We had an early start in Katherine as we had to be at our 9am river cruise. We enjoyed breakfast in our cabin and then headed toward Nitmiluk National Park.
Here are a few pictures of our cabin in Katherine. The girls always go crazy for bunk beds!
We barely made our cruise…we arrived at 9:02 and Brian dropped the girls and I off to run down and see while he parked. They were getting ready to leave as I approached so they let us on and we had a wait a couple more minutes (felt like forever!) as Brian came down. So thankful they waited!!
Our first view of Katherine River-stunning!
We cruised through the first gorge enjoying the vast beauty and learning more about Katherine.
We didn’t’ see any Freshies while we were out but saw all the traps they had set in certain areas and learned more about crocodiles in the river. They were telling us that the Yellow Kapok flower is a calendar plant and indicates, when flowering, that freshwater crocodiles are laying their eggs in a sandy beach next to a freshwater pool and can be collected. The eggs will incubate for 2-3 months and when the kapok flower develops into a seed pod that then starts to burst open, you know the crocodile is digging open the hole and carrying the baby crocodiles down to the water in her mouth.
Checking out the croc prints in the sand
The kayaking looked so peaceful!
Approaching the point where we would need to get off our boat and walk over to another boat to see the second gorge.
Enjoying the walk through the rocks and seeing more rock art by the Jawoyn traditional custodians.
Onto the second boat for more river cruising
Katherine Gorge is actually a series of thirteen connected gorges cut by the Katherine River through the sandstone rock of the area over the last one billion years. The next 4 pictures show some of the cut through sections from east to west and north to south.
Seeing some water trickling down the rock faces during the dry season and the various cave entrances and learning just how high the river rises during the wet season…they’ve even had crocodiles in the town when the river has overflowed!
Another neat cave along our cruise and watching the birds fly in and out of their homes.
A very shallow section of the river that is sometimes closed off based on the water height.
After our cruise, we enjoyed a picnic lunch before going on a hike to the lookout. Here is my twin Kyla and I. 
A steep walk up and a bit challenging at times with the littles, but we were rewarded with a beautiful view from the top.
This walking track presents the dreamtime journey of Nabilil, a dragon-like creation ancestor of the Jawoyn people. His journey up the gorge led to his death and created the flowing water that is now Katherine River. Nabilil named Nitmuluk after hearing the song of the cicada 'Nit Nit Nitnit!'
Baruwei Lookout-Views of the 1st Gorge, distant ranges and the 17 Mile Valley.
Another view from down by the river bank.
After leaving Katherine Gorge, we travelled north within Nitmiluk National Park to Edith Falls.
Alaina didn’t want to come in (a bit cold), so she took our picture!
Pit stop on our way out…she always tricks us…we think she just needs to go potty…we are starting a collection of these vacation photos!
Our last stop for the day before grabbing a sweet treat and heading back to our cabin was to Katherine Hot Springs, where the springs pump from deep within the earth at a mild temperature. While not hot, it was a nice change from the cold water we were just in and we loved the current pushing us through the waters. Again, someone said they felt something slither past them…we are crazy Aussies I guess now!
Pictures by the little waterfall that actually had a very strong pull! It was fun to slide down it or jump into the other side that was deeper.
Back at our accommodation, we enjoyed the lovely dinner and music at the restaurant. Kyla and Hallie had a blast and kept the other restaurant goers quite entertained with their dancing.
