The rest of our time at Mataranka

The Elsey National Park is next to the resort and the Roper river runs through this.

The Roper River

Another shot of the Roper River

Stevie's Hole a popular swimming hole inside the homestead boundaries

The homestead also boasts a thermal pool called Rainbow Springs which we enjoyed each day we were there.

Mataranka

We stayed at the Mataranka Homestead Resort - very dusty area but what else can you expect in a dry  area like this. The resort was the home of the replica Elsey Homestead made for the film "We of the Never Never" taken from a book written by by Jeannie Gunn. Jeannie and her husband Aenias (dont think that is the way to spell it ). were pioneers of this area and after he died Jeannie moved back to Melbourne and wrote a book about her time in Mataranka.

The Waterhouse River which runs at the side of the resort

The local inhabitants that wander through the camp

Pea hens

The wallaby- there are lots of them at this camp

Cutta Cutta caves and nature park

This area is 1499 hectares and is just outside of Katherine it is made up of karst limestone landscape and caves. Guided tours of the caves are available.

Katherine Hot Springs

Here is a shot of the hot springs that anyone can try, they are just outside the centre of the town near the river.

Edith Falls - Katherine

Edith Falls also known as Leliyn Falls is on the western boundary of Mitmiluk National Park the natural pool at the base of the falls is safe for swimming most of the year. There is a small steep climb upwards and then an escarpment walk and then downwards again to the pools. Very photogenic.

Katherine - Gorges 1 and 2 cruise

We spent a lovely 2 and a half hours cruising up the first two gorges at Katherine. the scenery was wonderful and we managed to see a baby crocodile sunning itself on the side of the gorge. Unfortunately the photos didn't turn out that well.

Katherine Day 2

We visited the Springvale Homestead which is the oldest homestead in the Northern Territory. It was established in 1828 and managed by Alfred Giles the overland telegraph linesman. They now have a carvan park next to it.

Day 3 we took one of the many cruises on offer along 2 of the gorges (there are 13 in all) and it was over 2 hours long and well worth the cost. the gorges are stunning as you can see below.