0035 Mataranka to Katherine Gorge 25th July

Mataranka Hot Springs really is an amazing oasis in the middle of nowhere.  While we were packing up, we noticed all these kites flying around just a short distance away, and when we went over, found a young boy throwing bread in the air, and the kites were swooping and catching it in mid air. Just an amazing site.  The peacock was still wandering around, as were a number of little wallabies, several with joeys in their pouch. 

 The road to Katherine was so boring I took no photos at all – It really was just one of those roads you just had to get over as quickly as possible !  Fortunately it was short – only a couple of hours from Mataranka. We went to the information centre in Katherine and they were really helpful.  We ended up with a few maps of the area, directions to the gorge camp site, and a booking for a 3 pm cruise up through the gorge on the river.

 

Arriving in Katherine Gorge we set up in a delightful camp site and had a quick bite of late lunch, before heading down to the river to find our boat.  And it was SO good.  Even though this is the dry season with a lot less water in the river, it is still stunning.  Half way up we had to get off one boat, climb over some rocks up to a second gorge where we boarded a second boat to go further up into the gorge.  In the wet season, the water will be but to five meters higher than now, and one boat an take you all the way !!   We saw a few freshies (fresh water crocs) along the way, and cages anchored beside the river to catch any wandering salties.  Like the difference between black and brown bears in Alaska, the difference between fresh water and salt water crocs in considerable, with the former being quite shy and quiet, while salties can be really nasty and aggressive.  You need to be able to tell the difference !!! 

 

After a great few hours in the gorge, we came back to camp, did our laundry in the free facilities (a rarity), had supper and went to bed.

 

Pics here

https://picasaweb.google.com/117739775480775657932/0035MatarankaToKatherineGorge?authkey=Gv1sRgCIuqhrfgsM3MkQE#