Katherine Gorge

Leaving Tenant Creek we headed north up the Stuart Highway. Stopped at all places of interest to us. Banksa Banksa station was a pleasant camp spot. Renner Springs a character place with a lagoon. Attack Creek a good free camping spot where Stuart turned back on his first trip north. Newcastle Waters a real interesting ghost town. Youngmi said there is nothing here but there were old houses, shop and pub from the droving days. All now empty as the cattle go by Road Train instead on being walked across the country. Dunmarra nothing special but the pie, chips and gravy was irrestistable. Daly Waters had a great pub but the camping area was packed dusty and hot so we carried on. Arrived at Larrimah and the pink panther pub and campground before dark

At first site it looked good but this was deceptive. The toilets were horrible, the beer $7 per pot, road trains real noisy, camp kitchen no good. The place appeared to have declined for years. There was a little zoo at the back with lots of birds and a salt water croc. Kangaroos on the campground were a bonus.
Left as soon as possible the next morning for Mataranka.


Campground had seen better days and no camp kitchen but the location was amazing next to the hot springs. Spent the afternoon and then after dark in the thermal pool. Watched the band who were excellent. Four guys rocking.

Next morning back to the pool. Old people and people in electric wheel chairs were making the most of the 32 deg water.Packed up again and drove on to Bitter Springs. Here you can float in the warm water for about 800m but lots of flood debris so not so attractive. Giant termite mound in Mataranka.
20kms before Katherine stopped at Cutta Cutta caves. Red hot and dry limestone country. Cave got hotter and hotter to the end of the tourist bit.

Drove into Katherine early Saturday afternoon to find a biggish town with supermarkets.Red hot. Meet Mark in visitor centre who tells us to get our shopping soon as it is a long weekend and everything will close until Tuesday. Having stocked up we checked two campgrounds near town then drove to Katherine Gorge.Packed but a good campground with a big pool.
Noisy hot night.Chatted to Polly and Thomas. Thomas is a fit looking 71 year old from Warragul and Polly a polish lady who was married to Tom's dad.
Southern walking trails are good. Walk to first gorge look pout through rocky dry palm covered land. Beautiful view of the river. Climb down a rocky path to the gorge crossing. Cruise boats and canoes there. Look at rock art and swimming holes. Great. Climb back up to the lookout and chat to Ishvan a hungarian backpacker we met at Mataranka and a French mother and son who have travelled the world. Walked back via the lookout which was a long way but brought us back to the river.
Swim at the pool then camp kitchen dinner chatting with social work students who are enjoying a placement in Katherine and a few people from Darwin.