German couple Gisela and Peter Mueller-Trede are some of the first of this year’s famous grey nomads to be visiting Katherine.
The lure of the laid-back campervan lifestyle has brought the couple to Australia four times.
And because they missed out on seeing the Gorge last time they were in Katherine, due to closures, they’re here early, and not missing out again. “Katherine Gorge is very, very beautiful, we are so glad we got to see it,” Mrs Mueller-Trede said.
They were even lucky enough to spot a freshwater crocodile basking in the sun.
Arriving on Sunday, Katherine is just a quick stop for Mr and Mrs Mueller-Trede on their way to Darwin, their last destination before flying to Melbourne and then home.
After three months of campervan travelling, starting in Sydney, Mr. and Mrs. Mueller-Trede said they are exhausted but still loving the independence that comes with campervan life and being so close to nature.
For Mr Mueller-Trede, a keen photographer, Katherine has been an exciting bird watching opportunity.
“Every morning there are more than 80 Black Kites, always heading in the same direction, interested in the town watching for scraps and road kill,” Mr Mueller-Trede said.
“I want to see a laughing kookaburra, but they are too high up in the trees,” he said.
Mr and Mrs Mueller-Trede are heading to Kakadu National Park next and said they will definitely be back to Katherine when they return to Australia.
Meanwhile, for the first time ever, the NT Government has partnered with Nitmiluk Tours to provide a one off chance to hike into Butterfly Gorge, and then catch the boat home.
The Walk in the Park program will again take place over the cooler months of April to August, with walks in parks and reserves to include Cutta Cutta Caves, Baruwei, and lovely Long Hole Pool.
Department of Tourism and Culture Parks, Wildlife and Heritage Community Engagement Officer for the Katherine Region, Clare Pearce, said the popular program is a fun and first-time-walker friendly opportunity to explore the incredible tracks and trails in some of the Territory’s most stunning parks and reserves.
“We know that some people might find bushwalking a bit daunting, but our Walk in the Park program aims to break down these barriers while encouraging people to enjoy our parks and reserves safely and responsibly. Joining a Walk in the Park gives people all the support and encouragement they need to take that first big step.
“Also on offer is the chance to discover amazing plants, spend time watching the birds, gaze out at incredible views and float in some of the best swimming holes in the NT all while making new friends along the way,” Ms Pearce said.
The Walk in the Park program ranges from an evening stroll around the Baruwei Loop Walk in Nitmiluk National Park to watch the sunset over 17 Mile Valley.
“All our walks this year take in amazing views, great photo opportunities or stunning swimming spots, and while most walks are free, our joint walk with Nitmiluk Tours into Butterfly Gorge costs just $21 per person.
