Katherine NT
Katherine is an unusual town. A bit overrun by tourists and you could tell that by the mood of the staff as we arrived at the G’Day Riverview caravan park. We were lined up way down the street and when we finally pulled in and I was about to walk into the reception to book in, a lady stormed out the door pushing me aside and told me only two people were allowed in at a time. I stumbled backwards but regained my balance. So, I stood a bit shocked while she called to the lady from the car behind us and said, you’re next, follow me. I again, step back to get out the way of this hostile staff member while she ushered the lady in telling her of rude people that kept trying to jump the queue (meaning me) and first up went in first. What! We were next! So with that, the door was shut in my face. Good start. Hubby is looking at me like… What’s going on. I shrugged thinking, my time will come.
So, the lady behind us leaves and I go in while watching the car with the van behind us squeeze past hubby in a foul mood cause we are in their way and haven’t moved yet. Seriously! The reception lady stares at me. That’s why people shouldn’t jump the queue. It causes all sorts of problems. I stare back. “Well, if you hadn’t rudely pushed me out the way and grabbed the lady behind me, I’d be gone by now and that wouldn’t have happened.”
Yes, she apologies but it didn’t prevent that feeling of… I don’l like it here in Katherine. Even the second visit I can’t wait to move along.Β Not sure if it’s the people, but yes, so far it’s the people. So with a confused outlook and not feeling at all at ease here hubby took me to visit one of their local tourist sites, Katherine Gorge. “You’ll love Katherine once you see the gorge he tells me.”
So glad when we got to the gorge there was a muck up with caravan parks and we found we had booked in town by accident. It was Bat Central. The caravan park out here would have been like living in their toilet. Bat shit everywhere. Chuckle.
In the park, every tree was thick with Batman’s little friends. Could just imagine the noise at the caravan park once the day darkened and their wake up time sounded out. Flappy little night feeders would be pooping on every inch of cars, vans and campers.
But they stayed hanging upside down while we were there, not turning us off a cut lunch and cuppas.
Later, after a nice walk, we stopped at the cafe come gift shop to look at the nick nacks before heading home. The boat ride up the river would have been nice but we are still licking our wounds from forking out so much for tyres and car service in Darwin so instead, looking in wonderment is the best we could do. And as for the walk, I I did try to get up the sloped gravel track but my knee decided to play up so turned back. Maybe next time, after I get it looked at. Been a bit annoying for about 10 years now. Guess if I ever want to see pretty scenery I best get it looked at. Can you tell I don’t like going to the doctor. π₯΄
Took some photos of the signage outside the cafe. Thought it was quite interesting. Inside, it was new and the viewing deck was quite pretty. We talked to a tourist who said she had gone on the sunset boat cruise and had a lovely time. They had dinner served on white linen tables which impressed her and did recommend it to anyone who enjoys a cruise with a bit of fine dining.
For those who love to walk and climb it would top off the day with the views above the gorge. For those who struggle, best enjoy it from the bottom level. It’s all uphill and has lots of steps.
The dust once back on the road was a nice change from the bat smell as we got held up by roadworks on the way home.
With the washing and shopping done, we went back to pack our supplies away, ready for moving day in the morning. As you have guessed, Katherine is not one of my most favourite spots so don’t mind moving on just after a couple of days. It’s very dry and gone are the huge mountain ranges and lush massive trees we raved about before Kakadu. It has been a massive change of scenery and the town itself is miss-matched and I can’t fib and say it is pretty, yet it’s not ugly, just a bit plain after seeing the top left-hand side of NT, which is stunning. Sorry to offend.








Mataranka NT










Daly Waters













Attack Creek – free camp








Three Ways petrol station






Barkley Homestead
Is the last stop for fuel before the QLD border. And, although we could have made it there today … What’s the rush. We started the day watching the birds in the tree beside us while having breakfast. Our camping neighbour popped over for a chat and it was after a couple of hours natter, did we decide to get ready and leave. Some campers are too enjoyable to rush away from. ππ₯°
Although not far to go, we didn’t reach Barkley Homestead until around lunchtime. I was out of bread so went inside the petrol station to get some while hubby fuelled up. What! They don’t sell bread or any grocery item. Sneaky! Only clothes and touristy paraphernalia.
Every other servo since we started travelling outback, sold bread, guess we were staying for lunch.
After, we took advantage of the internet and checked in with family and friends. Needless to say, it was after 3 pm when we finally joined our newby travelling buddies and pulled into Wanarah Bore 24 hrs rest stop for the night. (Not far from the Barkley Homestead.) A cuppa and another chat finished up around 6 pm. We had dinner while watching a movie. Hard day! Chuckle. Maybe tomorrow we will hit the border.Β





Camooweal QLD
We only explored the top half of the NT, didn’t want to go down any further. The nights were getting colder and even had to pull out a blanket. Well, that can’t happen… Chuckle. So, next visit, when the nights get warmer, we will possibly come up through SA and see more then. For now, we head for the border. From the harsh climate or just from age, our glasses are scratched and so it’s Townsville we head towards. Get them babies replaced or I’ll be taking pictures of the ground and chopping off landscapes. My lenses are creamy they are so scratched or something. Weird. My sun glasses are still good though so she’ll be right until then.
Today we reached the Queensland border. Arrived at Camooweal and looked at the caravan parks here to do some washing. They were dust pits and outdated for the $48.00 per night they were trying to charge. Instead of indulging in electricity, we filled the tanks with water and while hubby did that, I took a long shower and washed my hair. Filling them took a little longer and we had a line up waiting for us to finish with the water, but I can tell you ladies, I was a happy girl. ππ₯°. After, we snagged a nice spot beside the river at Camooweal Billabong (free camp) a couple of kilometres off the main road. Many pulled up under the dry bridge, but trust me, keep going along the dirt road and it opens up to a perfect stopover where you can park right next to the river. I did four loads of washing and Shaun finally got to have his shower. Plenty left to last us until we fill up again in a day or two. Depending on how long we stay. We are still travelling with our new friends so that’s a question mark. Don’t need to be in Mt Isa for our second jab until Thursday so in no hurry.
Enjoying a walk around our new area I took a couple of pictures of the life around the river. The relaxed surroundings are appreciated after such a big trip. Time to cool our heels and rest for a bit. But what a pretty place to do it in. None of us wanted to leave the view and we all stayed by the lake chatting until dusk.














Where to next?
Hello Queensland. The state of golden sunshine, white soft sands, tropical water wonders and pineapplesπ. We can’t wait to see more of what we have missed and hubby will have two helpings of pineapple on his next burger and pizza. ππππ

