It was a discovery of the canyons created along the route taken by the Katherine River over the centuries. The boat tour to appreciate the gorge was an excellent experience as this metal bodied flat bottom boat was able to cruise almost silently like it was gliding on still water. Water appeared to be somewhat greenish tinted and rather stagnant than flowing. Operator of the boat gave a running commentary and showed many freshwater crocodiles who have come out perhaps for sun bathing. The specimens we saw were small to medium even though we were told that they could be a decade or more by age. We passed a few beautiful beaches where the sand has settled beautifully sloping towards the river. We were told that these are common egg laying areas of the Crocodiles. While they were predators, they too became probable victims to other predators and even to cannibalistic bigger Crocodiles while they were small. Due to the dry weather the river has become segmented with each segment formed like a lake, each having a topographical difference but inter connected with a very small over flow to the next. With this phenomenon the first cruise ended at one point and we walked on rocky banks to the next level to board another boat. At this point we were delighted to see many of the aboriginal rock art on a cliffside which were supposed to be several thousand years old. There were hand prints, human and animal figures all in reddish colour. It was interesting to learn how the pre-historic dwellers mixed colours obtaining colours from plant material, crushed rock minerals and then mixing them with clay to use that to paint. Higher the images older they were! It was a very interesting experience to see the rugged Katherine Gorge with various curious rock formations, deep narrow crevices, caves and deep rock holes. We learnt a lot from the young skipper.

Did the southern walks today, left from the boat ramp car park, walked the look out overlooking the boat area and seeing the 17mile creek on the other side. I found out you should start from the day visitor area so the maps make sense. I found looking at the maps like looking at scrambled eggs, they are a mixture of bike tracks walking tracks all mixed together making no sense, the bike tracks are blue looking like a river. If I had taken time to download the app it would have been easier. The tracks are indigenous names so it makes it even harder to work out for most people. Did the southern rockhole and pats look out, it’s about 800m down stairs and lots of rock climbing to get to the bottom and takes it out of you in the heat, passed a big rock pool near the bottom then to the river with a nice sand bank and trees, well worth the effort but you can’t swim hear. Walked to Jeddas rock then to butterfly gorge, it’s only about 1.5 klms in but seems take for ever, nice and cool near the bottom. Had a refreshing swim for 20 minutes sharing with a handful of other walkers. After a long hot walk it really helped to cool off for the march out to the car. It was a good walk but don’t like walking on wide road tracks on the way out maybe 6klm or more, it was a lot of walking near the road back to the boat ramp car park. The butterfly walk area plus a swim in the gorge was really the best part, maybe take a noodle or blow up float for a bit of extra safety in the water

We did the 2 hour cultural tour with Susie and her team, which we'd booked only 2 days earlier at the visitors centre. Susie and Tony generously shared their knowledge about Jawoyn country in a really engaging way. We practiced some weaving, which left us in awe of the skill of traditional weavers. Don't be discouraged if the online booking doesn't work. It was so wonderful to hear directly from traditional custodians. A must do. Thank you Susie and Tony.

We went to Katherine Gorge and canoed for 4 1/2 hours and it was amazing. only did a couple of the gorges you can do more depending on your fitness level. We were amazed by the first gorge, we were allowed to swim and yes we did see fresh water crocs on the side. Would definitely do it again.

Enjoy what mother nature has left for us. It is truely a magical place, at every turn was a photograph moment. You can hike, canoe or boat trip thru the gorges. Pack a lunch and enjoy your day. Leave only your footprints and take away your rubbish and memories.