Alice Springs to Katherine

---

We left Alice Springs and headed north passing through a place called Wycliffe Wells where they have the most UFO sightings in Australia. Coincidentally, they also have a the largest range beers at the pub there and they’re not sure if the two are connected!

We camped at the campground at Devils Marbles for the night (391km) - no power, water or showers, and just basic ‘pit’ toilets. Luckily we are self sufficient, with our own toilet, shower, water tanks and solar panels for power. It was a beautiful spot and we parked the van overlooking the rocky outcrops. Cocktail hour watching the sunset over these rocks was fantastic. When we went outside later on - the whole sky was like black velvet sprinkled with diamontes. We were mesmerised by the stars - how many and how bright they were.

The next night was at the cattle station known as ‘Banka Banka Station’ (206km). Basic camping with no power, but they did have showers, toilets and water. It is right on the highway though and the Road Trains were going past well into the night. The roads up through the middle are straight for miles and so you could here them rumbling along well before they went past. They also have a pet emu and he took a liking to me and came and sat down next to me when I was reading. Wasn’t sure whether he was going to peck me so I was a bit tentative about at first, but he seemed to be ok because he let me pat him.

Our next night was at the campground attached to the Daly Waters Pub (291km) - again very basic but what a place. There is nothing else of interest in the area, people come here just for the pub - it’s a traveller’s mecca. It’s a tumbling down hotel with all manner of curios on the walls put there by travellers over the years - everything from signed knickers and bras, to numberplates, stubby holders from everywhere and banknotes from around the world just to name a few of the collections. We played pool in the afternoon and went to the Beef and Barra night (Barramundi, which is a famously good eating fish for our UK readers) and had a great time. The entertainer was a bush poet and singer and part of his act included his pet wedge-tailed eagle (which was actually a fluffy black chook!) that sat on his hat for part of his act. The whole thing was very funny. We met a few fellow travellers, who surprisingly were all under 50, and needless to say our group was the last to leave - the ‘hares’ had gone to bed ages before ready to beat us again the next day. Oh and the temperature was rising - it was now about 22°

The following day we got to Katherine (322km) and although its quite a small town (10000 people) we felt like we’d hit the big smoke again. The temperature was now 27° and Wes was getting very excited about finally being able to wear shorts (easily excited these days). Did some shopping, collected the mail and you guessed it - it was beer o’clock.

The next day we went down to Katherine Gorge and went on a 4 hour cruise up through 3 of the largest gorges. It was very relaxing and we saw our first croc (although just a freshwater one).

We left the next morning to go to the Douglas/Daly River Region. See Katherine to Darwin when we add it.

---

Photos

Gainards "The Aliens"
Amazing how well this get up suits Wes!

Wycliffe Wells
At least they have a sense of humour - even if they live in the middle of nowhere. The building in the background is the Tourist Office, Accommodation Reception, Pub & Petrol Station and is one of only two buildings in this town.

Sign for Ladies Toilets at Daly Waters Pub
Enlarge so you can read it.

Another Road Train in Katherine
This road train was 53.5 metres long and 162tonne

My Drinking Mate at Banka Banka Station
Must have been the perfume I wasn't wearing. He is actually sitting down next to me.

Comments

[Dominic]

Lucky buggers
The title says it all, what more is there to say

[ian & kim]

Emu or Wes!!
It,s sunday morning, just sat and read ya blog. glad to see you young ones are keeping up the social bit, fantastic pics, are you sure that's an emu and not wes in need of a shearer!!