G’day all,
We are currently based in Katherine and were up early to enjoy the dawn breakfast cruise down the Katherine Gorge (Gorge 1 & 2). The Nitmiluk NP is about 29 klms from Katherine and where we were staying at Knotts Crossing Caravan Park. We set off about 6:10am and arrived at the tour departure point at 6:50am ready in anticipation of the cruise.
All aboard we were enjoying an awesome, big breaky by 7:10am cruising up the gorge watching the sunrise over the sheer cliff faces. The Katherine Gorge is spectacular and certainly one the best gorges we have seen on our journey that has taken us through the Kimberleys and into the NT.
The cruise takes you up Katherine Gorge #1 where you take a 600m walk and board another boat for Gorge #2. You are continually travelling through soaring sheer cliff faces rising up from the calm glassy water and with the low sunlight around dawn the colour of the rock is fantastic. The cruise lasted 2 hours, costing $260 for 2 adults and 2 children…and in comparison to other tourist attractions we have ventured onto, it rates as great value for money. The cruise is spectacular and you certainly walk away full from a big breaky of bacon, eggs, wedges, mushrooms and cooked tomatoes, not to mention the cereal, croissants, yogorts, fresh orange juice and tea and coffee. It is a great way to spend a morning and a great way to see the gorge which is really quite difficult to hike into with a family or a high level of fitness.
Back on dry land we ventured into the tourist information centre and found it full of great information on the Katherine Gorge and Nitmiluk NP and traditional owners. A good place (and cool place) to spend 45 mins or so.
Leaving the Katherine Gorge behind we headed back to the caravan park for a sleep catchup, some much needed admin of various affairs and for the kids some chill time.
After lunch we spent the afternoon around the resort pool cooling down from the hot 35 degree heat. Dinner, bed and ready for an early start tommorrow.
Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia