Unique hideaway near Katherine, NT

Manbulloo Homestead Caravan Park is a working cattle property situated on the banks of the Katherine River in the Northern Territory.

It is only 12 kms from Katherine township, but far enough away to really feel like you are on a peaceful rural property and is a unique experience that differs from your average caravan park.

As the temperatures in the Territory were in the high 30’s at the end of the wet season, we’d been opting for powered sites to escape the heat of the day, but the shade from the huge trees covering the park also provided a lovely respite from the heat.

The absolute highlight of the park itself had to be getting picked up at the gate in the morning by Farmer Brian, the owner of Manbulloo Homestead, to participate in the daily feedings.

We all climbed in the back of his ute, the kids that had experienced it before excitedly giving a run down of all was to come as we headed down the bumpy road towards the fields.

The first stop appeared to be in an empty field until Farmer Brian called out and two baby Water Buffalo came charging out of the bushes and towards the truck.

It was then our opportunity to hand feed the babies, give them a pat and get a bit of history of how Water Buffalo were imported into Australia in the 19th century.

Next stop were the cows, we stayed in the back of the ute for this one as we would have been trampled by the hungry cattle as they ran towards us and push and shoved to get in front of the line.

So, instead we gathered handfuls of pellets and had our hands licked clean - quite the unusual experience for city folk like us.

Back at the campground, the boys enjoyed taking apples and carrots to the two horses and

we explored the Katherine River which runs behind the property.

It is meant to be a good little fishing spot, however we just didn’t feel entirely confident having the boys standing right on the edge of river which is home to crocodiles, so chose the safer option of just walking along its banks instead.

If you’re after a unique experience, its worth checking this spot out