We never did any canoeing in Oz and here comes our chance at the Kathrine Gorge @ Nitmiluk National Park*****. One of the best place to canoe in Oz. It is half an hour drive from the Town of Kathrine and consists of 13 natural gorges! We took the full day canoe for $45 per person on a double canoe (the brochure actually state $62 for full day pp, but the visitor centre wo help us with booking only charge $90 for both of us :)). We had to book early from the Kathrine Visitor Center since it is the peak season in the northern territory (april-sept). There is also an overnight canoe hire where you can canoe and camp at one of the bush camp.
1st gorge, had to change a new canoe at 2nd gorge
Natural shelter!
Not too long before we reach the end of 2nd gorge. So this time, instead of changing a new canoe, we had to carry it through the rapids. How very difficult to drag the canoe against the current with slippery rocks under yr feet. Actually we only realized that we're not supposed to drag the canoe between the rocks (but have to carry it over) until we saw the sign at the counter after the end of our trip. Oops.. Anyhow we manage to get it there and by 11am we reach the third gorge. This is as far as we can go on a full day. So time to relax and swim in the refreshing Kathrine river!
A perfect shelter to have lunch after the swim :)
At 1pm we head back the way we came. Mostly relaxing and gazing at the rocks while the current bring us back.
Crocodile trap! Yes, there are crocodiles in the river, but only freshies (freshwater crocodiles), the not so dangerous type. Any crocodiles sighted at the gorge would be removed immediately. So we are lucky to see one!
We are lucky ain't we! Look at him, just resting on the sand with it's big mouth open, trying to regulate it's body temperature. Really, not as scary as the saltwater crocodile.
We managed to return the canoe exactly 4.30pm and boy was that tiring!!! The whole day tour is really adventurous to us, because you're not with any guide and you have to carry your canoe over the rapids then finding your own perfect place (away from the noisy cruise boat) to dip in the water while looking out for crocodiles at the same time!
There is camping at the Kathrine Gorge for $36 unpowered site. Very much more expensive compared to town's caravan park so we spent 3 nights at the Riverview motel and van park for $27(unpowered). It is just near the city and walking distance to Kathrine hot springs. The hot spring is really short compared to the Mataranka's Bitter Spring and not warm at all. But it is a good dip after a long drive :)
No comments:
Post a Comment