I know what you think, another National Park but Nitmiluk NP, that is dissected by the Katherine River and Katherine gorges (13 in all, has been a fantastic experience. Nitmiluk NP is on Jawoyn land, handed back in the 1989 to the First Nations people that together with the NT government, created a NP to share with all people. Very nicely done.
On 26/07/2021 we drove a short distance for a nights stay at the Lazy Lizard Tavern at Pine Creek on our way to Nitmiluk NP. Good drive, no setup as stayed hitched for the night and no cooking/washing up as ate out. Easy day.
On 27/07/2021 we arrived at Nitmiluk NP. It’s a huge complex with camping, glamping and lodges for individuals and groups (including school kids 🤣🤣). Nitmiluk NP comprises 13 gorges along the Katherine River. It was a tight squeeze into our spot but it’s opposite a huge pool with a grassed area serviced by a bar and evening kitchen. Perfect.
On 28/07/2021 we got up early to walk the Baruwei Loop walk. Only 5km but lots of up and down plus it’s too hot to be walking much past 11am. A lovely walk with an amazing viewing platform over the Katherine River. In the evening we ate at the poolside restaurant. Not bad especially as no cooking/washing up for me 🤗 but could do without the $9 price for a small glass of wine.
On 29/07/2021 we went into Katherine for our second COVID-19 jab and shopping. So pleased and grateful to be fully vaccinated. The afternoon was spent around the swimming pool.
On 30/07/2021 after breakfast at the NP centre we went on the 3 gorges tour. The height of the water in the gorges varies depending on the volume of water from the wet season and when you visit. In the dry season you have to walk between each gorge and swap boats to visit the 3 gorges nearest Katherine. The latter gorges do not have enough water and/or are too narrow for a boat. Our guide (Jimmy) gave us excellent commentary on the history of the NP including wall art, the gorge formation and the flora/fauna of the gorges. On the way back we cooled off in the water (croc free) with an afternoon spent around the pool.
On 31/07/2021 we head back to Katherine for a 6 night stay visiting a few local sights before heading towards north west Queensland for a few weeks.
Comments
2 responses to “Nitmiluk (Katherine) National Park (NP) (WK 19)”
$9 a glass! You seriously complaining about $9 a glass! You may recall that in 2019 in the Hyatt Regency in Sydney it was $14 a glass ($75 a bottle on the roof top terrace bar or was it $90?), and of course infamously £13.50 A GLASS in a hotel in Abergavenny (that’s in Wales!). (Not that I mention it very often!)
It was a tiny glass of wine and I am now a pensioner…! But I guess now you remind me about Sydney….. and of course, Abergavenny, its not that bad 🙂