Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) 23rd - 26th August

We decided to drive to Katherine in one day rather than splitting the drive over two. Subsequently we were in the car for over 5 hours. But it was worth it, as much of the drive was nondescript and there was nowhere appealing to stay. It was marked by our depatrure from Western Australia and our entry into Northern Territory. We arrived into Katherine about 3pm and it was HOT !!! Quick stop at the visitor's centre and we decided to camp out at the gorge rather than in town. So back in the car to drive another 30km. On arriving at the gorge campground we found it to be co-run by the indigenous owners and the national park authority. A simple campground with the benefits of flushing toilets, hot showers and a swimming pool (we have learnt than swimming pools are a necessity in the heat up here, even national parks have them). The campground also came with the benefit of lots of other children to play with and Jasper soon had a new gang and he was quickly joined by Archie, closely followed by Imogen.

Day 2 required a stock up at Woolies in Katherine. Lisa also had a desire for some retail therapy so we set off for the weekly local markets. Its a small market of handicrafts, fresh produce and home made food. After Lisa had had her dose of shopping, the kids were keen to visit the local thermal pools. We swam in the shallow warm, flowing, streamlike thermal springs. At on point it reached a deeper section that had a rope swing. Imogen had a great time experimenting with the height from which she launched herself off the bank to swing into the spring. Jasper soon followed her lead.

On day 3 Boyd and Imogen hired a two man canoe and canoed down Katherine Gorge. They rowed 1.5km to the end of the "first gorge" and then walked to the start of the second, before rowing back. Lisa entertained the boys on the bank for the 2 hours they were gone. Then Jasper had a go in the canoe with Boyd. He very quickly decided that canoeing was not his thing (something to do with the possibility of crocodiles below).

In the afternoon we headed to Edith Falls, which is about 50 minutes drive away. Edith Falls was beautiful. A small waterfall enters a huge pool below. Imogen and Boyd swam the 150 metres to the base of the waterfall. The water below for the majority of the swim is extremely deep. The complete darkness below them was daunting for Imogen (something to do with the possibility of crocodiles below).She returned with incredible confidence and quickly talked Lisa into doing the swim. So Imogen went to the falls again, this time swimming beside Lisa.

Day 4 was our departure day. A quick early breakfast and Lisa set off for a walk down the gorge. We had been in Katherine Gorge for three nights and she felt she hadn't really had the "gorge experience" she expected. She managed to have a closer experience with the gorge as the others packed up. She returned to the campsite to help with the last few bits and pieces of the pack up and then it was off to Kakadu.