Alice Springs to Katherine Gorge

Reading at Mataranka Library

Benn's Barra
Thermal Pool

Devil's Marbles

John Flynn Memorial


Dominic in van

Go-carts at Alice

Hello! Well we have gone from winter to summer in 3 weeks. I am writing today from Katherine Gorge, very hot day - certainly back into summer for a few days now. Last night was very hot, first night we have had the a/c on most of the night! Rather a change from the cold weather of Alice, were it was sooooo cold at night. Apparently, the weather has been unseasonably cold there, the day we arrived at Uluru was the coldest day on record (11c max at Uluru, 6c max at Alice).

We spent a good week in Alice after Uluru and Kings Canyon, visiting the Desert Park, School of the Air (brilliant), Museum for Pioneer Women (which I found amazing, some of the stories I read about the conditions for women, the isolation etc very interesting) and the old goal. Once again we met many families while in Alice either travelling for a few months or a couple of years. I am really enjoying the social aspect lately, maybe too much drinking and chocolate!! Nah, never! We were pretty lucky and saw the Todd River with water in it. It rained for a few days when we arrived, so for about 3 days the river flowed, apparently a very rare occurrence.

After leaving The Alice, we spent one night back at Wycliff Well, then Renner Springs (which had geese that honked all night, not impressed). Next day we arrive at Mataranka (We of the Never Never country), could have stayed for ages.... so stayed for 5 nights (was only planning for 2). It was wonderful, the natural thermal pools were beautiful, we enjoyed swimming in them everyday. Dinner at the Homestead Bistro was great as was the entertainment. They had a singer/guitarist play each night, great music. It was very busy caravan park, many a backpacker working there. Again great meeting other people travelling! Benn went to go fishing on the Roper River and caught a nice Barramundi, very nice eating! I loved the old Museum, which had some material from 'We of the Never Never' days, the Australian classic novel set in 1902. They had the homestead replica just next to the Caravan Park.

We arrrived at Katherine Gorge yesterday, extremely busy place so many tourists/travellers. I guess it is the time to be at the top end before the wet season starts. Already it is getting very hot and humid, can't imagine what it must be like in summer. We have had school this morning, then art lessons with Benn, painting water colours. Benn and kids in the pool at the moment, so I am off to join them.

Love to hear from friends and family if you get a chance,

Bianca xx