Katherine

Katherine, a laid-back outback town on the banks of the Katherine River, is the gateway to the stunning Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and a perfect stop on the Lasseter Highway journey. With a vibrant indigenous culture, thermal springs, and dramatic landscapes, it offers a genuine taste of the Northern Territory's rugged beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) – The star attraction: a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River. Explore by canoe, cruise, or scenic flight, and spot freshwater crocodiles and rock-wallabies.
• Katherine Hot Springs – Natural thermal pools right in town, perfect for a relaxing dip surrounded by paperbark trees and palms. Best visited early morning or late afternoon.
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park – A limestone cave system with impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and a resident colony of orange horseshoe bats. Guided tours reveal ancient fossils and geological history.
• Top Didj Cultural Experience – An immersive indigenous cultural tour where you can try your hand at spear-throwing, painting, and bush tucker tasting, led by local Wardaman guides.
• Katherine Museum – Housed in the original 1926 Australian Inland Mission hostel, this museum tells the story of the region's pioneering past, including the Overland Telegraph Line and WWII history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 1–2 full days in Katherine to experience the gorge and hot springs. If you're planning a multi-day self-drive, allocate at least a full day for Nitmiluk National Park (including a boat cruise or a hike), plus a half-day for the hot springs and caves. For a more relaxed pace, add an extra day for cultural tours or a scenic flight over the gorge.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nitmiluk National Park – Just 30 km from town, the gorges are the main reason to visit; combine with a Jatbula Trail hike or an overnight canoe trip.
• Pine Creek – A historic gold-mining town 90 km south, with heritage buildings, the Railway Museum, and the scenic Umbrawarra Gorge.
• Mataranka – Famous for its thermal pools and Elsey National Park, about 100 km south, ideal for a soak after a long drive.
• Litchfield National Park – A 3-hour drive west, with spectacular waterfalls, swimming holes, and magnetic termite mounds – a great alternative to Kakadu.
• Kakadu National Park – A 3.5-hour drive north, offering world heritage wetlands, Aboriginal rock art, and abundant wildlife; combine for an epic Top End itinerary.

Please check official sources for current details.