Sunday, June 30, 2013

Mataranka to Katherine

Yesterday was only a short drive from Mataranka to Katherine, but we still had to have a day of laziness after driving. So after setting up Myrtle for her few days at the Shady Lane Caravan Park we read through the information on what there is to do in Katherine. Shady Lane Caravan Park is very nice, with lots of shade from the palms and the amenities are by far the best we have experienced - just like a real bathroom. I booked us to do the Dawn Break Cruise on Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge) this morning, so it was up bright and early and off to the boat ramp at Nitmiluk Visitors Centre. After departing the dock at 7.00am we drifted down the first gorge while enjoying a yummy hot breakfast. When we reached as far as we could by boat we walked about 600mtrs along a very easy path, taking in the rock formations and Aboriginal Art. The second gorge was even more spectacular with its dramatic rock walls and fascinating mythology and history. Our tour guide Jake, who actually happened to be a Maori (New Zealander) was really nice, funny and very knowledgeable.  Nitmiluk Gorge actually consists of 13 immense gorges that stretch for kilometres, but only three are accessible by boat. To see more you have to either walk or take a flight over the area. The rest of our day was spent longing around. I actually set up my jewellery and again low and behold I sold a necklace - woohoo!

Spectacular Rock Fractures


The Moon, Rock and Tree!


Nitmiluk Gorge


Tears Rock - water seeps through the rocks above.

Jake - Our tour guide

6 comments:

  1. Very nice... and the Gorges are too! ;-) What a handsome tour guide.

    I love seeing Australia through your lens, makes me want to come back and do what you're doing... just travel and see the country. Mind you I'd also like to do this here in Canada. I've got a lot of ground to cover between seeing all of Canada and all of Australia! ;-)

    Have a wonderful week Davine, cheers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes he was rather nice. I know both our countries are so big with so much to see - we need more than one lifetime.

      Delete
  2. Hello Davine! Good to 'see' you today!
    My, what a beautiful area....and 13 gorges! That must be spectacular to see.
    It's always good when the tour guide knows their stuff! And has a sense of humour too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jim - thanks, yes we certainly seeing some beautiful places.

      Delete
  3. Oh, Davine, this space is beautiful! Love the comment about your caravan park's amenities! Very important to know for my future planning ~ thank you. :) I want to float down that Gorge ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trouble with floating down the gorge would be the crocs!!!! I don't think you would get very far!

      Delete

I would love to hear your comments.