We went up to what, when we were last there was called Katherine Gorge. Now its been renamed Nitmiluk National Park - basically the land has been awarded to an aboriginal group who have reverted the name back to the traditional name and leased it back to the government for a national park.
This for the day, our Katherine was renamed Nitmiluk too!
Last time we canoed through the gorge - it was not a national park then, and from memory there was competition between companies organising canoe trips etc.
Now there is no competition as its just run by the owners, and the prices reflect this.
Canoeing is still not available - apparently the protection of saltwater crocs means that they are expanding their territory up river, and as yet the park cannot be convinced there are none left lurking in the gorge - there have been some reasonable size ones - but none seen since Feb so I would have risked it (especially with smaller kids as bait!)
Instead we took a 2 gorge cruise, which although pricey was well worth doing the scenery is stunning.
We saw hundreds of fruit bats nesting in trees, a Kookaburra, other colourful birds, eagles, and several fresh water crocs basking on the rocks.
After the 2 hour cruise (changing boats and seeing some rock art between gorges), we walked to the top of the gorge - great views, but a hot hot walk, and the attraction of a 5 day walk across the park carrying camping gear as recommended in a guidebook waned!
After that the excitement of emptying the "potty" in the campervan (only used once by Joseph) and having a swim to cool down.
Kids have made friends on the campground with the family next door, so are now playing football and tig - but this will not get them out of the washing up REST ASSURED!
Nitmiluk Hopkinson standing by Nitmiluk National Park
Sunbathing freshwater croc
Trees full of fruit bats (pictures do not demonstrate the smell)
Rock art
The gorge (to be honest quite pleased we were not in canoes, it was hot!)
The gorge
The gorge from above
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