As our front wheels entered the Northern Territory it was 11.50am our back wheels were still in WA and it was 10.20am, so we had lost 1.5hours. The first 10 or 20kms you dont feel like you have left WA at all the scenery is still the same but then all of a sudden you know you are in the NT.

The bush becomes plain and the traditional burning of the land gives it a sad look. The smoke and acrid smell is everywhere, the P Pull offs just a diversion of the road and not really off the road at all, so our first impression of the NT is not great.

We head into Gregorys Tree where the big boab is carved with the date of his expedition and the names of the people.

We head for our first destined stop overnight at Big Horse Campground, but bitterly disappointed when we arrive the campground holds about 7 caravan spots and is about 500m's from the road and no room and you have to pay also!

We drive onto the next potential spot and this is worst, about 5 vans can fit in completely burnt out and still smoking and full, about 300m from the road and yes you have to pay again.

Come on NT you will have to do better than that you call these campgrounds!!

So we head for the Victoria River Roadhouse - fantastic and only $5 more for the night with power, water, shade, grass and right on the river. Sitting outside in the cool breeze was great and quiet night sleep.

We consider staying another night until we find out that 500 people are coming in and that 500 dinners, breakfasts and packed lunches are being prepared and 350 cars will need refuelling, so sadly our blissful place is seen as we leave the roadhouse.

The next spot that we had considered was Limestone Creek and a better spot as far as being off the road and had a dump point but the whole area was burnt to a cinder. not a scrap of greenier anywhere such a shame, so Katherine we are bound.

The town of Katherine is on the main drag heading either for Darwin or Alice Spring - CRAZY!!! the traffic feels like we are on the Mitchell Freeway, huge cattle trucks and people everywhere - we find the tourist bureau to work out the best Caravan spot and head for the Shady Lane on the Katherine Gorge Road about 6kms from town.

We ponder the thought of another gorge and decide to have a few down days and do some local stuff only, so we visit Knotts Crossing, the Museum and Katherine town springs. On the sunday night we do Marksie, Bush Camp Tucker Night - set in the grounds of the museum and enjoy some light hearted banter and stories all of which are within a 8km radius from home.

Entree was Croc sausage roll, camel sausage and barramundi all done will local herbs and flowers and of course the traditional damper but made with custard powder.

Mains was just a roast and ok, and dessert was scones,cream and jam and then the traditional spinning of the billy - we drank the tea just to be part of the night and wished we hadnt as we were awake 1/2 the night.

So after 4 nights we are Kakadu bound.

From the great outdoors

Alida and Mal