Katherine Hot Springs

Just a few minutes from the centre of Katherine, the Katherine Hot Springs are a sublime natural thermal pool where the crystal-clear water stays a constant 32°C year-round. Fringed by paperbark trees and lush tropical vegetation, this is the kind of place where you can float under a canopy of stars after a long day on the road or ease tired muscles before heading into Nitmiluk National Park.

Highlights & What to See

• Main Spring Pool – The largest and most accessible pool, perfect for a relaxing soak. The sandy bottom and gentle current make it feel like a natural spa.
• Upstream Cascades – Wade or swim a short way upstream to find smaller, more secluded pools with gentle cascades over rocks.
• Night Swimming – The springs are open 24 hours, and a moonlit dip is unforgettable. The warm water is especially inviting on a cool Top End evening.
• Picnic & BBQ Areas – Shaded grassy spots with free electric barbecues, making it easy to turn a visit into a lazy afternoon.
• Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for freshwater turtles and a variety of birdlife, including rainbow bee-eaters and kingfishers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours here, but it’s easy to while away half a day if you bring a picnic and float between the pools. For a quick refresh, 45 minutes is enough to enjoy the main spring. The springs are best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds – and don’t forget your towel and water shoes, as the riverbed can be a little uneven.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) – Just 30 minutes away, this stunning network of sandstone gorges offers canoeing, cruises, and bushwalks.
• Katherine Town – Stock up on supplies, visit the Katherine Museum, or grab a coffee at one of the local cafés.
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park – A 30-minute drive south, these limestone caves are home to unique wildlife and guided tours run daily.
• Mataranka Thermal Pools – About an hour south, these iconic thermal springs are another must-swim spot on the way to or from Katherine.
• Leliyn (Edith Falls) – A scenic 45-minute drive north, part of Nitmiluk National Park, with a large swimming hole at the base of a waterfall.

Please check official sources for current details.