We scrambled up to the top of one of these sandstone escarpments to be greeted by a sea of green.

The pandanus – one of the main palm species in northern Australia – was verdant with new growth.

It was even fruiting – though apparently you have to wait a bit longer if you want to eat the seed inside.

There were still deep puddles on the escarpment.

And when the puddles dried up, these red flowers grew in their place.

So it’s not all just gum trees and spinifex up north, although we certainly saw our share.