped in the car and were heading there while Mum gave the local mobile hairdresser a call to book in a haircut before she leaves.  It turned out that Vanessa was currently at the caravan park and could fit Mum in straight away, so we turned the car around and headed back.  This is the best experience, she only charges $15 for a hair cut and you get your hair done sitting outside under the trees, watching the bird life.  So much better than staring at yourself in a mirror!  And she does a great job too.

Now that Mum was sporting her new ‘Do’, we jumped back in the car and drove to the Humpty Doo pub.  The pub is quite big and there were no tables left when we arrived, it was totally packed out on a Friday lunch in Humpty Doo!  I totally didn’t expect this.  Maybe people are reading my blog and realising there is Shaw and Smith by the glass here   They also sell a trio of burger sliders – Emu, Crocodile and Buffalo (we didn’t order it but it is an interesting item on the menu).  We did manage to get a table eventually but were surprised that a pub in the middle of nowhere would be packed out on a Friday for lunch, funny.  I never thought we would have to book.  Fun Humtpy Doo Fact… apparently the worlds strongest women come from Humpty Doo, Col tells me that some Women from Humtpy Doo won the World Record for Women’s Snatch Weightlifting at the Olympics (I can hear you sniggering from here Tania).

After lunch we drove about 20 minutes to get to the Berry Hot Springs for a swim.  Really they are luke warm springs and not actually hot, which is good because you wouldn’t really want to get into hot water in the Territory.  It is the perfect temperature where it is comfortable to get in but still leaves you feeling refreshed at the end of it.

I did notice a sign warning  of Crocs in the water, it is not uncommon for fresh water Crocs to be in the area, but the sign said that ‘occasionally’ Salties can be in the area too, ummmmmmm  what the!  The sign said not to swim if there are ‘closed’ signs up due to a resident Saltie.  There were no signs up and plenty of people in the water so we figured if we stay close to shore, others should get eaten first   Mum did get a nibble on the foot by a fish, but that was all.  The place is so beautiful.  We looked at the first pool pictured below and decided it was a little packed for our liking, so wandered to the next pool.

When we got out I noticed another sign, warning of harmful bacteria that can cause gastro and ear infections.  Luckily we didn’t get either but I had been floating on my back with my ears underwater.  I am pleased to say that we survived and even enjoyed our Berry Springs experience.  So I am glad I didn’t see that sign before I went in.

That evening Col, Mum and I went to the resort next door for dinner.  It is really nice having a restaurant within walking distance to home.