Advice/ideas for Katherine

[Daver6]

Hi all,

Looking to head to Darwin in late May for a week or so. Considering heading to Katherine for a few nights, the attraction being a paddle through the gorges. It seems a little unclear when the kayaking season actually starts. Some say from May, others suggest June.

Any other highlights folks would recommend in the area? MrsDaver6 and I are always keen on a hike. Any cultural experiences that aren't too cringe worthy?

Finally, any experience with the various accommodation options there? Cicada Lodge seems to be the pick of the places. Any thoughts on whether it's worth the asking price? Would love to hear from anyone personal experiences in the area.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Daver6]

If you are driving between Katherine and Darwin - Pine Creek is worth stopping in. There is a bakery/coffee shop in an old railway carriage on Millar Street (which does ok coffee insofaras Territory coffee goes) and there is assorted old railway and gold mining stuff scattered about town.

We did try stop in here but the cafe was closed due to lack of staff to run the joint

 

[Daver6]

On our first morning we decided to go for a bit of a hike. It turned out to be 17kms in the end was rather spectacular. There is info here Nitmiluk National Park walks about the various walks.


We decided we'd head to Butterfly Gorge and did the highlight walk in roughly an anti-clockwise direction. For the most part the track was fairly decent. There were a few water stations along the way which was a great opportunity to top-up the water supply.



Butterfly Gorge certainly lived up to the name. There were hundreds of butterflies. Rather difficult to photograph though. I'll just post a few photos from the entire walk.

 

[Daver6]

We decided to splurge a little and went for a ride in this.



We booked in for the two hour trip which essentially covers all 13 gorges and then lands next to a remote swimming hole. You have the place to yourself for about an hour. The pictures don't really do the swimming hole justice. It was magical. The water was crystal clear and a lovely temperature. The experience was worth every cent.

Coming in to land. We had access to the bottom pool


Ours for about an hour


A random water hole


Jedda's rock. Our hike the previous day had us on top of this, amongst other places.

 

[Daver6]

Now where did we park this thing...


Time to head back

 

[Daver6]

So to summarise, we saw the gorge from mainly the escarpment hiking, river level on the dawn cruise and and air from the helo. It was fantastic to see from all three perspectives.

While a hike is not for everyone, if you can manage it, Butterfly Gorge was worth it. At the very least, the 900m walk from the visitor centre to the first lookout is worth doing. A few stairs, but easy conditions. I'm glad we did the dawn cruise rather than middle of the day. I love the light at that time of day. Finally, the helicopter experience just topped it off.

 

[Daver6]

Katherine hot springs is on the list of things to do. Firstly, hot springs it is not. Tepid springs would be more apt. Given it isn't exactly cold in this part of the world, that isn't an issue. Located close to the centre of town and not far from the Country Club, it's easy enough to access.

It was worth a visit and a dip, but to be honest, the least favourite of the various water holes I swam in, in the NT.

 

[Daver6]

Finally Edith Falls. There's the main bottom swimming hole which is easily accessible. and very large. It's also possibly a bit less exciting Well worth the shortish (bit over 1km) walk to the upper swimming hole. You can turn it into a loop walk. If you do that, I'd recommend going anti-clockwise so you get the longer walk in first.

All images are of the upper swimming hole except for the last one which is looking down towards the lower one

 

[SYD]

Unfortunately my visit has become a COVID casualty… Maybe next year? But I guess $100 fares won’t be around again .

Fortunately, Katherine Gorge tour were quick with providing a refund. Emailed them on Friday and refund was back on my Visa this morning. I suspect QF won’t be that prompt.

 

[Denali]

When we went there (what a wonderful way to enjoy winter June), we stayed at the cabins on site, just a short walk to the info centre and tour departures.

Nitmiluk Cabins - Nitmiluk Tours

Experience the splendours of Nitmiluk National Park up close with all the convenience of self-contained accommodationBook

www.nitmiluktours.com.au

Very comfortable and clean, wallabies hanging around and they even had the aircon on when we checked in. Much better than having to drive to/from Katherine if you have dawn, night or multiple tours. We also did the dinner tour and enjoyed it.

The nearby camping area had a food/pub setup that was really good, so was information centre cafe breakkie.

Theres also Cicarda Lodge Cicada Lodge | Nitmiluk Tours

 

[jb747]

It's a wonderful place.