Nitmuluk (Katherine)

After packing up at Mataranka we drive over to Bitter Springs (2kms away) for a quick dip. This Spring is more natural than Mataranka or Rainbow Springs as the locals call it. As you can imagine it was clear and beautiful. We held onto noodles and let the current push us from one end of the Hot spring to the other. The drive from Mataranka to Katherine only took 1 hour (our quickest drive yet) and our accommodation at the Nitmuluk Camping ground was another 25 minutes out of town. Again the landscape is changing from red chunky mountains to a mountain range with grass and trees. We got a pleasant surprise we got when we arrived at our camp site. We had upgraded from red dust to gravel campsites and a gorgeous pool across from our site. It was like staying at a 4 star hotel after all the bush campsites we have been too in the last two weeks. We spent a good half day unwinding and swimming in the pool. Not that we are complaining but staying here was a huge bonus as we are at the gateway to the Katherine Gorge. We did the 8am Gorge cruise and it was spectacular. The sheer beauty in the massive cliffs rising out of the green Katherine River is a sight to be experienced and pictures can not do it any justice. We did happen to see a crocodile (only 3 metres long) and said we were glad we were not canoeing! We also did the loop walk up to the lookout and swam at the Katherine Hot springs. Not so hot and not as nice as Mataranka or Bitter Springs. Tomorrow we are off to Batchelor, the start of Litchfield National Park.

TIP: Buy wet shoes to swim in as they are great for the natural Hot springs. Definitely stay at the Nitmuluk Campground as the facilities are great especially the pool. Do the Gorge cruise early in the morning if you can as the water is still and tranquil at that time. If you loved Mataranka Springs you might be disappointed with Katherine Springs. There is not much in the Katherine township itself. It is very busy and takes a very long time to do your groceries as there is only one supermarket. The fuel here is quite cheap though, 10c cheaper than Alice Springs.

Bitter Springs

Katherine Gorge a spectacular sight

Aboriginal Paintings on the rocks at Katherine Gorge

The Hanging Garden at Katherine Gorge

View from the lookout near the Information Centre

Kids loving Katherine Springs