Located 320-kilometres southeast of Darwin sits the town of Katherine. Named after the Katherine River it lies on, the town of Katherine is the fourth largest settlement in the Northern Territory. Katherine is known for beautiful national parks, hot springs, and rich culture. If you love the outdoors, then this is the town for you. Swimming, camping, bushwalking, fishing, and canoeing can all be part of your Katherine holiday, plus national parks to explore, including the Nitmiluk National Park, Elsey National Park, and the Judbarra Park.
Take a dip in the Bitter Springs, or relax on a Katherine river cruise along the Nitmiluk Gorge. Don’t forget to carve out some time for the famous Cutta Cutta Caves, which are a must-see. Katherine is located at the junction of the Stuart Highway, linking the city to the south through Alice Springs and north to Darwin. Add a Katherine day tour to your next Northern Territory holiday to get the best of both the outback and the tropics.
Australia's Top End and the Kimberley await with adventures to be had, dreamtime culture to enlighten and glorious nature to explore. Marvel at the termite mounds of Litchfield National Park, see Rock Art and cruise the Yellow Water wetlands in Kakadu, discover Katherine Gorge and the Ord River, soar above the Bungle Bungles, see the Derby Boab Tree for yourself, then finish with a camel ride on stunning Cable Beach.
This epic adventure heads into the heart of the Red Centre starts with 1 night in Adelaide before travelling overnight in Gold Service onboard the mighty Ghan. Enjoy a night in Alice Springs visiting the West MacDonnell Ranges, then see the wonders of Uluru with 3 nights at Yulara including the stunning Sounds of Silence dinner. Re-board the Ghan for another night before finishing with 1 night in Darwin.
Get out and about around Katherine by visiting some of its many national parks. The Elsey National Park is home to a range of thermal pools and springs, including the famous Mataranka Thermal Pool, the Bitter Springs, and the Rainbow Springs. Take a dip in a cooler spring at Stevie’s Hole near the Waterhouse River and make sure you visit the Katherine Hot Springs dotted along the Katherine River.
The Jubarra National Park / Gregory National Park is the second-largest park in the Northern Territory and is famous for its beautiful gorges and distinctive Boab trees. Wander along one of the many walking trails or take a bumpier route in a four-wheel drive. Make sure to visit the famous Gregory tree, which is a sacred site for the Ngarinyman people.
You can’t leave Katherine without visiting the Cutta Cutta Caves. These limestone caves were formed millions of years ago and cover nearly 1500 hectares. Travel 15 metres below the surface and explore the caves on a 20-minute walk.
Once you’re finished with your outdoor adventure, make sure to check back in at the Katherine Museum and Gardens. Learn about local histories, peruse WW2 memorabilia, and picnic in the public gardens.
Katherine gives a small-town feel but is big on adventure. If you’re planning a Northern Territory holiday, don’t forget to add in a Katherine tour or cruise. Add Katherine to your tour along with Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru.
The best time of year to visit Katherine is between the months of April and August. In August, Katherine hosts the Freedom Day festival, which is a free event that celebrates Aboriginal Land Rights with arts, music, and sporting events.
Freshwater crocodiles are common in the Katherine and Victoria rivers and a host of other exciting native wildlife. For a more up-close-and-personal encounter with these semiaquatic creatures, you can take an evening boat tour and go croc spotting.
You can learn about the local Indigenous culture by visiting Mimi Aboriginal Arts and Crafts. This not-for-profit art centre holds artwork from local established and emerging artists. Watch artists while they work and chat about their creations while supporting Indigenous artwork.
Katherine's population is about 6,300 and covers 7,421 square kilometres (2,865 square miles). Despite its small size, it is a crucial service centre and transportation hub in the Northern Territory.
Yes, you can swim in Katherine. Popular spots include the Katherine Hot Springs and Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park. Always check for safety advice regarding seasonal restrictions and crocodile presence.
Katherine is known for Nitmiluk National Park and the stunning Katherine Gorge. It also features relaxing hot springs and rich Aboriginal culture. The town serves as a gateway to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, making it a hub for natural exploration in the Northern Territory.
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