Katherine to Larrimah

The morning was a late start (again). In fact, we could hardly drag ourselves away from Jayne and John’s beautiful oasis. But we could feel the weather was starting to change and the desire to head of into uncharted waters beckoned.

Jayne & Johns House

Sam & Tango (the girls)

On our previous trip up with Mum and Dad in 1995, we’d gone as far east as Kakadu and as far south as Mataranka, so today we were keen to cross the Mataranka threshold and venture into the great unknown, at least for us anyway. Along the way we stopped at the Cutta Cutta Caves – Aboriginal for many stars. 750m long only 250m on display in the cave. Over 8 bat types living in the lower reaches of the cave, with a deep 34oC lagoon flooded with blind and opaque shrimp who’s nearest relative is in Madagascar! Maybe the shrimp came out with the boab tree? The caves were outstanding and very varied in forms, textures and colours. We also had this lovely tour guide who originally heralded from Broome, then Kununurra and moved to Katherine 3 years ago and loves it much better.

Arrived in Larrimah around 5pm and checked out the Museum and Telegraph office. Steve recognised some of the equipment that was still in use at the Bureau when he worked there!

Checked into the Larrimah Hotel Caravan Park. Sadly dubbed the Pink Panther Bar, which a huge pink panther on a huge chair holding a stubbie of beer in its paw, and everything in the caravan park was painted pink. It was an interesting place. We expect that there’ll be a lot more theme stops in Queensland, can’t wait.

Mossies, crocodiles, finches which escaped and mauled everyone in the park that night! Only $5pppn to camp! Pink Panther Bar