Alice to Katherine via Daly Waters and Mataranka 10-13 July 2011

After a long drive with an overnight stop at Banka Banka Station we arrived at Mataranka via Daly Waters. Daly Waters was the site of Australia's first international airport. Built in 1930, the airfield - 1700 metres long was a strategic destination for aircraft that had limited fuel range.

 A quick visit to the renowned Daly Waters pub was an interesting experience with allsorts of memorabilia on display. The kids were particular curious & amused as to why there were thongs, hats, bras, money, undies & money on display. Also on exhibit was the most remote set of traffic lights.

At Mataranka,  we explored the Elsey Homestead Replica that was used for the film  'We of the Never Never' based on the book by Jeannie Gunn. The family jumped at the chance of a soak in the hot springs. As the dust washed away and Angus submerged for the umpteenth time we decided that our day on the road was done. A quick trip up the road for some firewood had a fire going in no time. Garlic and cheese scones complimented the fettacine cabonara for tea. From Mataranka we travelled to Katherine.

Enroute, we visit Cutta Cutta caves National Park and with a local guide we are given a tour of the caves. Here we see limestone stalactites & stalagmites with flow stones and drip stones displaying crystal like formations. These caves are also home to 5 species of bat as well as shrimp. 

A quick visit to the Katherine  Information Centre, Subway and then to Woolies ensured we were informed, fed and restocked for our trip to Katherine Gorge. The kids were happy to see a pool as we setup camp. Marie and I were not happy to see the flying foxes in the trees around us. Pays to check the site before paying. Guess we will be up when they come home to roost !!!!