Day 36. Katherine. 16/06/2015

Our last day in Katherine started with our usual sunny skies that heralded another hot day. After breakfast we decided to go down to the Katherine River that flows just beneath the caravan park. It is a very lovely area with beautiful trees and very swift flowing water. The low level bridge over the river was built by the American Army during the war in the pacific to ensure that their troops and equipment had an alternative safe way out of Katherine that was concealed from the enemy.
Our next stop was at the Katherine Museum. This historical building was the passenger terminal and air radio building for the original Katherine Aerodrome. It was used for 30 years after WW11 until the Aerodrome officially closed in 1975. In 1942 the aerodrome was taken over by the Americans and was bombed by the Japanese. The runway was sealed in 1943 and the following year the transmitter building was constructed and operations commenced in 1945 until the last aircraft used the aerodrome in 1975.
The museum also features an extensive World War 11 display, a theatre that plays continuously the 1998 video of the terrible flooding in Katherine, other displays of the history of Katherine Schools, early Katherine and other exhibits.  In outer buildings there were displays featuring stories of the Russian peanut farmers, artefacts belonging to a pioneer household and old farming equipment.
In the Clyde Fenton Gallery there were more stories of the First Woman Explorer, Doctor Clyde Fenton's story, (he was the very first flying Doctor) his original Gypsy Moth plane and much more.
We stopped in to view the Overland Telegraph Line Display which we found very interesting also.
Devonshire tea at the Tea Rooms was a very lovely experience as it was served in the beautiful gardens surrounding the Museum. We spent a very interesting 2 hours learning more about Katherine.
On our drive back and "BINGO"- we saw another Pacific van - after nearly 6000kms and probably 20,000 vans on the road. Very exciting time.
Finally had use of a water supply where we could hose, so some more red dust from Oolloo was blown away. Calinda is looking good and smells as fresh as a Daisy. Had a refreshing swim before tea.
We have had a wonderful stay in Katherine and would recommend anyone heading here stay at the Big4. *****
Tomorrow we head to Litchfield National Park for the next part of our epic adventure.

The Katherine River near the Big4 Park.

History of the bombing of Katherine in 1942.

More details on the bombing.

Information at the Museum on the bombing was graphic.

The first morse code connection Darwin to Adelaide.

Dr Clyde Fenton's Original Gypsy Moth.                               

Devonshire Tea after the museum tour.