northern territory: kakadu, gagadju, animal tracks

It seems like a lifetime ago but about 18 months ago we were sitting a fancy Christmas dinner in Sydney with a bunch of Js colleagues. We were discussing our plans to do the big lap of Australia when one colleague insisted we do Patsy's tour in Kakadu. "If you are a foodie," he'd said, "you'll love it." 

I did a bit of research and a few weeks ago I found the notes of made for the Animal Tracks tour which leaves from Cooinda Lodge where we were staying with my parents. 

My parents were happy to mind the big kids while J and I headed out for the evening. I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone who might take this tour but it really was a great experience. 

Attendees collected seasonal produce - fresh water mussels, bush carrots and what was left of water chestnuts at the end of a dry dry season. 

Preparing the magpie goose. Pluck, singe feathers, gut, portion, cook, eat. 

Patsy taught us some bush medicine and then her and our host Mark cooked our dinner the traditional way - on coals in a paperbark oven. We ate buffalo, magpie goose and barramundi on the edges of wetlands where thousands, some say millions, of magpie geese were nesting. 

It wasn't long before the loveable whistling kites came in for their share.  Back in the bus two dingos could be seen circling what was left of our feed.  

Thanks for the tip Paul. We are so pleased we took this tour. 

tasmania: huonville

We had a few days at Huonville Caravan Park which had been recommended to us by other families. The park has daily farm demonstrations & is set by the junction of the Huon and Mountain Rivers. It's a great spot for kids with plenty of space to run. There are powered and unpowered sites and a big camp kitchen. You'll need coins if you want a shower or need to do washing.  

Despite wanting to catch a fish J didn't manage to in Huonville. The kids loved kayaking. 

There is a resident platypus but we didn't spot her. 

You could use Huonville as a base if you want to visit the Hastings Thermal Springs, Cockle Creek, Sushi in Geeveston, the many cider house cellar doors nearby, the Tahune Airwalk and any of the other attractions on the Huon Trail. 

The town of Cygnet is also only fifteen minutes away where there's a great fruit & veg shop, a book store & my favourite little cafe Lotus Eaters. 

Huonville is a large centre with big supermarkets, some take away outlets and other shops. We were pleased to restock the pantry & grab nappies for the baby.