Early (6 to 8 AM) breakfast to prepare for our third off train experience. We were told that the cyclone had been downgraded but the train may not be able to pass some low points due to the potential for flash flooding. We needed to pack our bags as we might be taking a bus to Darwin. No more lounge car, sigh.
The water in the Nitmuluk Gorge was too high due to above normal rainfall. Our choices were limited. Unless one was taking the
helicopter excursion (extra charges apply) everyone else was to take the Nitmuluk Two Gorge Cruise. We soon found out that the Two Gorge Cruise was reduced to a single gorge due to high water. We now had our off-train experience cut in half.
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| vistas at Nitmuluk Gorge |
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| vistas at Nitmuluk Gorge |
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| vistas at Nitmuluk Gorge |
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| vistas at Nitmuluk Gorge |
We soon discovered that an additional experience was in store for us. We were going to dine at the Katherine Country Club and then board buses for Darwin. The track ahead of us was unsafe for passenger train traffic. The Ghan is the only passenger train to use this stretch of track.
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| Katherine Country Club |
We re-grouped and boarded buses for Darwin based on our accommodations there. We were on the road for about 5 km away when a call was received by the driver. We had to return for 5 more passengers. We re-visited the train station and returned to the road for the 3 1/2 hour journey to Darwin.
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| our bus |
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| taking a break on the way to Darwin |
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| Northern Territories |
We arrived at our hotel at about 6:30 and headed out in search of a meal.
Tomorrow, Darwin in the tropical north.
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