EXPLORING THE STATION (Savannah Way 12 )

In Australia the term "Station" is used to describe a large farm or ranch. Pungalina is a huge station in NT (see map) but it no longer runs cattle it is a conservation park. The managers live in a homestead next to the station airstrip and river.  

 While we were waiting for others to return from the helicopter trip (last post) we walked around the homestead.

We came across a paddock full of rusting farm vehicles, fencing wire, engines and bits of everything. The manager called it their 'Bunnings" (the name of a big hardware chain ).

 John, the manager took us on a nature walk. He took us to a pretty creek and pointed out some wild life.

We followed the creek to where it joined the Calvert River. The same river we had followed in the helicopter to the Gulf of Carpentaria. We were reminded to keep an eye out for crocodiles and not to go too close to the water.

 I wasn't close to the water, I used my zoom lens.

When everyone had enjoyed the helicopter ride and lunch in the homestead grounds, we were driven back to the camp site, just long enough to get into our swim togs for a short coach trip on a bumpy station road to a place called "Bubbling Sands".

 This was a warm thermal pool where the hot water bubbled up through the sand making the sand rise up in bubbles. There were no crocodiles here.

 It was fun watching it through the crystal clear water and standing on the sand bubbles. (I am nearest the camera)