Sunday 9 August 2009

Port Essington & Garig Gunak Barlu National Park

Two days of sailing later we arrived at Port Essington which is noted as the most picturesque and protected waters across the top and forms part of the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Just in the nick of time too as we have a strong wind warning in place so looks like we get a few days rest in beautiful surrounds. Our first night we spent at Black Point fishing and enjoying the gorgeous sunsets. Si managed to hook up what looks like a stone fish. The next few days were spent exploring, fishing, baking bread and relaxing.


We took a day trip down to the site of Victoria Settlement and got to appreciate how hard life must have been for the early settlers. We followed this off with a few drinks over sunset in the beautiful Seven Spirit Bay resort. The resort was most welcoming despite being quite exclusive (16 guests at the time we visited for 14 staff) and we thoroughly enjoyed the kindness of the staff and the luxurious surroundings. It’s a shame we didn’t give enough notice for dinner ashore and had to settle for prawns aboard Thyme. I would highly recommend this resort for anyone wanting the visit the top end – the staff are fantastic, the surrounds pretty spectacular with enough to do to keep people active if they want. As we sailed south we spotted their resort boat out and sailed past to see them hold up to show off some very good sized reef fish the guests had just caught. Sounds like dinner at the resort will be pretty special tonight!


2 comments:

Amanda said...

"had to settle for prawns"?
You poor bastards.

Anonymous said...

Hey guys,
Got the P/Card, thanks heaps, wow you've got up to the top end so quickly, looks awesome, and so loving that you got on with some of the locals,kids look gorgeous, love to hear the tips on the bush tucker A, Way to go Sim with the boat,so Kiwi, so you mate. Do so want to send some pics of Hunter, or can I possible email my facebook link? He is madly growing....and we read him your blogs with a giggle...all great hear..planning OS trip, Uk and France next year, Ascot race day and St Andrews British Open, and Wimbleton, madly planning....
We do so worry about the crocs though, take lots of snaps and keep on travelling......big hugs T, Kee and Hunter xox