07/03/2023 from Daily Waters to Katherine, Katherine Gorge NP

07/03/2023 from Daily Waters to Katherine, Katherine Gorge NP

During the night, there was a heavy thunderstorm followed by quiet rain. Unfortunately, it didn't cool down as we expected, but we're not complaining. In the morning, the paths are flooded, everything is flowing. Panta Rhei.

We continue to the Bitter Springs, the thermal springs north of Mataranka. The main springs a few kilometers before Bitter Springs are closed, and we also face closed gates. The Elsey NP and the thermal springs are flooded, and crocodiles are causing trouble here. We quickly understand the situation.

We continue to Katherine. If you're interested, please read about it. There have been severe floods here a few years ago. We first visit the Visitor Centre to find out if the Katherine Gorge NP is open, as well as the Kakadu NP and the Litchfield NP. A young woman from Hannover advises us that a boat tour in Katherine Gorge NP is possible. We immediately book for tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock and are shocked by the 200 AUD that are due immediately. (134 €). Then we talk about Kakadu NP. The main roads are open, but almost all side roads and paths are closed. Only 2-3 hikes are possible in a huge park with long distances. (e.g. from Katherine to Jabiru Visitor Centre, it's 310 km).

In the evening, we will consider the travel plan. The third park (Litchfield) is still closed, but access may be possible in 4 to 5 days, maybe.

We go shopping, visit the internet, refuel, and drive to the Katherine Gorge NP, only 29 km from Katherine. There's a great pool at the campsite, and we use it twice today because it's so oppressively warm.

After dinner, we discuss and come to the conclusion that we will turn around, head south, and try to get to Queensland. Heavy rains are currently falling on the coast of Queensland. It's questionable whether we'll be able to pass through on the highway. If not, we may have to find a good way very far south. None of them will be paved anymore. I think this is the part Frank has always wished for.

To cut a long story short, we consulted the tourist information again. We are now going to visit Kakadu NP after all.