After stocking up on supplies and fuel in Katherine we turned west on the Victoria Highway. Considering it was already past lunchtime when we left, our first night on our westward journey was at a roadside stop at Limestone Creek. This large shady area is very popular and by nightfall it was pretty much full with a diverse collection of rigs of all shapes and sizes, from large 5th wheelers to people in tents. One advantage of staying in free roadside rest areas like this is that you meet a lot of very interesting people who all have a different story to tell, and usually are eager to do so.
The next two nights were spent at the Flora River Nature Park. To reach the park you turn off the Victoria Hwy 86 Km south west of Katherine and then follow a gravel road for 46 Km. This road was in reasonable condition with only minor corrugations, although large deep Bulldust sections were beginning to appear, some up to 100 metres long. Great care is needed when negotiating these sections because even though the surface appears smooth, the fine powdery dust can be quite deep and easily conceals deeper holes and large rocks.
Upon reaching the Djarrung campground a suitable site was easy to find as very few people were there. The campground is very pleasant and has a large amenities block with flush toilets and solar heated showers. Just a short walk from the campground brings you to the edge of the river, although the river is not easily visible because of the dense vegetation comprised of Pandanus and Paperbarks. There are two walks, one of around 100 metres will take you upstream to Djarrung Falls, and the other of about 450 metres return goes downstream to Kathleen Falls. The spring fed, calcium rich waters of the Flora River flow over these falls, that are comprised of fragile Tufa rock (pr. too-fa), which is really deposits of calcium carbonate. It begins to form as the water’s flow is impeded by tree roots and other obstructions and eventually forms large weirs and dams across the river, in places even encrusting living vegetation. The deep clear pools of emerald tinged water are just begging you to jump in, they just look so inviting. However swimming is definitely off the agenda, as large estuarine crocodiles (Salties) inhabit these waters. There is a boat ramp about 4.5 Km from the campground for people with small tinnies (limit 15 HP) or canoes, with the river downstream of Kathleen falls being navigable by canoe for about 20 Km.
The next two nights were spent at the Flora River Nature Park. To reach the park you turn off the Victoria Hwy 86 Km south west of Katherine and then follow a gravel road for 46 Km. This road was in reasonable condition with only minor corrugations, although large deep Bulldust sections were beginning to appear, some up to 100 metres long. Great care is needed when negotiating these sections because even though the surface appears smooth, the fine powdery dust can be quite deep and easily conceals deeper holes and large rocks.
Upon reaching the Djarrung campground a suitable site was easy to find as very few people were there. The campground is very pleasant and has a large amenities block with flush toilets and solar heated showers. Just a short walk from the campground brings you to the edge of the river, although the river is not easily visible because of the dense vegetation comprised of Pandanus and Paperbarks. There are two walks, one of around 100 metres will take you upstream to Djarrung Falls, and the other of about 450 metres return goes downstream to Kathleen Falls. The spring fed, calcium rich waters of the Flora River flow over these falls, that are comprised of fragile Tufa rock (pr. too-fa), which is really deposits of calcium carbonate. It begins to form as the water’s flow is impeded by tree roots and other obstructions and eventually forms large weirs and dams across the river, in places even encrusting living vegetation. The deep clear pools of emerald tinged water are just begging you to jump in, they just look so inviting. However swimming is definitely off the agenda, as large estuarine crocodiles (Salties) inhabit these waters. There is a boat ramp about 4.5 Km from the campground for people with small tinnies (limit 15 HP) or canoes, with the river downstream of Kathleen falls being navigable by canoe for about 20 Km.
Hi Al
ReplyDeleteFinally found a little time to have a bit of a look at your new site, only had a few minutes so will have a better look next time,from what I saw it seems to be user friendly .On our way to Melissa's it's Ava's first birthday, a year sure has gone quickly. So bye for now keep safe and well
Cheers Petra and Brian