Katherine

Katherine is the gateway to the rugged Top End, a laid-back outback town straddling the Katherine River. It's the perfect base for exploring Nitmiluk National Park and its stunning gorge system, as well as a launchpad for adventures further into the Northern Territory. The town itself has a frontier feel, with a handful of pubs, galleries, and a vibrant Indigenous culture.

Highlights & What to See

• Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge: The star attraction – a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River. Take a boat cruise, hire a canoe, or hike the rim walk for jaw-dropping views.
• Katherine Hot Springs: A natural thermal pool right in town, perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring. It's free and open 24/7.
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park: Explore ancient limestone caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and a resident population of ghost bats.
• Katherine Museum: Housed in the original 1926 Australian Inland Mission hostel, this small museum tells the story of the region's pastoral, mining and Indigenous history.
• Top Didj Cultural Experience: A hands-on Aboriginal cultural tour where you can try your hand at spear-throwing, fire-making, and traditional painting.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 2 to 3 days in Katherine. This gives you a full day for Nitmiluk Gorge (including a cruise and a short walk), a morning at the hot springs, and time to explore the town's museums and galleries. If you're keen on longer hikes or kayaking the gorge, add an extra day. Katherine is also a convenient overnight stop if you're driving between Darwin and Alice Springs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nitmiluk National Park: The gorge and surrounding park are just 30 km from Katherine – don't miss it.
• Kakadu National Park: About 2.5 hours north, Kakadu's wetlands, rock art, and wildlife make a perfect pairing with Katherine.
• Litchfield National Park: 3 hours west, famous for its waterfalls, swimming holes, and magnetic termite mounds.
• Pine Creek: A historic gold-mining town 90 km south, worth a quick stop for its heritage pubs and railway station.
• Mataranka: 1.5 hours south, home to the Mataranka Thermal Pool and Elsey National Park – a great spot for a swim.

Please check official sources for current details.