Grey nomads are flocking to Katherine early this year in what might be an attempt to beat the great migration.
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With the cloudless sky a firm fixture across the Top End, more and more convoys of caravans will be making their way across the Stuart Highway and stopping in Katherine.
Riverview Motel and Caravan Park manager Criag Batten can't quite put his finger on why the nomads have made an early appearance in town, filling both the car parks and the caravan parks.
But beating the rush and the dismal wet season are high on his list of possible reasons.
"People usually plan their trips well in advance, but travelling around Australia in a caravan makes it easy to switch up plans and head in a different direction," he said.
At this time of year, caravans are usually starting to roll through Katherine, but the full effect isn't generally seen until May.
"It has a lot to do with the weather, it is glorious," Mr Batten said.
"It is getting cold down south.
"The lack of a wet season is definitely a factor, roads are open and all the sites and swimming spots have been much more accessible."
During the months of June, July and August, the caravan park's 130 sites are usually booked out.
Most of the well prepared retirees book camp sites up to 12 months in advance.
"The grey nomads chat to each other constantly, word gets out that Katherine and all of the surrounding areas get really busy during the middle of the year, and a lot of them want to beat that," Mr Batten said.
Making the most of the quieter caravan parks today were retirees Gordon and Kerrie Crabb from Terrigal on the Central Coast of New South Wales.
Travelling around Australia for three months, the couple decided to make their way to the Top End following a visit to the Gold Coast.
Beating the impending crowds expected to hit full force in May, were part of the reasoning.
"When you come in peak time your time frame is set, but we like to be able to stay for as long as we want," Mr Crabb said.
"Areas often surprise you - like here in Katherine we had no idea there was this amazing hot springs - and it is nice to be able to extend your stay if you wish."
The couple said the weather was not something which affected their decision to make the trip early, but they were relieved to find out Katherine was experiencing relatively cool days.
"We were actually surprised by how many people were here already. We heard it just gets crazy in June, July and August.
"We are happy to be about four weeks ahead of the pack, even if other people are also trying to beat the migration.
"If we had come a month later we would have had everything pre-booked, and that would have meant we were locked in."