MON 12 - TUES 13.08.2013: The Springvale Homestead is the oldest original homestead in the Top End and is located 8 kilometres south west of Katherine. Fortunately for us it also has a caravan park at the rear of the homestead. The station was established in 1879 and managed by Alfred Giles, the ex-overland telegraph linesman. Giles brought sheep and cattle up from Adelaide to stock the station and built the homestead later in 1879.
Gile's wife Mary Augusta planted four South American Raintrees - one for each of their children. The birds and wallabies roam freely around the grounds. Each afternoon free half hour information sessions are held and it really provides an insight into the history of the family and the homestead. Visited the Katherine Museum which for a $10.00 entry fee was excellent. Information overload, but a great overview of Katherine history and the resident families. Woke at much too early an hour to what we believed was the winding up of caravan legs. Counted to four, but the noise kept on. Looked out the window and viewed the family of guinea fowls making their way to each of the vans and sounding the wake up call. The two ducks would take up residence outside or under the motorhome - the puddles are certainly being fast tracked in their education regarding wildlife.
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| SPRINGVALE HOMESTEAD |
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| SOUTH AMERICAN RAINTREE |
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| GUINEA FOWLS |
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