Day 13 – Katherine

It was nice to have a bit of a sleep in this morning, and not have to rush off. This is such a lovely van park, it would be easier to stay much longer. Great amenities, lovely pool, beautiful shady area. We are only two minutes from the Katherine Hot Springs, so it was off to have a swim there first thing this morning at 9.00am (its already about 30 degrees).  The Hot Springs are just so beautiful, crystal clear water, white sandy bottom, fringed by palm trees, and gently flowing down towards a small waterfall. As we were there early there weren’t too many people, but as we stayed longer, the busier it got. We like these springs better than the ones at Mataranka. The temperature of the water is tepid, and the surrounds are just so pretty and peaceful.

 

After floating down the river, we climbed back in the car for the 10 min trip into town, and visited the information centre. After hearing that the gorge cruise would have cost us $260 for our family (for a two hour cruise), we decided to do the walk up to the gorge bluff instead. Katherine Gorge is 30km out of town, and an hour return walk takes you along the river and up a steep path onto the top of the cliffs. The view from the top is spectacular, and worth the sweat to get to the top.

 

We were advised that the swim area was closed today due to crocs in the vicinity. Funnily enough, we didn't argue!

 

We saw plenty of little grey wallabies grazing on the grass beside the river, tiny little things, some with joeys in their pouches.

 

We enjoyed our picnic lunch sitting at the tables at the information centre in town, watching the 20 or so swirling, majestic wedge tailed eagles above our heads. There are hundreds of them flying over the Katherine area all the time.

Back at the van park we had our third swim of the day, to cool off after a hot day. We are still adjusting to the hot temperatures, coming from such a cold winter.