The Top End: Day 4

Katherine Hot Springs

Once we were back, we were on to the next item on our agenda: Katherine’s Hot Springs! I was a little nervous for the “hot” water because I was already a million degrees, but our guide assured us that they were more tepid. The springs are located right in Katherine, and we spent about an hour there relaxing in the warm stream. It really wasn’t much warmer than I would have expected for how hot the air was, thankfully. 

We had the most delicious lunch: carved rotisserie chicken (aka a “hot chicken”) sandwiches on sourdough with avocado and arugula. So simple and absolutely divine. A great picnic lunch for a crowd! 

Edith Falls

Back on the bus again, this time with the destination of Edith Falls. There were two pools we could visit, the upper pool which required a 15 minute hike to access, and the lower pool which was just a few minutes’ walk from the car park (another Aussie term!). At this point in the trip, I was starting to feel the exhaustion and initially had decided to hit up the lower pool, but my FOMO (fear of missing out) got the best of me and I joined the majority of our group in hiking to the upper pool. 

I regretted my choice, as the upper pool had a base of rocks that looked slimy and slippery, with no shade for my fair skin to take refuge. I skipped out on swimming, and joined another group member who wasn’t too keen on swimming in hiking back. We took our time, pausing to absorb the gorgeous country we were surrounded by. It’s easy when you’re with a group to forget to stop and smell the roses. Or, in the case of Australia, to spot the spiders. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to swim, so we just relaxed in the shade. 

Off to Camp

Before I knew it, we were on the road again, this time headed to Litchfield National Park for camp. We arrived after dark, and wasted no time getting ready for dinner. But not before hearing a shriek – the camp had a resident cane toad population! Checked that one off the list, then proceeded to regret wanting to see one in the first place. They were everywhere!

Dinner tonight was tacos! And it was our last night of the tour, somehow? We ate inside the dining shelter, then spent the evening outside visiting and playing charades. I like to think I make a mean cane toad.

– Kate