Katherine

Today is Friday.  Last night we were in Katherine. We have to keep reminding ourselves what day it is and where we have been. Having clocked over 5,000kms, many places seem so long ago ( or just so far away). 

On our way to Katherine, from Bitter Springs (a short drive of 100km), we were about 40km south of Katherine when we heard this great noise.  We had just come off some major road works when the noise started. “Have we done a tyre or a wheel?”  As we contemplated pulling over, the noise disappeared. All was good.  Then we spotted 2 fighter jets in front of us, and shortly, the noise started again as they faded into the distance. Obviously, their buddies had already passed over us. Tindal RAAF base was not too far up the road.  “Phew.”  Dodged one there!  

Katherine is NT’s third largest town after Darwin and Alice Springs. Half of Australia’s caravans were there, restocking, refuelling etc.  It is here that you turn west to Kunnanurra, (towards WA)  or north to Darwin/Kakadu.  It was also very busy because Friday was Showday.  Katherine show/rodeo. It is the busiest weekend  of the year.  Good to move on.

We did an afternoon cruise up the Katherine river to Katherine Gorge. 2 gorges, which requires a boat change to get further up stream.   A stunning waterway. A very pleasant way to spend the afternoon. 

Freshwater crocodiles. There are Salties when it floods, but Park Rangers relocate them elsewhere.   In 1998, Katherine flooded and there were Salties swimming down the main street. The high water mark then was about 14 metres. That is serious water!

The freshies like the sand banks, as that is where they lay their eggs.

The shallow area.  Off the boat and walk around to get to the next boat to do the second gorge. I think there were 16 gorges.

A warm night followed.  Paced up again, we are getting pretty good at it. Especially when we are only at a place for one night. Sometimes we don’t even have to unhook the van. 

At this park in Kakadu for 2 nights. Couldn’t get a third, but will at another spot for the third. Still busy.  It is a nice park, but only a dozen van sites. (Lots of cabins, bungalows etc). All with ensuites, concrete pads, and grass! ($42 which isn’t bad on the scheme of things).  There are plenty of bush camps about, but they might be just a bit rustic for us. Perhaps too much wildlife!  Very warm here, we are now just about level with Darwin, so mid 30’s. We had a lovely swim to cool down tonight (last night as well, although the pool at Katherine was a bit refreshing). 

Off for a day of exploring Kakadu tomorrow. xx