Mellow Expeditions - @hej.jade

This week for Mellow Expeditions we spoke with @hej.jade about her recent trip to Nitmiluk Gorge with her cousin, where they explored the area via rented canoes. After canoeing through 5 separate Gorges, the pair pitched up for the night to enjoy the local surroundings, completely separating themselves from anything but nature. Here’s what she had to say..

The Northern Territory, Australia is a place known for its heat, crocodiles, red desert,bright blue sky and a magical spiritual presence in the land. Hailing from the deserts of the Northern Territory myself but now living in Europe, I returned back to my homeland for a family camping reunion across the unique landscapes.

Seeking an off-grid adventure under the stars; my cousin and I rented overnight canoes to journey through the breathtaking natural wonder Nitmiluk Gorge. Nestled in the heart of the desert near Katherine (my hometown), Nitmiluk Gorge is a labyrinth of 13 gorges carved by the Katherine River over millions of years of wet season rainfall. The gorge boasts towering sandstone cliffs, lush greenery, and is home to freshwater crocodiles and myriad bird species.

Setting off in our canoe, we had everything we needed for a night in the wild: camping gear, food, plenty of water and our cameras were packed securely at our feet. We paddled through serene waters, meandering alongside natural caves to listen to nesting birds, or marveling at ancient Aboriginal artwork on the burnt orange cliffs. With sweltering temperatures soaring above 30 degrees, frequent dips in the cool waters of the gorge provided much-needed relief from the relentless sun. Both of us definitely got a solid sunburn on our knees by the end of the trip.

After canoeing through (and dragging between) 5 separate Gorges, we arrived at our remote campground Smitt Rock. Exhausted from the heat, we spent the late afternoon lounging under the shade of a tree in the shallow waters before setting up camp. As evening descended the sky transformed into a canvas of burnt pastels, gradually deepening to a rich ochre as the sun dipped behind the rocky cliffs. We were the only two souls at the campsite, making the experience even more magical. The silence of the night was punctuated by the gentle lapping of water against the shore and the splashes of what we could only assume were the local freshwater crocodiles. Lying on our backs, we gazed up at the star-studded sky, feeling a profoundly spiritual connection to nature and a sense of peace that is hard to find in our digitally connected world.

Morning came with a symphony of bird calls, a natural alarm clock that gently woke us from our restful slumber. As we packed up our gear and prepared for the paddle back, we felt rejuvenated and grateful for the experience. Nitmiluk Gorge had given us a precious gift: a chance to disconnect, to embrace simplicity, and to witness the raw beauty of the Australian wilderness.