UDP Falls, Kakadu. 24 November 1985
At Cooinda I happened to bump into Jude and Cathy who had their own little 4WD loaned from a friend. Couldn’t get to Jim Jim Falls so decided on UDP. Filled up with petrol & water and we left with me squeezed in the back heading south.
A fair hike there. Went out of the national park [the southern part of Kakadu NP only came into effect in 1992] and came across water buffalo wallowing in mud holes. Had to ford a 1ft deep river [probably the South Alligator River]. Took a photo of Jude negotiating it in 4WD.
South Alligator River crossing. 24 November 1985
Followed a rocky escarpment, went past an old uranium mine, signs warning to stay clear. Once at the Uranium Development Propriety (UDP) Falls we joined other people swimming in the large rock pool, disgustingly warm. The falls only a trickle, must look impressive in the wet season.
UDP Falls [now known as Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National Park], 24 November 1985
We sat, laid down, ate, drank in the campground trying to find shade and keep away from the tiny ants which takeover everything. A storm came our way, strong “knock-em down” wind, lightning, thunder, not much rain. We climbed part way up the waterfall and drank the delicious cool water.
I was delighted to see this waterfall featured in the film “Crocodile Dundee” – known as ‘Echo Lake’ – when I watched it in a crowded cinema in London the next year.
Monday 25 November: A terrible night’s sleep, the ants managed to get into my tent in their 100s and bite me all over. Water buffalo were crashing through the bush close by. At one stage they came within 10ft of my tent munching contentedly on the grass.
Went for a swim. Jude & I climbed to the top of the waterfall. Very pretty, similar to my Jatbula Trail walk. Swam in the pools there.
Once down I spoke to the ranger. The falls’ swimming hole is free of saltwater crocs, he’s only seen three freshies in five years. I promptly went for a swim in deeper water.
