Spectacular Nitmiluk

15/6/16

After a hot night with little sleep, we had an early start this morning for the Dawn cruise of the Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk). Beautiful morning, perfect for a cruise. The boat was only half full so not as bad as it could have been for getting photos…only I left the camera  card in the laptop from doing yesterday’s blog. Between us we got lots of photos using our phones so not great photos and I’d line one up and someone would stand up in front.


What spectacular scenery, the size of the cliffs!!

Just before sunrise 

It’s hard to believe how high the water gets during the wet season.
The water level has risen to above the middle hole in the rock face (right)
which is 13m high.

The reflections in the water are stunning

We saw minimal sitings of freshwater crocs and one of the photos should show one of the smallest crocs in the river but I can’t even see it :) At the end of the first gorge everyone gets out and walks to the next boat to continue up the next gorge and so on depending on which cruise you opt for. There are 13 gorges all up. There are canoes for hire and would be a lovely way to see the gorges too but without the info. 

Looking back at the boat we just left

Part of the walk to the next boat

Aboriginal painting on the walk between boats

The sandy beach is where the crocs lay their eggs

Some of the rock formation in the first gorge

Above and right: Jedda's Rock

The large cliff straight ahead was featured in the movie Jedda.

When we returned there were so many people lined up for the next lot of cruises and it was already getting hot, we were pleased we went early. We decided to do a walk while we were out there but ended up on a longer one than we’d planned. After the lookout over the river it went inland and wound about in a loop but of not much significance and in the heat we were regretting not just returning from the lookout but we arrived back safely. It was only 1¹/₂ hours but sitting in the car for days has obviously made us very soft. The heat seems to be quite sapping too.

View from the lookout

Lovely cruise at the best time of the day and great information from the guide.

A sleep after lunch and a swim in the caravan park pool has refreshed us somewhat. Ray has gone off to check out a fishing spot and maybe try for a Barra. Here’s hoping.

This caravan park is lovely and quiet, we have a private little site up the back and it’s on the way out to the gorge so very handy.