The view from Baruwei Lookout, part of a 5k bushwalking trail at Katherine Gorge

Driving up from Alice Springs, the red rocks and sand suddenly turn into more familiar greenery and the air stops feeling so terribly dry. It’s just past this point where you will find the bustling town of Katherine (pop. 10,000) and the beautiful Katherine Gorge – known to aboriginals as Nitmiluk. Our group was able to do the 5k Baruwei loop walk which passes through a magnificent lookout over the gorge. As usual there is loads of interesting plant and wildlife, including wild cockatoos and tons of flying foxes.

A boab tree at Katherine Gorge

Just a few of the hundreds of flying foxes at Katherine Gorge

A wallaby at the start of the Baruwei walk

A second view from Baruwei Lookout

A panorama of the view from Baruwei Lookout

A lovely red desert flower at Katherine Gorge

The seeds of the Kapok Tree – the cotton-like material has a variety of uses for aboriginal people

The Kapok tree with its signature yellow flowers – some of the first of the season

Part of the Baruwei loop walk at the top of the gorge

Unidentified red flowers at Katherine Gorge

A wild Red Tailed Black Cockatoo at Nitmiluk national park

A beautiful bowerbird at Nitmiluk National park