Today was an "up early for me" day as it was my turn to visit Katherine Gorge. It was lucky for me that I happened across a lovely couple from WA who were also lost at the Visitor Centre and we managed between us to figure out where to go. It's a crazy setup where you only see the sign to the boat ramp on the way out rather than on the way in when you really need it. By far not the last to arrive we boarded our tour boat just after 9.00am and the adventure began. Shane and I both did the 3 gorge tour and despite there being a bit of walking between boat jetties, it was just stunning and well and truly worth every cent for the four hour tour.
I think for me Katherine Gorge rates right up there with Uluru for its sheer WOW factor and I am so very grateful that I did in the end book two tours and not one as this is definitely not something to miss. The amazing cliff faces, the colours of the rock, the history behind the rock paintings, the incredible contrasts between wet and dry season, and not least of all the incredible work of mother nature, all go together to just leave you feeling in awe of it all.
That lovely WA couple ended up being my tour buddies for the trip so it was nice to have someone to share it all with at the time. It was a tiring but awesome four hours and I was really happy with the photos I got.
The force of the incoming tide in the wet season over the years has pushed the trees to this angle.
The waterholes for swimming.
Rock paintings
Rock painting of the rainbow serpent.
A hand print painting signifying ownership or connection with the land.
A freshwater croc sunning itself. This one was about 2 metres long.
I don't care how non threatening they are or how brittle their teeth are - this is as close as I ever want to be thank you!
Not a great shot but I spotted this in the cave where there were birds and bats nesting - and I believe it is a Banded Tree Snake
Marks on the rocks from years of tides coming and going.
"Crocodile Rock"
What was really curious were the amazing number of bats in the trees at the entrance to the boat ramp. I spent a bit of time after the tour taking a few photos and watching their antics. I'm pretty glad that the bats at home aren't this big.
This little dude had some impressive aeroBATic moves happening!
Nawwwww
Just part of one tree amongst many others that the bats were inhabiting.
This cheeky little bugger was pestering an elderly couple who were trying to eat their lunch while he was trying to steal the food from their hands.
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