Mt Isa to Katherine, NT: 5th - 7th July 2011

We travelled from Townsville via Mt Isa, which is on the way, to Katherine for five full days covering 450 to 550 km per day to cover the “Outback”. 

Termite Nests all along the road

Braham Cattle and termite nests

We stayed at a variety of places, like Barkly Homestead and now we are at Springvale Homestead, Katherine, which dates back to 1878.

Line of Lode at Mt Isa

Mt Isa town

Katherine is about 350 km south of Darwin.  Before we arrive in Darwin, we shall visit Katherine Gorge and Kakadu, which are on the way to Darwin.  At Springvale, the huge Katherine River flows along a border -  and between the river and the campsites is a beautiful lagoon full of turtles and magnificent, huge, pink water lilies.  It is very special. 

Hungry Turtle

Lillies

Lillies

Lilly

River at Katherine

The old homestead is very famous in the history of the development of Katherine and the property was given to Giles, who managed putting in the Overland Telegraph so long ago.  They say there is a crocodile in the lagoon as well, there certainly is in the river next door to the lagoon.    

There are hot mineral springs around the area.  We found the first one at Mataranka and the beauty of the place took our breath away.  That place is famous due to “We of the Never Never” so we bought the book and DVD.   Also bought the book about the history of Daly Waters.  Apparently the flood waters stay around there for a long time in the wet, hence the name. 

Mataranka Hot Springs



Swimming in Mataranka Hot Springs



Reflections in Mataranka Hot Springs

We liked the sign post at Daly Waters that read, “Angle parking – any angle” and that was the Daily Waters Pub.  We had an unpowered site there, as the Territory is flooded with guests from other states right now.  It is a bit of a struggle to get somewhere to stop without booking up first.  

Daly Waters Pub

Here at Springvale Homestead, we have our own lovely swimming pool which is filled with warm mineral water to swim in.  It is like a little piece of paradise here.   Hot springs abound in Katherine.  There are very many Aboriginal folk living in Katherine.  We have finally found some warm weather, about 27 degrees today, very pleasant, and even the nights are mild.