Cicada Dreaming

It’s hot, hot, hot so best to get cool, cool, cool. These  amazing thermal pools are known as Katherine Hot Springs and I’ve fallen head over heals in love with the bubbles. With water so crystal clear and sheltered amongst the Pandanus back drop, I’m claiming my natural spa treatment as the ultimate beauty rejuvenation package for 2021. And if you think this location couldn’t be more perfect, I have to confess access to these pools is via the Pocket Rocket Cafe with seating to the oasis under a gigantic fig tree. I’m in heaven!!

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But wait there’s more. Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) is calling. We’ve splurged and booked the Katherine Gorge sunset romantic dinner cruise with all the trimmings. It’s a rare treat for me tonight as someone else is doing the cooking and wash up. And I’ve heard there’s more bubbles to be enjoyed. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this good and wearing make up even seems a little unusual.

This evening got a 10 out of 10 for me. The food was delicious, scenery superb and there were plenty of laughs as the conversation flowed freely being seated with two other amazing couples with similar interests.

The traditional landowners who share this amazing national park with tourists like us are the Jawon people.  As we cruised along the gorge going from gorge 1 to 2 we were amazed by the height of the sandstone cliffs and structure of the geological formations looking like blocks of chocolate. There’s a deliberate attempt by the owners to share the ancient stories of the rainbow serpent who created an extraordinarily deep whirlpool in gorge 2 which is estimated to be up to 37m in depth. The Jawon people believe these gorges are sacred and will never enter or fish from the waters for fear that they will aggravate the serpent bringing bad luck to their peoples.

Then, after almost thirty years we couldn’t believe our eyes when we were reunited with one of Mic’s school friends Parish and his gorgeous wife Cat as we were lounging pool side. With so much news to catch up on, we filled our bellies with more great food and nearly kept our camping neighbours awake before we realised how late it was and decided to turn in for the night.

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Like any good adventure, an easy way to take in the magnificence of the gorge is to view it from above. A steep incline flanked by steps leads you to an impressive lookout platform. Make sure you start out early and bring plenty of water as there is very little shade once you reach the top.

Saying goodbye to Nitmiluk the land of Cicada Dreaming, we find ourselves back on the road making our way to Western Australia. It’s a very scenic drive as we travel through the Gregory National Park. The park is divided into two with the Victoria River to the east and Gregory section to the west.

Stopping at one of the pioneer’s camp sites which is roughly halfway between Katherine and Kununurra you are able to pay respect to the avid explorer Augustus Charles Gregory. His success in discovering this region is attributed to him establishing a base camp which allowed his men and their horses to rest and recuperate prior to continuing on with their gruelling explorations. On the day the base camp was evacuated the date was scribed on the Boab Tree to record such a significant milestone.