Safari 2019 September 5th

Murray River National Park September 5th, 2019

Stumpy Tailed Lizzard

We went exploring this morning in this rather dry and bare Park. However, there is always something interesting to look at and comment on. Firstly we drove along the Katarapko Creek which runs through the park. It carries a lot of water. In actual fact I think it is an Anna branch of the Murray River because it runs out of the Murray and then back in. We are camped on it's bank, which provides a great opportunity for Bird Watching. It has been noticeable while we have been touring that birds and animals can be seen where there is water, there is plenty of water here!
While driving this morning we saw three Stumpy Tailed Lizards which actually belong to the Blue Tongue Lizard family. Sometimes they are called Shingle Back Lizards. We have recognised a variety of birds...namely Pelicans, Whistling Kites, Red Rumped Parrots, Blue Bonnet Parrots, Shellduck and have heard the strong whistle from a Butcher Bird. After some discussion we are now able to tell the difference between a Willy Wagtail and a Restless Flycatcher. They were in the same Redgum tree together so a comparison was made easier.

Memorial Stone in remembrance of Margaret Craigie

The short walk to the remnants of Cragg's Hut was worthwhile because the track took us up to the grave of Margaret Craigie. The path went through the Mallee trees and over sandy country. The Craigie family settled the area during the 1850s. John Craigie left for the Goldfields after a succession of unsuccessful seasons farming animals and trying to grow crops. Margaret stayed in the area with their five children. What a brave lady. One assett must surely have been the nearby Katarapko Creek. There seems to be some confusion as to the correct spelling of the family name. Some sign boards state it as Cragg and yet on this grave stone the name is spelt Craigie. I think they may have been known by both 'spellings /pronunciations!

Eucalyptus Largiflorens or Black Box in bloom

  This afternoon we walked along the 'Kia Kia' Nature walk. It was a short stroll through the fallen trees, along the creek bank with notice boards making note of the surrounds. River Red Gums line the creeks banks but Black Box trees are the main tree growing in the area. There is a lot of wild lignum growing and also noticeable were succulents with bright pink flowers. I could not help wondering how they grow and bloom in such dry and stark land.


The day has been quite warm in the mid 20degrees. The evening has cooled with a weather change. This will be our 2nd night here but we will move back into Victoria tomorrow.