Began the day with a one hour drive to two hot springs at Mataranka. We got there early to avoid the crowds.

Our first springs were the Mataranka thermal springs. The water was absolutely beautiful as it was clear and warm. We could have stayed in there for ages. I loved floating on my back and just looking at the sky.

We then drove to Bitter Springs. It was a little more natural. I did spend time wondering what eyes were watching us from the reeds. There was a strong current which allowed you to float down and gave you a workout when you swam against it.

We stopped at the big termite mound and went to a cafe where Donna and Mark had the worst coffee of the trip. The staff were trying so hard but some lessons were needed for coffee making.

Came home for our usual kip and then drove 30 minutes to Nitmiluk National Park to join our sunset dinner cruise. Our guide, Russel, was a proud Jawoyn man and his knowledge and delivery was superb.

The trip was broken into three stages. First, we travelled to the end of the first gorge. No swimming or canoeing is allowed in this gorge as a creek flows into it which may harbour salt-water crocodiles which have swum in during the wet season. The rangers feel the risk of salt-water crocodiles is too high and are constantly looking for signs of their presence.

At the end of the first gorge, we had to walk to the second gorge and Russell talked in-depth about the rock art that we passed.

We hopped onto another boat and travelled down the second gorge. Filming of ‘Jedda’ and ‘Rogue’ took place here. The Jawoyn people believe their creation spirit, a Rainbow Serpent, formed the gorges and that it formed underground tunnels to places like Edith Falls.

The third part of the trip was the dinner cruise. We walked back to the first gorge and boarded the dinner boat. We were served a welcome champagne with a native hibiscus. A 3-course meal was prepared by Chef Pierre and served by Dan and Tyler.

We were seated with Carolyn and Laurie from the Sunshine Coast. Over the next hour we were wined and dined as we returned to the beginning of the first gorge. Mark and Wayne had the rib fillet and Donna and I had the barramundi.

We mis-timed our cruise, not realising it was State of Origin. We were given regular updates of the game as Russell, our driver, was also pro-Queensland. Although it was not our night as far as the football went, the dinner cruise was a wonderful experience and we didn’t have to watch Queensland getting beaten.