Nature and Culture
 Canoeing on the Lower
Katherine River
 

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Katherine River & The Land of the Never Never

Clear blue sky and frothing white water interspersed with rippling waves framed by the juicy lime green fronds of the river pandanus - this is Crystal Rapid, one of the many exciting experiences that punctuate a canoe journey on the Katherine River. The excitement of the rapids is interrupted by long deep pools fringed with the silvery sheen of Cadjeputs paperbark trees, sandy inviting beaches, steeply gouged banks and a ready array of wildlife close and personal. This is the other less travelled dimension of the Katherine Gorge compared to the easily accessible sections where a continuous procession of cruise boats ply the dark waters of a series of impressive sandstone gorges. Below this mass tourism attraction the river enters a true wilderness realm and delivers all that many come to expect but rarely experience on their sorties into the tropical north. Effective, comfortable single kayaks that are easily paddled, lightweight camping gear and the very best of bush food make this is much less demanding excursion than it seems.

Your guides have perfected this experience to be one of the standout experiences for anyone venturing north. They have created an exquisite combination of river wilderness experience blended with the timeless magic of the Never Never country. Here the clear spring fed waters of the Roper River and limestone spa pools created by the natural tuffa dams form a stunning backdrop to a very relaxed interaction with the local Aboriginal custodians. This is true magic that is the essence of the north, well out of cell phone range and far from the maddening crowds.

Back to Nature & Culture

top ^

Day 1
Commence 3 day Canoeing Experience

Your guide picks you up from your Katherine accommodation to commence your 3 day canoeing experience - paddles up!

Using top quality equipment, paddle your own comfortable and stable kayak with experienced accredited guides covering approx. 55 kms of the brilliant Katherine river. Fed by springs and soaks all year round the river winds through rocky banks and Paperbark forests, shooting numerous rapids and rockbars with narrow pandannus channels. Bush camping, dining under the stars, fantastic service and wildlife encounters all add up to being a unique experience.

Day 2
Canoeing

Day 3
Canoeing & Late Afternoon Return to Katherine

Day 4
Katherine to 'Never Never' Country

Following your canoeing experience your guide picks you up and takes you into the land of the 'Never Never' situated 140 kms south east of Katherine. This is the home of the Mangarrayi Aboriginal people. Your guide has the sanction of the traditional owners to bring a limited number of people each year into this land of clear thermal pools, bubbling bush jacuzzis, lily covered lagoons, tropical jungles, vast savannah plains and ancient culture.

The experience leaves the twentieth century behind and takes you back to a time free of materialism. Jeannie Gunns best selling novel 'We of the Never Never' written nearly 100 years ago recounts her time living in this land with all it's mystical charm - you will see why she said ' those who venture into this land and love it will never never want to leave it.'

A full length movie 'We of the Never Never' was shot here on location in the 1980's and subsequent documentaries and travel stories have tried to capture the essence of the country.

The tour is by 4WD and follows bush tracks along the Roper River on Elsey Station - a 5,000 square kilometre cattle station - the homelands of the Mangarrayi People - some of whom recall seeing their first white man. You will meet up with the Traditional Owners, hear their history, have ample time to swim, walk and soak up the atmosphere in this very special part of the Northern Territory. This tour has achieved Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation and recently won the 2000 Northern Territory Brolga Award for Excellence in Heritage & Cultural Tourism. Frommers Guide to Australia rates this under the 'Best Outback Experiences in Australia'.

Day 5
'Never Never' Country to Katherine

More of the 'Never Never' country and then return to Darwin via Katherine in the evening.

To enquire about this experience or have it included in a tailor made itinerary - Just ask!


Back to Nature and Culture

Duration
4 Nights / 5 Days

Departs
Katherine

Concludes
Darwin

Passengers
Min 2 / Max 8

Cost
Price on Application

Includes
All meals
All touring
Camping facilities
Transport to and from accommodation
Kayaks
Canoes
Waterproof containers
Safety equipment
Sleeping gear and swags
Torches
Storage area for personal items (rucksacks etc.)
Personal attention and instruction.

Operates
May to October on demand

Accommodation
Camping and 3-5 Star accommodation (best available in locations).

Bush camping equipment is as follows:

Mosquito domes (see through screen) that can be covered by a fly sheet if required.
'Swags' which generally consist of a fully enclosed canvas bedroll ncluding mattress, pillow, sleeping bag and pair of sheets.

Please Note
As clients will be travelling through wilderness areas no established toilet (clients are given a shovel and toilet roll) or shower facilities are available.

 

 

 




 
 



Email info@diversetravel.com.au
In the USA email anzlindsey@earthlink.net

Adelaide University Research Park
35-37 Stirling Street Thebarton South Australia 5031
Telephone 61 8 8234 8324