Published on Nov, 2024
A day tour with a hike to Leliyn - Edith Falls which included a quick dip at the natural pool and then to Nitmiluk National park to see the Katherine gorge inclusive of a boat ride sounded exhaustive, but this was exactly what the Autopia tours have nicely compressed into their package to this part of the Northern Territory. Distance from Darwin was several hundred kilometres and our group comprised of a mix of young and elderly. We were picked up from the hotel around 6.30 in the morning while it was still dark and we were able to witness the sunrise along our way on the Stuart Highway heading to Adelaide River where we broke journey at the "Adelaide River Post office and store" for refreshing and picking up food items for breakfast and or lunch. This was an interesting rural café, post office and a store where we were able to get coffee and pick up some delicious Sandwiches to take for our lunch on-the-go. Our driver guide “Rick” gave us a fantastic commentary about Darwin during the second world war and the consequences of bombings and he explained many other things of tourist value in the areas we were crossing during the journey. He took us passing the World War II cemetery in Adelaide River which was supposed to be the only one in Australian soil, which appeared to be very well maintained and then to the old causeway across Adelaide River showing us the level to which this river rose during the last devastating floods which submerge a large land mass. We had another stop at Pine Creek to refresh ourselves and finally arrived at Leliyn “Jawoyn Leliyn Kiosk” where we refreshed again and began our hike, first to the Bemang lookout of Edith falls and then to the upper pool for a quick dip and thereafter proceeded to get back to the bus. Rick took care of us by joining us on the hike and always remained closer to the weaker elderly to make them feel safe and assisted. The hike was a bit strenuous in warm weather, a bit more than expected for some but with a slower pace everyone was able to complete the loop to hurry to the next destination. Edit Fall was very pretty cascading down in two tiers. Water temperature was extremely soothing for the bathers.
Boat operators were ready and waiting to welcome us for the boat ride and Autopia travels have pre-booked our tickets and it was a quick transfer on a ramp to the awaiting boat to commence the tour. The Katherine gorge tour was excellent and memorable. The pre-historic rock art were marvellous. The tour was well organised and we were in safe and caring hands of the driver guide “Rick” who did an excellent job.
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