Nitmuluk – Katherine Gorge Day 1

Saturday 26th February 2022

We had a better night in the air conditioning at Big4 Breeze Holiday Park. We woke up a little more rested.

We woke and started packing the van for our next trip. Madeline over the last week found 2 screws but couldn’t tell us where in the van they were located. We found the issue this morning!

After finishing packing we headed off into town to grab fuel (176.9) and some essentials from the shop (milk and chocolate!)

We drove East towards Katherine Gorge which was 35km out of town.

We arrived the Visitor Centre and checked in.

We found our site and set the caravan up.

After lunch we went to the pool and spent the afternoon playing with Madeline (and Charlotte) in the pool.

As the sun began to set on our first day, we spotted a dingo about 30m from our camp. It was too quick for us, we couldn’t get a photo.

Today was a warm 34 degrees but the humidity only sat at 50%. The feels like temperature was only 1 degree higher.

Katherine Gorge

Nitmiluk (meaning Cicada Place) Gorge, a deep gorge carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River. Nitmiluk Gorge is made up of thirteen gorges, with rapids and falls, and follow the Katherine River, which begins in Kakadu.

During the Dry, roughly from April to October, the Nitmiluk Gorge waters are placid in most spots and ideal for swimming and canoeing. There may be freshwater crocodiles in most parts of the river, as they nest along the banks, but they are harmless to humans.

Saltwater crocodiles regularly enter the river during the wet season, when the water levels are very high, and are subsequently removed and returned to the lower levels at the onset of the dry season. Thus, swimming in the wet season is prohibited.

Tomorrow

We start the day with a 2 hour cruise of the first 2 gorges. We will likely be in the pool all afternoon to escape the heat.