Katherine NT Hot Springs Pool Low level crossing Katherine River

So the day finally arrived: after 3 weeks we had to leave Darwin and head south to Katherine.

We stopped at Pine Creek for a coffee and because the town needs all the help it can get. In the last few weeks the mine has announced that it will be closing and that means the loss of over 600 jobs in a  town of 1000. It's a shame, over the last few years we have seen the changes as the mine money flowed into town and it looked like it was just getting back on feet, and now this. Anyhow, they had our donation for what its worth, and a fine cup of coffee it was as well.

The park at Katherine is quieter that we expected and we have a good spot, large and plenty of shade. We made a bee line for the hot springs which were busy but still pretty good. When we came back to the van park, we decided that the best thing to do was go for a swim! The pool is just slightly chilly but really enjoyable. Not much else happening here and we plan on an early night.

One odd thing though, down the road from us is Springvale Homestead, the oldest homestead in the Territory. It had a small van park behind and the old homestead buildings were open for inspection. But this year its closed, no idea why, but it seems a shame.