33-Katherine

3rd October 2008.

Despite all the stories we had heard, we crossed the border into the NT and were not searched for fruit and vegetables etc. The quarantine search is only on entering WA and I suggest anyone entering WA do there homework on what produce you can and can't bring in, coz you'll lose it if it's on the list.

The first thing we notice was the speed limit increases from 110kph in WA to 130kph in the NT. We also had to remember to turn our clocks 1.5 hours forward. The scenery was quite different and there were many interesting stops on the way to Katherine including Timber Creek, the Gregory and the Keep River National Parks.

Katherine Gorge:

Katherine Gorge is now more commonly known by it's Aboriginal name, Nitmiluk Gorge. It consist of 13 gorges which are all separated by rocky outcrops. Boat cruises only operate on the first 3 gorges with a walk of around 400 metres between each gorge to the next level and boat, with Aboriginal rock art clearly visable at each crossing. 

If you're feeling a little more energetic, you can hire a canoe and paddle your way up the gorges. There are lots of sandy beaches and rocky outcrops along the way to rest and take in the scenery or simply stop to have a picnic. After all the awesome gorges we've seen so far, this was a little disappointing. It was just another gorge. 

Other Items of Interest:

The Thermal Hot Springs, Cutta Cutta Caves, Katherine Museum and Springvale Homestead are also worth visiting. Unfortunately, the Jurassic Cycad Gardens were closed due to a family illness and couldn't see these.

Life On The Road:

We stayed at the Low Level Caravan Park (Big4) and were pleasantly surprised by the huge open spaces and the nice shady sites. Even better was the bar and bistro with happy hour between 5 and 6pm plus live entertainment through till 10pm. But the "Piece de Resistance" was the meals on offer. I had a pepper steak for $16.00 and not only was it delicious, it was so big it was hanging off the sides of the plate. I couldn't finish it and in reality, it was probably enough for 2 people. Really good value for money though.

Yeah I know we've been extravagant, eating out 3 times in the past few weeks, but we think we deserve it after all we've done and seen.

The constant heat is getting us down a bit as it saps the energy and makes walking the trails hard work. We're told Darwin is cooler so looking forward to getting there.
 
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