Last Friday some friends, Reis and I ventured 3 and a half hours out of Darwin to the sleepy town of Katherine. Not much was open when we arrived but we found a dingy little Chinese restaurant and the food was great, but the quality may have been enhanced given we were starving. We slept in a basic motel and the next morning drove to Nitmiluk Gorge – we were going on a canoeing adventure!
With our goofy life jackets and smiles we set off down the river.
The scenery was stunning and varied, even in the dry season. Although, it wasn’t long before I was ready to put my feet up and get a tan – the benefits of a two person canoe!
The day was hot but at each gorge you can have a rest, some food and a swim to cool off, but we were all pretty quick to run out of the water when Andy scrambled to a nearby rock screaming he saw a snake in the water.
If you can see past the incredibly handsome man in the photo below, you’ll notice that the rocks are all really rounded on the edges. That’s because in the wet season the river rises up over them smoothing them out.
Above, you’ll notice crocodile paw prints. Below, you’ll notice children swimming in the river (not the gorges). Perhaps they were REALLY annoying their parents that day? …Daring I thought. Between snakes and crocodiles I was beginning to wonder just how safe it was to swim in the gorges…
Andy found a ancient prosthetic leg.
I found that the dry season in the NT isn’t kind to some.
We even found some Aboriginal art work!
It was a good day spent with friends and getting some decent exercise in. It was quite tiring though especially with a 3 and a half hour drive back to Darwin at the end of it. Let’s just say we weren’t running at opportunities to go to the next national park after this trip. We had to leave some things to see next time we’re in Darwin, right?!
If you’re interested in canoeing Katherine River trying this check out Nitmiluk’s site here.
Amy Darcy
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