Springvale Homestead is located in Katherine, a three-hour drive from Darwin. Set on the banks of the Katherine River, it's got everything from air-conditioned motel rooms to budget camping and caravan sites - plus a kiosk and pool.Right in the middle of it you'll find the oldest freestanding homestead in the territory, dating back to 1879. Free daily tours of the homestead run during the dry season - it's the ideal way to learn about the pioneering days of the territory.Next stop is the river! You can hire one of Springvale's canoes and take a paddle, with plenty of bird watching along the way. If you look really hard you might even spot a few crocodiles. They've counted over 100 crocs in the 6kms of river near the property and when the sun sets the homestead's Night Croc Tour is a must! After cruising the river, the tour stops at a beach where Springvale's resident crocodile makes a regular appearance! If all the 'croc talk' keeps you high and dry, fear not - there's a reason they call this place Springvale. There are four natural springs on the property and one of them is used to feed the pool.
The facts
The Croc Night Adventure costs $40 per person and $18 per child, including dinner. Tours operate from May to October.
Accommodation starts from $7 per night for non-powered sites, $17 per night for campsites and $60 per night for a family cabin. The park is open all year round.
Springvale Homestead
Tel: 08 8972 1355, 1800 089 103
Northern Territory Tourism Commission
Tel: 13 30 68
