Katherine and Surrounds

41 Mile Bore Rest Area - Nice Fire

 Left Mt Isa and stayed at Camooweal to watch the State of Origin. Big mistake, thought we would win! Found another nice rest area near the Three Ways where there were about 6 more vans. Lucky we have our own loo as Diane objects to the bush variety. Watched the fire for an hour or so until our wood ran out. Camp fires are very popular at these places and wood is scarce.

Water Buffalo at Dunmara

Dunmara is a quite little place on the Stuart highway about mid way between Three Ways and Katherine. We had stayed there before so we knew what it was like - peaceful with adequate amenities. We were entertained by the water buffalo in a nearby paddock. The roadhouse shop sold buffalo steaks and hamburgers but we didn't try them!

 

Diane in the Mataranka Hot Springs

Mataranka is located about 112 km south of Katherine on the Stuart Highway. Its famous for the hot springs (about 34 deg) We stayed at the Binter Springs homestead where the warm water emanates from the Rainbow Spring, flows through the pools and eventually into the Roper River. An amazing 30 million litres per day flow through the pool! The area has a number of lyre birds (peacocks) which are very tame. They come right up to your van to be fed and would go inside if you let them.

The Beautiful and Serene Katherine River

Made the short trip to Katherine and booked into the Big 4 Low Level Resort. This is located in the Low level reserve on the Katherine River. Fishing is very popular here with barramundi often caught in the river. Today we rode along a nice cycle track from the park and into the town. On the way back we stopped at the Katherine Springs for a relaxing dip in the warm water. Katherine is most famous for the Gorge which we had visited previously. The town has all the necessities for the traveller and a good spot to stop for a few days. Had the car tyres checked and rotated here and stocked up on fuel and provisions.

Springvale Homestead

Visited the oldest farming homestead in the Territory at Springvale, just near our van park. The property was started in 1870 and originally 20,000 sq miles. It began with 12,000 sheep and 3000 cattle but the climate and environment weren't favourable and eventually it failed. It's now only one square mile and a tourist attraction with van park, restaurant and reserve.

Water Lillies in a Katherine River Billabong

The Springvale Reserve has a beautiful billabong which has many birds and animals including a small shy croc. Its a popular spot for tourists and locals to chill out.  There is an abundance of yabbies in the river and we saw quite a few nets set to catch them. One local said he often catches 40 to 50 and this is just about enough to feed his family. I think he liked to eat them!